New Revised Standard NRS
New International Version NIV
17 Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
18 In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures.
18
He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
19 You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger;
19
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
20 for your anger does not produce God's righteousness.
20
because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
21 Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls.
21
Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.