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.^{(A) 16} Avoid godless chatter,^(B) because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. ¹⁷ Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus^(C) and Philetus, ¹⁸ who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place,^(D) and they destroy the faith of some.^{(E) 19} Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm,^(F) sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,”^(G) and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord^(H) must turn away from wickedness.”

²⁰ In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use.^{(I) 21} Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.^(J)