nor to turn their minds to fables and interminable genealogies, which bring questionings rather than further God's dispensation, which is in faith.

from which certain, having swerved, did turn aside to vain discourse,

Women in turn are to dress modestly and quietly in seemly garb; they are not to adorn themselves with plaits of hair, with gold or pearls or expensive finery,

Deacons in turn are to be serious men; they are not to be tale-bearers or addicted to drink or pilfering;

These men must first be tested; then if they are found to be blameless and beyond reproach [in their Christian lives], let them serve as deacons.

But the [Holy] Spirit explicitly and unmistakably declares that in later times some will turn away from the faith, paying attention instead to deceitful and seductive spirits and doctrines of demons,

But have nothing to do with irreverent folklore and silly myths. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness [keeping yourself spiritually fit].

Train yourself in godliness. Exercise for the body is not useless, but godliness is useful in every respect, possessing, as it does, the promise of Life now and of the Life which is soon coming.

But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when they are drawn away from Christ by desire, they want to marry

for already certain did turn aside after the Adversary.

Some men's sins are manifest, going before to judgment; and also to some they follow in the train.

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

O Timothy, guard and keep safe the deposit [of godly truth] entrusted to you, turn away from worldly and godless chatter [with its profane, empty words], and the contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge”—