and such as cleaveth unto the true word of doctrine, that he may be able to exhort with wholesome learning, and to improve them that say against it.

For there are many insubordinate people, mere talkers with nothing to say, but deceivers of their own minds, especially those of the circumcision party,

This witness is true. So say sharp words to them so that they may come to the right faith,

They say that they have knowledge of God, while by their acts they are turning their backs on him; they are hated by all, hard-hearted, and judged to be without value for any good work.

But say the things which fit sound doctrine,

that the elder women in like manner be in deportment as becoming those who have to say to sacred things, not slanderers, not enslaved to much wine, teachers of what is right;

let your message be wholesome and unobjectionable, so that our opponent may be put to shame at having nothing evil to say about us.

instructing us to say ?No? to ungodliness and worldly desires, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age;

Say these things, and encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

To say no evil of any man, not to be fighters, to give way to others, to be gentle in behaviour to all men.

If a man is causing divisions among you, after warning him once or twice, have nothing more to say to him.