⁹ 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.

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.

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

⁷ Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly.

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

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

Warnings against False Teachings

³ When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to stay there in Ephesus and stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth. ⁴ 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]

⁵ 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. ⁶ But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions. ⁷ 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.

Food Sacrificed to Idols

8 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.

² 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.