5. If our evil deeds show how right God is, then what can we say? Is it wrong for God to become angry and punish us? What a foolish thing to ask.
6. But the answer is, “No.” Otherwise, how could God judge the world?
7. Since your lies bring great honour to God by showing how truthful he is, you may ask why God still says you are a sinner.
8. You might as well say, “Let's do something evil, so that something good will come of it!” Some people even claim that we are saying this. But God is fair and will judge them as well.
9. What does all this mean? Does it mean that we Jews are better off than the Gentiles? No, it doesn't! Jews, as well as Gentiles, are ruled by sin, just as I have said.
10. The Scriptures tell us,“No one is acceptable to God!
11. Not one of them understandsor even searches for God.
12. They have all turned awayand are worthless.There isn't one personwho does right.
13. Their words are likean open pit,and their tongues are goodonly for telling lies.Each word is as deadlyas the fangs of a snake,
14. and they say nothingbut bitter curses.
15. These people quicklybecome violent.
16. Wherever they go,they leave ruinand destruction.