⁷ But ^(A)reject profane and old wives’ fables, and ^(B)exercise yourself toward godliness.

^4 (A)nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.

¹⁶ But shun profane and ^[a]idle babblings, for they will ^[b]increase to more ungodliness.

¹² teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,

Fruitful Growth in the Faith

⁵ But also for this very reason, ^(A)giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue ^(B)knowledge, ⁶ to knowledge self-control, to self-control ^[a]perseverance, to perseverance godliness, ⁷ to godliness brotherly kindness, and ^(C)to brotherly kindness love. ⁸ For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither ^[b]barren ^(D)nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Avoid Dissension

⁹ But ^(A)avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.

¹⁴ But solid food belongs to those who are ^[a]of full age, that is, those who by reason of ^[b]use have their senses exercised ^(A)to discern both good and evil.

²³ But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.

⁴ and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and ^(A)be turned aside to fables.

The Good Confession

¹¹ But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.