2 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. 2 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. 2 ¹⁶ Avoid such godless chatter, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 2 ¹⁷ and their talk will eat its way like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 2 ¹⁸ who have swerved from the truth by holding that the resurrection is past already. They are upsetting the faith of some. 2 ^{19 [ Nu.16.5. ]} 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 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. 2 ²¹ If anyone 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. 2 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. 2 ²³ Have nothing to do with stupid, senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 2 ²⁴ And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, forbearing, 2 ²⁵ correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth, 2 ²⁶ and they may escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.