12 For ^wthe word of God is living and ^xactive, ^ysharper than any ^ztwo-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and ^adiscerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

17 Obey ^xyour leaders and submit to them, ^yfor they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to ^zgive an account. ^aLet them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.