Romans 13

1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but from God; the powers that be are ordained by God.

2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God, and those who resist shall receive for themselves damnation.

3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same,

4 for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid, for he beareth not the sword in vain; for he is the minister of God, an avenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

5 Therefore ye must be subject not only for wrath, but also for conscience' sake.

6 For, for this cause pay ye tribute also, for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

8 Owe no man anything, but to love one another, for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

9 For this, "Thou shalt not commit adultery," "Thou shalt not kill," "Thou shalt not steal," "Thou shalt not bear false witness," "Thou shalt not covet," and if there be any other commandment, all are briefly comprehended in this saying, namely: "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."

10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awaken out of sleep; for now is our salvation nearer than when we first believed.

12 The night is far spent; the day is at hand. Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.

13 Let us walk honestly as in the day, not in rioting and drunkenness, not in lewdness and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof.