But avoid foolish controversy, and let genealogies and dissensions and strife over the Law alone, for these are fruitless and futile.
Remind men of this: adjure them before the Lord not to bandy arguments — no good comes out of that, it only means the undoing of your audience.
Shut your mind against foolish, popular controversy; be sure that only breeds strife.
Shut your mind against these profane, drivelling myths; train for the religious life.
Avoid all that profane jargon, for it leads people still further into irreligion,
instead of studying Jewish myths and rules laid down by men who have discarded the Truth.
With regard to food that has been offered to idols. Here, of course, 'we all possess knowledge'! Knowledge puffs up, love builds up.
I may prophesy, fathom all mysteries and secret lore, I may have such absolute faith that I can move hills from their place, but if I have no love, I count for nothing;
Where do conflicts, where do wrangles come from, in your midst? Is it not from these passions of yours that war among your members?