² I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold^(A) as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world.^{(B) 3} For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.^{(C) 4} The weapons we fight with^(D) are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power^(E) to demolish strongholds.^{(F) 5} We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God,^(G) and we take captive every thought to make it obedient^(H) to Christ.

² My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart^(A) and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery^(B) of God, namely, Christ, ³ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.^{(C) 4} I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.^(D)

²³ Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.^{(A) 24} And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.^(B)

⁹ But avoid^(A) foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels^(B) about the law,^(C) because these are unprofitable and useless.^(D)