²² Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love^(A) and peace, along with those who call on the Lord^(B) out of a pure heart.^{(C) 23} Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.^{(D) 24} And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.^{(E) 25} Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,^{(F) 26} and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil,^(G) who has taken them captive to do his will.

Saved in Order to Do Good

3 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities,^(A) to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,^{(B) 2} to slander no one,^(C) to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

³ At one time^(D) we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. ⁴ But when the kindness^(E) and love of God our Savior^(F) appeared,^{(G) 5} he saved us,^(H) not because of righteous things we had done,^(I) but because of his mercy.^(J) He saved us through the washing^(K) of rebirth and renewal^(L) by the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom he poured out on us^(M) generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that, having been justified by his grace,^(N) we might become heirs^(O) having the hope^(P) of eternal life.^{(Q) 8} This is a trustworthy saying.^(R) And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.^(S) These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

⁹ But avoid^(T) foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels^(U) about the law,^(V) because these are unprofitable and useless.^{(W) 10} Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.^{(X) 11} You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.