⁴ they are conceited^(A) and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words^(B) that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions

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

⁴ treacherous,^(A) rash, conceited,^(B) lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—

⁶ He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited^(A) and fall under the same judgment^(B) as the devil.

¹⁰ Yet these people slander whatever they do not understand, and the very things they do understand by instinct—as irrational animals do—will destroy them.^(A)

¹² But these people blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like unreasoning animals, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like animals they too will perish.^(A)

Dealing With False Teachers

¹⁴ Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words;^(A) it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.

¹⁶ These people are grumblers^(A) and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires;^(B) they boast^(C) about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.

¹⁸ For they mouth empty, boastful words^(A) and, by appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh, they entice people who are just escaping^(B) from those who live in error.

⁷ They want to be teachers^(A) of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.^(B)