2 Timothy 2:14-21

New Testament for Everyone

Foolish words and the word of truth

¹⁴ Remind them about these things; and warn them, in God’s presence, not to quarrel about words. This doesn’t do any good; instead, it threatens to ruin people who listen to it. ¹⁵ Do your very best to present yourself before God as one who has passed the test—a workman who has no need to be ashamed, who can carve out a straight path for the word of truth. ¹⁶ Avoid pointless and empty chatter. It will push people further and further towards ungodliness, ¹⁷ and their talk will spread like a cancer. I’m thinking in particular of Hymenaeus and Philetus; ¹⁸ they have turned aside from the truth by saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting some people’s faith. ¹⁹ But God’s firm foundation stands, and it has this as its seal: “The Lord knows those who belong to him,” and “Everyone who uses the name of the Lord must leave wickedness behind.”

Vessels for God’s use

²⁰ In a great house there are vessels not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and pottery. Some of them are given special honor in the way they’re used; others are for menial purposes. ²¹ So if people purify themselves from dishonorable things, they will become vessels for honor, made holy, pleasing to the master of the house, fit for every good work.