⁸ See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy,^(A) which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces^[a] of this world^(B) rather than on Christ.

¹⁶ Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save^(A) both yourself and your hearers.

² Preach^(A) the word;^(B) be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke^(C) and encourage^(D)—with great patience and careful instruction. ³ For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine.^(E) Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.^{(F) 4} They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.^(G)

² Preach^(A) the word;^(B) be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke^(C) and encourage^(D)—with great patience and careful instruction. ³ For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine.^(E) Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.^{(F) 4} They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.^(G)