1 ¶ Thou, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2 A nd the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

3 T hou, therefore, work hard as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

4 N o man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who has chosen him to be a soldier.

5 A nd also if anyone contends in public contest, he is not crowned, except he contends legitimately.

6 T he husbandman, in order to receive the fruits, must first work hard.

7 U nderstand what I say, that the Lord shall give thee understanding in all things.

8 ¶ Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead, according to my gospel,

9 i n which I suffer trouble, like unto an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

10 T herefore, I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they may also obtain the saving health which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

11 T his is a faithful word: That if we are dead with him, we shall also live with him;

12 i f we suffer, we shall also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us;

13 i f we are unfaithful, yet he remains faithful; he cannot deny himself.

14 ¶ Counsel these things, charging them before the Lord. Strive not in words that profit nothing, but rather subvert the hearers.

15 S tudy to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that has nothing to be ashamed of, rightly dividing the word of truth.

16 B ut avoid profane and vain wordiness, for it will develop into ungodliness.

17 A nd that word will eat away as gangrene, of whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus,

18 w ho have erred from the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past and have overthrown the faith of some.

19 ¶ Nevertheless, the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The Lord knows those that are his. And, Let every one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

20 B ut in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay, and likewise some to honour, and some to dishonour.

21 I f a man, therefore, purges himself from these things, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and profitable for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.

22 ¶ Flee also youthful lusts, but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with those that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

23 B ut foolish and unwise questions refuse, knowing that they do beget contentions.

24 T hat the slave of the Lord should not be contentious, but be meek unto everyone, apt to teach, patient,

25 t hat with meekness they might teach those that resist, if God peradventure will grant unto them that they might repent and know the truth,

26 a nd that they may become converted out of the snare of the devil, in which they are captive to do his will.