GOD'S WORD Translation GW
New International Version NIV
13 If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful because he cannot be untrue to himself.
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if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
14 Remind believers about these things, and warn them in the sight of God not to quarrel over words. Quarreling doesn't do any good but only destroys those who are listening.
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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 a tried-and-true worker who isn't ashamed to teach the word of truth correctly.
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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 pointless discussions. People who [pay attention to these pointless discussions] will become more ungodly,
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Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.
17 and what they say will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are like that.
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Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
18 They have abandoned the truth. They are destroying the faith of others by saying that people who have died have already come back to life.
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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 In spite of all that, God's [people] have a solid foundation. These words are engraved on it: "The Lord knows those who belong to him," and "Whoever worships the Lord must give up doing wrong."
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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 large house there are not only objects made of gold and silver, but also those made of wood and clay. Some objects are honored when they are used; others aren't.
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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 Those who stop associating with dishonorable people will be honored. They will be set apart for the master's use, prepared to do good things.
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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 Stay away from lusts which tempt young people. Pursue what has God's approval. Pursue faith, love, and peace together with those who worship the Lord with 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 Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments. You know they cause quarrels.
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Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.
GOD'S WORD® is a copyrighted work of God's Word to the Nations. Copyright © 1995 by God's Word to the Nations. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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.