15. Be solicitous in the task of presenting yourself before God as a proven and unashamed worker who has handled the Word of Truth correctly.
16. But avoid profane or empty talk. For these things advance one greatly in impiety.
17. And their word spreads like a cancer: among these are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
18. who have fallen away from the truth by saying that the resurrection is already complete. And so they have subverted the faith of certain persons.
19. But the firm foundation of God remains standing, having this seal: the Lord knows those who are his own, and all who know the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.
20. But, in a large house, there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also those of wood and of clay; and certainly some are held in honor, but others in dishonor.
21. If anyone, then, will have cleansed himself from these things, he shall be a vessel held in honor, sanctified and useful to the Lord, prepared for every good work.
22. So then, flee from the desires of your youth, yet truly, pursue justice, faith, hope, charity, and peace, along with those who call upon the Lord from a pure heart.
23. But avoid foolish and undisciplined questions, for you know that these produce strife.
24. For the servant of the Lord must not be contentious, but instead he must be meek toward everyone, teachable, patient,
25. correcting with self-restraint those who resist the truth. For at any time God may give them repentance, so as to recognize the truth,
26. and then they may recover from the snares of the devil, by whom they are held captive at his will.