Speak, instruct, and act correctly

¹⁴ Remind them of these things and warn them in the sight of God not to engage in battles over words that aren’t helpful and only destroy those who hear them. ¹⁵ Make an effort to present yourself to God as a tried-and-true worker, who doesn’t need to be ashamed but is one who interprets the message of truth correctly. ¹⁶ Avoid their godless discussions, because they will lead many people into ungodly behavior, ¹⁷ and their ideas will spread like an infection. This includes Hymenaeus and Philetus, ¹⁸ who have deviated from the truth by claiming that the resurrection has already happened. This has undermined some people’s faith.

¹⁹ God’s solid foundation is still standing with this sign: The Lord knows the people who belong to him,^[a] and Everyone who confesses the Lord’s name must avoid wickedness.^[b]