A Worker Approved by God

¹⁴ Remind them of this, and warn them before the Lord^[a] that they are to avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening.^{(A) 15} Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth.

²³ Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.^{(A) 24} And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient,^{(B) 25} correcting opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth^(C)