²¹ I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus^(A) and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.

²² Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands,^(B) and do not share in the sins of others.^(C) Keep yourself pure.^(D)

²³ Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine^(E) because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.

²⁴ The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. ²⁵ In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.

6 All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect,^(F) so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered.^{(G) 2} Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers.^(H) Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare^[a] of their slaves.

False Teachers and the Love of Money

These are the things you are to teach and insist on.^{(I) 3} If anyone teaches otherwise^(J) and does not agree to the sound instruction^(K) of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, ⁴ they are conceited^(L) and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words^(M) that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions ⁵ and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth^(N) and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.