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Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees[a] or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time.

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Footnotes

  1. 3:9 Or spiritual genealogies.

But avoid(A) foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels(B) about the law,(C) because these are unprofitable and useless.(D)

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14 Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.

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Dealing With False Teachers

14 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words;(A) it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.

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23 Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights.

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23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.(A)

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Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly.

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Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales;(A) rather, train yourself to be godly.(B)

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14 They must stop listening to Jewish myths and the commands of people who have turned away from the truth.

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14 and will pay no attention to Jewish myths(A) or to the merely human commands(B) of those who reject the truth.(C)

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16 Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior.

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16 Avoid godless chatter,(A) because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.

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The wise don’t engage in empty chatter.
    What good are such words?

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Would they argue with useless words,
    with speeches that have no value?(A)

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Warnings against False Teachings

When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to stay there in Ephesus and stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth. Don’t let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations,[a] which don’t help people live a life of faith in God.[b]

The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions. They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don’t know what they are talking about, even though they speak so confidently.

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Footnotes

  1. 1:4a Greek in myths and endless genealogies, which cause speculation.
  2. 1:4b Greek a stewardship of God in faith.

Timothy Charged to Oppose False Teachers

As I urged you when I went into Macedonia,(A) stay there in Ephesus(B) so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines(C) any longer or to devote themselves to myths(D) and endless genealogies.(E) Such things promote controversial speculations(F) rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart(G) and a good conscience(H) and a sincere faith.(I) Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. They want to be teachers(J) of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.(K)

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Food Sacrificed to Idols

Now regarding your question about food that has been offered to idols. Yes, we know that “we all have knowledge” about this issue. But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church.

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Concerning Food Sacrificed to Idols

Now about food sacrificed to idols:(A) We know that “We all possess knowledge.”(B) But knowledge puffs up while love builds up.

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If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing.

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If I have the gift of prophecy(A) and can fathom all mysteries(B) and all knowledge,(C) and if I have a faith(D) that can move mountains,(E) but do not have love, I am nothing.

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