¹⁶ They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him.^(A) They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.^(B)

⁴ Whoever says, “I know him,”^(A) but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person.^(B)

¹³ The Lord says:

⁶ Let no one deceive you^(A) with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath^(B) comes on those who are disobedient.^(C)

³¹ My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before^(A) you to hear your words, but they do not put them into practice. Their mouths speak of love, but their hearts are greedy^(B) for unjust gain.^(C)

⁵ having a form of godliness^(A) but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.^(B)

⁶ They are the kind who worm their way^(C) into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, ⁷ always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.^{(D) 8} Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses,^(E) so also these teachers oppose^(F) the truth. They are men of depraved minds,^(G) who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected.

⁴ For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about^[a] long ago have secretly slipped in among you.^(A) They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.^(B)

²⁸ Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over^(A) to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.

²⁷ Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful,^(A) but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.^(B)