for which reason also I suffer these [things]. But [I am] not ashamed, because I know in whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard [what] I have entrusted until that day.

As your example in wholesome instruction, keep before you what you learned from me, in the faith and love that come through union with Christ Jesus.

the Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord on that [great] day. You know very well how many things he did for me and what a help he was at Ephesus [you know better than I can tell you].

And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

and what they say will spread everywhere like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are like that.

Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things [which are dishonorable—disobedient, sinful], he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified [set apart for a special purpose and], useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

and that they will come to their senses and escape from being trapped by the devil, who had captured them to do what he wanted.

without natural affection, implacable, slanderers, of unsubdued passions, savage, having no love for what is good,

Ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of what is true.

And as James and Jambres went against Moses, so do these go against what is true: men of evil minds, who, tested by faith, are seen to be false.

Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed. You know those who taught you,

All Scripture is inspired by God, and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in doing what is right,

preach the word [as an official messenger]; be ready when the time is right and even when it is not [keep your sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or unwelcome]; correct [those who err in doctrine or behavior], warn [those who sin], exhort and encourage [those who are growing toward spiritual maturity], with inexhaustible patience and [faithful] teaching.

For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound teaching, but will assemble to themselves teachers who will satisfy what their "itching ears" want to hear.

And shutting their ears to what is true, will be turned away to belief in foolish stories.

In the future there is reserved for me the [victor’s] crown of righteousness [for being right with God and doing right], which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that [great] day—and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved and longed for and welcomed His appearing.

Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will pay him back for what he did.