OTimothy,guardwhat has been entrustedto you, avoidingworldly[and] empty chatter[and] the opposing argumentsof what is falsely called"knowledge"--
Paul camealsoto Derbeand to Lystra.And a disciplewas there,namedTimothy,the sonof a Jewishwomanwho was a believer,but his fatherwas a Greek,
And alsosomeof the Epicureanand Stoicphilosopherswere conversingwith him. Somewere saying,"Whatwould thisidle babblerwishto say?"Others,"He seemsto be a proclaimerof strangedeities,"--becausehe was preachingJesusand the resurrection.
(Nowallthe Atheniansand the strangersvisitingthere used to spend their timein nothingotherthantellingorhearingsomethingnew.)
Professingto be wise,they became fools,
Greatin everyrespect.First of all,that they were entrustedwith the oraclesof God.
Yetwe do speakwisdomamongthosewho are mature;a wisdom,however,not of thisagenorof the rulersof thisage,who are passing away;
For the wisdomof thisworldis foolishnessbeforeGod.For it is written,"[He is] THE ONE WHO CATCHESTHE WISEIN THEIR CRAFTINESS";
Let no onekeep defrauding you of your prizeby delightingin self-abasementand the worshipof the angels,taking his standon [visions] he has seen,inflatedwithout causeby his fleshlymind,
Seeto it that noonetakes you captivethroughphilosophyand emptydeception,accordingto the traditionof men,accordingto the elementary principlesof the world,ratherthanaccordingto Christ.
therefore,we ourselvesspeak proudlyof you amongthe churchesof Godfor your perseveranceand faithin the midst of allyour persecutionsand afflictionswhichyou endure.
So then,brethren,stand firmand holdto the traditionswhichyou were taught,whetherby word[of mouth] orby letterfrom us.
accordingto the gloriousgospelof the blessedGod,with whichI have been entrusted.
To Timothy,[my] true childin [the] faith:Grace,mercy[and] peacefrom Godthe Fatherand ChristJesusour Lord.
norto pay attentionto mythsand endlessgenealogies,whichgive riseto mere speculationratherthan[furthering] the administrationof Godwhich is by faith.
For some men,strayingfrom these things,have turned asideto fruitless discussion,
realizingthe factthat lawis not madefor a righteous person,but for those who are lawlessand rebellious,for the ungodlyand sinners,for the unholyand profane,for those who killtheir fathersormothers,for murderers
But have nothing to dowith worldlyfablesfit only for old women.On the otherhand,disciplineyourselffor the purpose of godliness;
But fleefrom these things,you manof God,and pursuerighteousness,godliness,faith,love,perseverance[and] gentleness.
that you keepthe commandmentwithoutstainor reproachuntilthe appearingof our LordJesusChrist,
You therefore,my son,be strongin the gracethat is in ChristJesus.
But avoidworldly[and] empty chatter,for it will leadto furtherungodliness,
not paying attentionto Jewishmythsand commandmentsof menwho turn awayfrom the truth.
To Titus,my true childin a commonfaith:Graceand peacefrom Godthe Fatherand ChristJesusour Savior.
holding fastthe faithfulwordwhich is in accordancewith the teaching,sothat he will be ablebothto exhortin sounddoctrineand to refutethosewho contradict.
But avoidfoolishcontroversiesand genealogiesand strifeand disputesabout the Law,for they are unprofitableand worthless.
Sorememberwhatyou have receivedand heard;and keep[it], and repent.Thereforeifyou do not wakeup, I will comelikea thief,and you will not knowat whathourI will cometo you.
