⁷ Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales;^(A) rather, train yourself to be godly.^(B)

⁴ or to devote themselves to myths^(A) and endless genealogies.^(B) Such things promote controversial speculations^(C) rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith.

¹⁶ Avoid godless chatter,^(A) because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.

¹² It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions,^(A) and to live self-controlled,^(B) upright and godly lives^(C) in this present age,

⁵ For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;^{(A) 6} and to knowledge, self-control;^(B) and to self-control, perseverance;^(C) and to perseverance, godliness;^{(D) 7} and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.^{(E) 8} For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive^(F) in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.^(G)

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

¹⁴ But solid food is for the mature,^(A) who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.^(B)

²³ Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.^(A)

⁴ They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.^(A)