They profess to know God; but in their actions they disown Him, and are detestable and disobedient men, and for any good work are utterly useless.

and above all make your own life a pattern of right conduct, having in your teaching no taint of insincerity, but a serious tone,

and healthy language which no one can censure, so that our opponents may feel ashamed at having nothing evil to say against us.

Thus speak, exhort, reprove, with all impressiveness. Let no one make light of your authority.

for, as you know, a man of that description has turned aside from the right path and is a sinner self-condemned.

After I have sent Artemas or Tychicus to you, lose no time in joining me at Nicopolis; for I have decided to pass the winter there.