2 Timothy 2:14-26 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

An Approved Worker

¹⁴ Remind them of these things, and charge them before God^[a] not to fight about words. This is useless and leads to the ruin of those who listen. ¹⁵ Be diligent to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth. ¹⁶ Avoid irreverent and empty speech, since those who engage in it will produce even more godlessness, ¹⁷ and their teaching will spread like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are among them. ¹⁸ They have departed from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and are ruining the faith of some. ¹⁹ Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, bearing this inscription: The Lord knows those who are his,^[b] and let everyone who calls on the name of^[c] the Lord turn away from wickedness.

²⁰ Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also those of wood and clay; some for honorable^[d] use and some for dishonorable.^{[e] 21} So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable,^[f] he will be a special^[g] instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

²² Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. ²³ But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, because you know that they breed quarrels. ²⁴ The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach,^[h] and patient, ²⁵ instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth. ²⁶ Then they may come to their senses and escape the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.