An Approved Worker

¹⁴ Remind them of these things, and charge them before God^[a] not to fight about words.^(A) This is useless and leads to the ruin of those who listen. ¹⁵ Be diligent to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.^{(B) 16} Avoid irreverent and empty speech, since those who engage in it will produce even more godlessness,^{(C) 17} and their teaching will spread like gangrene. Hymenaeus^(D) and Philetus are among them. ¹⁸ They have departed from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place,^(E) and are ruining the faith of some.^{(F) 19} Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, bearing this inscription:^(G) The Lord knows those who are his,^[b](H) and let everyone who calls on the name^(I) of^[c] the Lord turn away from wickedness.^(J)