Matthew 5:21-30

Contemporary English Version

Anger

²¹^(A) You know our ancestors were told, “Do not murder” and “A murderer must be brought to trial.” ²²But I promise you if you are angry with someone,^[a] you will have to stand trial. If you call someone a fool, you will be taken to court. And if you say that someone is worthless, you will be in danger of the fires of hell.

²³So if you are about to place your gift on the altar and remember that someone is angry with you, ²⁴leave your gift there in front of the altar. Make peace with that person, then come back and offer your gift to God.

²⁵Before you are dragged into court, make friends with the person who has accused you of doing wrong. If you don't, you will be handed over to the judge and then to the officer who will put you in jail. ²⁶I promise you will not get out until you have paid the last cent you owe.

Marriage

²⁷^(B) You know the commandment which says, “Be faithful in marriage.” ²⁸But I tell you if you look at another woman and want her, you are already unfaithful in your thoughts. ²⁹^(C) If your right eye causes you to sin, poke it out and throw it away. It is better to lose one part of your body, than for your whole body to end up in hell. ³⁰^(D) If your right hand causes you to sin, chop it off and throw it away! It is better to lose one part of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.