⁴ and not to occupy themselves with myths and endless genealogies that promote speculations rather than the divine training^[a] that is known by faith.^(A)

⁷ Have nothing to do with profane and foolish tales. Train yourself in godliness,^(A)

⁹ But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.^(A)

¹⁴ not paying attention to Jewish myths or to commandments of those who reject the truth.^(A)

⁴ and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths.

Eyewitnesses of Christ’s Glory

¹⁶ For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty.^(A)

³ Whoever teaches otherwise and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that is in accordance with godliness^{(A) 4} is conceited, understanding nothing, and has a morbid craving for controversy and for disputes about words. From these come envy, dissension, slander, base suspicions,^{(B) 5} and wrangling among those who are depraved in mind and bereft of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.^[a](C)

⁹ Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by regulations about food,^[a] which have not benefited those who observe them.^(A)

A Worker Approved by God

¹⁴ Remind them of this, and warn them before the Lord^[a] that they are to avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening.^(A)

Personal Instructions and Benediction

²⁰ Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the profane chatter and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge;^(A)