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)

²² Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love^(K) and peace, along with those who call on the Lord^(L) out of a pure heart.^{(M) 23} Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.^{(N) 24} And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.^{(O) 25} Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,^{(P) 26} and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil,^(Q) who has taken them captive to do his will.

¹⁴ But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it,^{(A) 15} and how from infancy^(B) you have known the Holy Scriptures,^(C) which are able to make you wise^(D) for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed^(E) and is useful for teaching,^(F) rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,^{(G) 17} so that the servant of God^[a](H) may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.^(I)