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.

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

³ If anyone teaches otherwise^(A) and does not agree to the sound instruction^(B) of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, ⁴ they are conceited^(C) and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words^(D) that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions ⁵ and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth^(E) and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

²⁰ Timothy, guard what has been entrusted^(A) to your care. Turn away from godless chatter^(B) and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge,

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. ¹⁵ Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.^{(B) 16} Avoid godless chatter,^(C) because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.

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

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