2 Timothy 2:14–26

A Worker Approved to God and Not Ashamed

¹⁴Remind people of these things, solemnly urging them before the Lord^d not to dispute about words. This is in no way beneficial and leads to the ruin of the hearers. ¹⁵Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, a worker having no need to be ashamed, guiding the word of truth along a straight path. ¹⁶But avoid pointless chatter, for it will progress to greater ungodliness, ¹⁷and their message will spread^e like gangrene, among whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus, ¹⁸who have deviated concerning the truth by^* saying the resurrection has already taken place, and they are upsetting the faith of some. ¹⁹However, the solid foundation of God stands firm, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,”^f and “Everyone who names the name of the Lord must abstain from unrighteousness.”

²⁰Now in a great house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also wooden and earthenware ones, some of which are for honorable use, and some of which are for ordinary use. ²¹Therefore, if someone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

²²But flee from youthful desires, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, in company with those who call upon the Lord from a pure heart. ²³But avoid foolish and uninformed controversies, because you^* know that they produce quarrels. ²⁴And the slave of the Lord must not quarrel, but be kind toward everyone, skillful in teaching, tolerant, ²⁵correcting those who are opposed with gentleness, seeing whether perhaps God may grant them repentance to a knowledge of the truth, ²⁶and they will come to their senses again and escape from the trap of the devil, being held captive by him to do his will.