2 Timothy 2:19-3:5

Christian Standard Bible

¹⁹ Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, bearing this inscription:^(A) The Lord knows those who are his,^[a](B) and let everyone who calls on the name^(C) of^[b] the Lord turn away from wickedness.^(D)

²⁰ Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels,^(E) but also those of wood and clay; some for honorable^[c] use and some for dishonorable.^{[d](F) 21} So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable,^[e] he will be a special^[f] instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.^(G)

²² Flee^(H) from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace,^(I) along with those who call on the Lord^(J) from a pure heart. ²³ But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, because you know that they breed quarrels. ²⁴ The Lord’s^(K) servant must not quarrel,^(L) but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach,^[g] and patient, ²⁵ instructing his opponents with gentleness.^(M) Perhaps God will grant them repentance^(N) leading them to the knowledge of the truth. ²⁶ Then they may come to their senses and escape the trap of the devil,^(O) who has taken them captive to do his will.^(P)

Difficult Times Ahead

3 But know this: Hard times will come in the last days.^{(Q) 2} For people will be lovers of self,^(R) lovers of money,^(S) boastful, proud,^(T) demeaning, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy,^{(U) 3} unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers,^(V) without self-control, brutal, without love for what is good,^{(W) 4} traitors,^(X) reckless,^(Y) conceited,^(Z) lovers of pleasure^(AA) rather than lovers of God, ⁵ holding to the form of godliness but denying its power.^(AB) Avoid these people.^(AC)