⁵ For ^(A)neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a ^[a]cloak for covetousness—^(B)God is witness.

¹⁷ Did I take advantage of you by any of those whom I sent to you?

³³ I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel.

⁹ For ^(A)God is my witness, ^(B)whom I serve ^[a]with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that ^(C)without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers,

²⁰ (Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.)

^12 (A)merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls, fine linen and purple, silk and scarlet, every kind of citron wood, every kind of object of ivory, every kind of object of most precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; ¹³ and cinnamon and incense, fragrant oil and frankincense, wine and oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and bodies and ^(B)souls of men.

Deceptions of False Teachers

¹⁸ For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who ^[a]have actually escaped from those who live in error.

¹⁴ having eyes full of ^[a]adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. ^(A)They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children. ¹⁵ They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of ^(B)Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

³ By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction ^[a]does not slumber.

^2 (A)Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, ^(B)not by compulsion but ^[a]willingly, ^(C)not for dishonest gain but eagerly;