2 ¹⁴ GO ON REMINDING people of this, and adjure them before God to stop disputing about mere words; it does no good, and is the ruin of those who listen. 2 ¹⁵ Try hard to show yourself worthy of God's approval, as a labourer who need not be ashamed; be straightforward, in your proclamation of the truth. 2 ¹⁶ Avoid empty and worldly chatter; those who indulge in it will stray further and further into godless courses, 2 ¹⁷ and the infection of their teaching will spread like a gangrene. 2 ¹⁸ Such are Hymenaeus and Philetus; they have shot wide of the truth in saying that our resurrection has already taken place, and are upsetting people's faith. 2 ^{19 [ Nu.16.5. ]} But God has laid a foundation, and it stands firm, with this inscription: 'The Lord knows his own', and, 'Everyone who takes the Lord's name upon his lips must forsake wickedness.'

2 ²⁰ Now in any great house there are not only utensils of gold and silver, but also others of wood or earthenware; the former are valued, the latter held cheap. 2 ²¹ To be among those which are valued and dedicated, a thing of use to the Master of the house, a man must cleanse himself from all those evil things; Or: must separate himself from these persons. then he will be fit for any honourable purpose.
2 ²² Turn from the wayward impulses of youth, and pursue justice, integrity, love, and peace with all who invoke the Lord in singleness of mind. 2 ²³ Have nothing to do with foolish and ignorant speculations. You know they breed quarrels, 2 ²⁴ and the servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but kindly towards all. 2 ²⁵ He should be a good teacher, tolerant, and gentle when discipline is needed for the refractory. The Lord may grant them a change of heart and show them the truth, 2 ²⁶ and thus they may come to their senses and escape from the devil's snare, in which they have been caught and held at his will. Or: escape from the devil's snare, caught now by God and made subject to his will.