CHAPTER 3

1 But know this, that in the last days there will arise dangerous (or, troublesome) times.

2 For men will be lovers of themselves, covetous, proud, slanderers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy;

3 Without natural affection, ¹ covenant breakers, false accusers, intemperate, fierce, despisers of those that are good;

4 Traitors, rash, haughty, lovers of pleasures rather than of God;

5 Having a form of godliness, while they deny the power of it.

6 Turn away from those persons; for of those are they who creep into families, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, who are led away by various sinful desires;

7 Always learning, while yet they never can come to the knowledge of the truth.

8 And as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth, men corrupted in understanding, reprobate concerning the faith.

9 But they shall not proceed further; for the madness of the latter shall be manifest to all, as was also that of time former.

10 But thou hast closely followed my doctrine, instruction, ² purpose, faith, meekness, love, patience;

11 Persecutions, afflictions, which befell me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured; but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

12 And all who wish to live a godly life in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

13 But wicked men and impostors will grow worse and worse, going astray, and leading others astray.

14 But as for thee, continue in those things which thou hast learned, and which have been intrusted to thee, knowing from whom thou hast learned them;

15 And that from (thy) childhood thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise to salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 All scripture (or, the whole of scripture) is divinely inspired, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness;

17 That the man of God may be perfect, being made ready for every good work.