[2:14] Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers.
[2:15] Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
[2:16] But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness,
[2:17] and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
[2:18] who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some.
[2:19] But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”
[2:20] Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable.
[2:21] Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.
[2:22] So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
[2:23] Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.
[2:24] And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,
[2:25] correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,
[2:26] and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.