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. ⁵ The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart^(D) and a good conscience^(E) and a sincere faith.^{(F) 6} Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. ⁷ They want to be teachers^(G) of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.^(H)

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,

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

1 Paul, a servant of God^(A) and an apostle^(B) of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth^(C) that leads to godliness^(D)—

² in the hope of eternal life,^(A) which God, who does not lie,^(B) promised before the beginning of time,^(C)