23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.(A) 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.(B) 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,(C) 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil,(D) who has taken them captive to do his will.

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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) 26 and that they may escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. 2.26 Or by him, to do his (that is, God’s) will

23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

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