First Epistle to the Corinthians

It is right and holy, therefore, men and brethren, to obey God rather than follow those who, through pride and rebellion, have become the leaders of a detestable competition. For we shall incur not just a slight injury, but rather great danger if we recklessly yield ourselves to the inclinations of people who aim to incite strife and chaos, drawing us away from what is good. Let us be kind to one another, inspired by the tender mercy and kindness of our Creator. For it is written, “The kind-hearted shall inhabit the land, and the guiltless shall remain upon it, but transgressors shall be destroyed from it.” And again the Scripture says, “I saw the ungodly highly exalted and lifted up like the cedars of Lebanon: I passed by, and behold, he was no more; I diligently sought his place, but could not find it. Preserve innocence, and observe fairness; for there shall be a remnant for the peaceful person.”