Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.
I say, “Keep the command of the king because of the oath before God.
For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly.
It came about afterward that David’s conscience bothered him because he had cut off the edge of Saul’s robe.
In view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men.
Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed,
Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things.
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority,
and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.