14 Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. |
15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. |
16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. |
17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, |
18 who have wandered away from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. |
19 Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his,"1 2:19 Num. 16:5 (see Septuagint) and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness." |
20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. |
21 If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. |
22 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. |
23 Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. |
24 And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. |
25 Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, |
26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. |
