1 Clement 21

1See to it, beloved, that his many benefits do not become a judgment against us all, if we do not conduct ourselves worthily of him and do what is good and pleasing before him in concord.

2For somewhere it says, “The Spirit of the Lord is a lamp, searching the inner chambers of the belly.”

3Let us see how near he is, and that nothing of our thoughts nor of the reasonings we make has escaped his notice.

4Therefore it is right that we should not desert his will.

5Rather, let us offend foolish and senseless men, who are puffed up and boast in the arrogance of their speech, rather than God.

6Let us have reverence for the Lord Jesus Christ, whose blood was given for us; let us respect those who go before us; let us honor the elders; let us train the young in the discipline of the fear of God; let us direct our wives toward what is good.

7Let them show the lovely character of purity; let them demonstrate the sincere disposition of their gentleness; let them make the moderation of their tongue evident through silence; let them extend their love not according to partiality, but equally to all who fear God in holiness.

8Let our children partake of the discipline that is in Messiah. Let them learn what humility accomplishes before God, what pure love is able to do before God, how his fear is good and great and saves all who live in holiness in him, with a pure mind.

9For he is a searcher of thoughts and intentions; his breath is in us, and whenever he wills, he will take it away.