1 B ut the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons,

But the Spirit distinctly and expressly declares that in latter times some will turn away from the faith, giving attention to deluding and seducing spirits and doctrines that demons teach,

2 t hrough the hypocrisy of men who speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron;

Through the hypocrisy and pretensions of liars whose consciences are seared (cauterized),

3 f orbidding marriage and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

Who forbid people to marry and to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and have knowledge of the truth.

4 F or every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with thanksgiving.

For everything God has created is good, and nothing is to be thrown away or refused if it is received with thanksgiving.

5 F or it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer.

For it is hallowed and consecrated by the Word of God and by prayer.

6 I f you instruct the brothers of these things, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith, and of the good doctrine which you have followed.

If you lay all these instructions before the brethren, you will be a worthy steward and a good minister of Christ Jesus, ever nourishing your own self on the truths of the faith and of the good instruction which you have closely followed.

7 B ut refuse profane and old wives’ fables. Exercise yourself toward godliness.

But refuse and avoid irreverent legends (profane and impure and godless fictions, mere grandmothers’ tales) and silly myths, and express your disapproval of them. Train yourself toward godliness (piety),.

8 F or bodily exercise has some value, but godliness has value in all things, having the promise of the life which is now, and of that which is to come.

For physical training is of some value (useful for a little), but godliness (spiritual training) is useful and of value in everything and in every way, for it holds promise for the present life and also for the life which is to come.

9 T his saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance.

This saying is reliable and worthy of complete acceptance by everybody.

10 F or to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we have set our trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.

With a view to this we toil and strive, suffer reproach, because we have hope on the living God, Who is the Savior (Preserver, Maintainer, Deliverer) of all men, especially of those who believe (trust in, rely on, and adhere to Him).

11 C ommand and teach these things.

Continue to command these things and to teach them.

12 L et no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.

Let no one despise or think less of you because of your youth, but be an example (pattern) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.

13 U ntil I come, pay attention to reading, to exhortation, and to teaching.

Till I come, devote yourself to reading, to exhortation (preaching and personal appeals), and to teaching and instilling doctrine.

14 D on’t neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the elders.

Do not neglect the gift which is in you, which was directly imparted to you by prophetic utterance when the elders laid their hands upon you.

15 B e diligent in these things. Give yourself wholly to them, that your progress may be revealed to all.

Practice and cultivate and meditate upon these duties; throw yourself wholly into them, so that your progress may be evident to everybody.

16 P ay attention to yourself, and to your teaching. Continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

Look well to yourself and to teaching; persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.