For this cause I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city, as I directed you;

For there are many unruly men, vain-talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,

whom it is needful to reduce to silence: who, indeed, are overthrowing whole houses, teaching what they ought not, for the sake of base gain.

One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always false, evil beasts, idle gluttons."

To the pure all things are pure; but to the defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but both their mind and their conscience have become defiled.

Faithful is the saying, and concerning these things I will that you affirm confidently, that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.

But shun foolish questionings, and genealogies, and strife, and contentions about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

All those who are with me salute you. Salute those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.