^2 (A)to speak evil of no one, ^(B)to avoid quarrelling, to be gentle, and ^(C)to show perfect courtesy towards all people. ³ For ^(D)we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.

²² So ^(A)flee ^(B)youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with ^(C)those who call on the Lord ^(D)from a pure heart. ²³ Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant ^(E)controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. ²⁴ And ^(F)the Lord's servant^[a] must not be quarrelsome but ^(G)kind to everyone, ^(H)able to teach, patiently enduring evil, ²⁵ correcting his opponents ^(I)with gentleness. God ^(J)may perhaps grant them repentance ^(K)leading to a knowledge of the truth, ²⁶ and they may come to their senses and escape from ^(L)the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.