2 Timothy 2:14–26

An Unashamed Workman

¹⁴Remind them of these things, and solemnly ^acharge them in the presence of God not to ^bwrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers.

¹⁵Be diligent to ^apresent yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling ^bthe word of truth.

¹⁶But ^aavoid ^bworldly and empty chatter, for ¹it will lead to further ungodliness,

¹⁷and their ¹talk will spread like ²gangrene. Among them are ^aHymenaeus and Philetus,

¹⁸men who have gone astray from the truth saying that ^athe resurrection has already taken place, and they upset ^bthe faith of some.

¹⁹Nevertheless, the ^afirm foundation of God stands, having this ^bseal, “^cThe Lord knows those who are His,” and, “^dEveryone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.”

²⁰Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and ^asome to honor and some to dishonor.

²¹Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from ^athese things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, ^bprepared for every good work.

²²Now ^aflee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, ^bfaith, love and peace, with those who ^ccall on the Lord ^dfrom a pure heart.

²³But refuse foolish and ignorant ^aspeculations, knowing that they ^bproduce ¹quarrels.

^24aThe Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, ^bable to teach, patient when wronged,

^25awith gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, ^bif perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to ^cthe knowledge of the truth,

²⁶and they may come to their senses and escape from ^athe snare of the devil, having been ^bheld captive ¹by him to do his will.