Revised Standard Version RSV
New International Version NIV
14 Remind them of this, and charge them before the Lord to avoid disputing about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers.
14
Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.
15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
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Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
16 Avoid such godless chatter, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness,
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Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.
17 and their talk will eat its way like gangrene. Among them are Hymenae'us and Phile'tus,
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Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
18 who have swerved from the truth by holding that the resurrection is past already. They are upsetting the faith of some.
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who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.
19 But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Let every one who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity."
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Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”
20 In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and earthenware, and some for noble use, some for ignoble.
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In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use.
21 If any one purifies himself from what is ignoble, then he will be a vessel for noble use, consecrated and useful to the master of the house, ready for any good work.
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Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
22 So shun youthful passions and aim at righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call upon the Lord from a pure heart.
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Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23 Have nothing to do with stupid, senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.
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Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.
24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to every one, an apt teacher, forbearing,
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And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth,
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Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,
26 and they may escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
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and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.