They want to be teachers of the Law, yet they do not understand either what they are talking about or the things about which they speak so confidently.

These include Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I handed over to Satan so that they may learn not to blaspheme.

even though she will be saved through the birth of the Child, if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, along with good judgment.

Ministers, too, must be serious. They must not be two-faced, addicted to wine, or greedy for money.

They must hold firmly to the secret of the faith with clear consciences.

But they must first be tested. Then, if they prove to be blameless, they may become ministers.

Their wives must also be serious. They must not be gossips, but instead be stable and trustworthy in everything.

They will try to stop people from marrying and from eating certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to respect their own family by repaying their parents, for this is pleasing in God's sight.

Continue to give these instructions, so that they may be blameless.

But do not include younger widows on your list. For whenever their natural desires cause them to lose their devotion to the Messiah, they want to remarry.

They receive condemnation because they have set aside their prior commitment to the Messiah.

At the same time, they also learn how to be lazy while going from house to house. Not only this, but they even become gossips and keep busy by interfering in other people's lives, saying things they should not say.

Moreover, those who have believing masters should be respectful to them, because they are fellow believers. In fact, they must serve them even better, because those who benefit from their service are believers and dear to them. These are the things you must teach and exhort.

and incessant conflict between people who are depraved in mind and deprived of truth. They think that godliness is a way to make a profit.

They are to do good, to be rich in good actions, to be generous, and to share.

By doing this they store up a treasure for themselves that is a good foundation for the future, so that they can keep their hold on the life that is real.

Although some claim to have it, they have abandoned the faith. May grace be with all of you!