The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

Remind the people of these facts, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God to avoid petty controversy over words, which does no good, and [upsets and undermines and] ruins [the faith of] those who listen.

But avoid all irreverent babble and godless chatter [with its profane, empty words], for it will lead to further ungodliness,

Lusts of youth avoid, and follow righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with them that call on the Lord with pure heart.

But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

they will be treacherous, reckless and conceited, preferring pleasure to God ??5 for though they keep up a form of religion, they will have nothing to do with it as a force. Avoid all such.

holding to a form of [outward] godliness (religion), although they have denied its power [for their conduct nullifies their claim of faith]. Avoid such people and keep far away from them.