1 Therefore, my son, be strong in the favor which is through Christ Jesus.

2 And what things you have heard from me by many witnesses, these commit in trust to faithful men, who shall be fit also to teach others.

3 Endure evil as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

4 No man who wars entangles himself with the occupations of this life, that he may please him, who has chosen him to be a soldier.

5 And also if one contend in the games, he is not crowned unless he contend according to the laws.

6 It becomes the husbandman to labor, before he partakes of the fruits.

7 Consider what I say; and may the Lord give you understanding in all things!

8 Remember, Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, has been raised from the dead, according to my gospel;

9 for which I suffer evil as a malefactor, even to bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

10 For this cause I patiently bear all things on account of the elect; that they, indeed, may obtain the salvation which is by Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

11 This saying is true, that if we die with him, we shall also live with him:

12 if we suffer patiently, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us.

13 Though we be unfaithful, he abides faithful; he can not deny himself.

14 Put them in remembrance of these things; earnestly testifying to them in the presence of the Lord, not to fight about words for nothing useful, but to the subverting of the hearers.

15 Strive to exhibit yourself to God an approved workman, irreproachable, rightly dividing the word of truth.

16 But profane empty babblings resist, for they will increase to more ungodliness.

17 And their word will eat as a gangrene: for whom are Hymeneus and Philetus;

18 who, concerning the truth, have erred, affirming that the resurrection has already happened, and do subvert the faith of some.

19 Nevertheless, the foundation of God stands firm, having this inscription, The Lord has made known them who are his:- and, Let every one who names the name of Christ, depart from iniquity.

20 But, in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earthenware; some to honor, and some to dishonor.

21 If, then, a man will cleanse himself well from these, he will be a vessel appointed to honor, sanctified, and very profitable for the master's use, prepared for every good work.

22 Flee, therefore, youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with them who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

23 Moreover, foolish and ignorant questions reject, knowing that they beget contentions;

24 and the servant of the Lord must not be contentious, but gentle toward all men, fit to teach, patiently bearing evil,

25 in meekness instructing those who set themselves in opposition; if, by any means God will give them reformation to the acknowledgment of truth;

26 and they may awake up out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.