⁴ For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction,^(A) so that we may have hope through endurance and through the encouragement from the Scriptures.

¹⁵ and you know that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures,^(A) which are able to give you wisdom for salvation^(B) through faith in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ All Scripture is inspired by God^[a](C) and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.^(D)

¹² For the word of God is living and effective^(A) and sharper than any double-edged sword,^(B) penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.^{(C) 13} No creature is hidden from him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom^(D) we must give an account.

¹⁹ We also have the prophetic word strongly confirmed, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place,^(A) until the day dawns^(B) and the morning star^(C) rises in your hearts. ²⁰ Above all, you know this: No prophecy of Scripture comes from the prophet’s own interpretation, ²¹ because no prophecy ever came by the will of man;^(D) instead, men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.^(E)