The First to Timothy, 4

¹ However, the inspired word^*1 clearly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to misleading inspired statements^*2 and teachings of demons,

² by means of the hypocrisy of men who speak lies, whose conscience is seared as with a branding iron.

³ They forbid marriage and command people to abstain from foods that God created to be partaken of with thanksgiving by those who have faith and accurately know the truth.

⁴ For every creation of God is fine, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,

⁵ for it is sanctified through God’s word and prayer over it.

⁶ By giving this counsel to the brothers, you will be a fine minister of Christ Jesus, one nourished with the words of the faith and of the fine teaching that you have followed closely.

⁷ But reject irreverent false stories, like those told by old women. On the other hand, train yourself with godly devotion as your aim.

⁸ For physical training^*1 is beneficial for a little, but godly devotion is beneficial for all things, as it holds promise of the life now and the life that is to come.

⁹ That statement is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance.

¹⁰ This is why we are working hard and exerting ourselves, because we have rested our hope on a living God, who is a Savior of all sorts of men, especially of faithful ones.

¹¹ Keep on giving these commands and teaching them.

¹² Never let anyone look down on your youth. Instead, become an example to the faithful ones in speaking, in conduct, in love, in faith, in chasteness.^*1

¹³ Until I come, continue applying yourself to public reading, to exhortation,^*1 to teaching.

¹⁴ Do not neglect the gift in you that was given you through a prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

¹⁵ Ponder over^*1 these things; be absorbed in them, so that your advancement may be plainly seen by all people.

¹⁶ Pay constant attention to yourself and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.