20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use.(A) 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.(B)

22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love(C) and peace, along with those who call on the Lord(D) out of a pure heart.(E) 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.(F) 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.(G) 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,(H) 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil,(I) who has taken them captive to do his will.

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.(J) People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money,(K) boastful, proud,(L) abusive,(M) disobedient to their parents,(N) ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous,(O) rash, conceited,(P) lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness(Q) but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.(R)

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