²³ But avoid foolish and uninformed controversies, because you^[a] know that they produce quarrels. ²⁴ And the slave of the Lord must not quarrel, but be kind toward everyone, skillful in teaching, tolerant, ²⁵ correcting those who are opposed with gentleness, seeing whether perhaps God may grant them repentance to a knowledge of the truth, ²⁶ and they will come to their senses again and escape from the trap of the devil, being held captive by him to do his will.