16. Stay away from those who talk about useless worldly things. That kind of talk will lead a person more and more away from God.
17. Their evil teaching will spread like a sickness inside the body. Hymenaeus and Philetus are men like that.
18. They have left the true teaching. They say that the rising from death of all men has already taken place. And those two men are destroying the faith of some people.
19. But God’s strong foundation continues to stand. These words are written on that foundation: “The Lord knows those who belong to him.” And also these words are written on that foundation, “Everyone who says that he believes in the Lord must stop doing wrong.”
20. In a large house there are things made of gold and silver. But also there are things made of wood and clay. Some things are used for special purposes, and others are made for ordinary jobs.
21. If anyone makes himself clean from evil things, he will be used for special purposes. He will be made holy, and the Master can use him. He will be ready to do any good work.
22. Stay away from the evil desires of youth. Try hard to live right and to have faith, love, and peace. Work for these things together with those who have pure hearts and who trust in the Lord.
23. Stay away from foolish and stupid arguments. You know that such arguments grow into bigger arguments.
24. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel! He must be kind to everyone. He must be a good teacher. He must be patient.
25. The Lord’s servant must gently teach those who do not agree with him. Maybe God will let them change their hearts so that they can accept the truth.
26. The devil has trapped them and causes them to do what he wants. But maybe they can wake up and free themselves from the devil’s trap.