Foolish words and the word of truth

¹⁴ Remind them about these things; and warn them, in God’s presence, not to quarrel about words. This doesn’t do any good; instead, it threatens to ruin people who listen to it. ¹⁵ Do your very best to present yourself before God as one who has passed the test—a workman who has no need to be ashamed, who can carve out a straight path for the word of truth. ¹⁶ Avoid pointless and empty chatter. It will push people further and further towards ungodliness,