[1] But be certain of this, that in the last days times of trouble will
come. [2] For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, uplifted in
pride, given to bitter words, going against the authority of their fathers,
never giving praise, having no religion, [3] Without natural love, bitter
haters, saying evil of others, violent and uncontrolled, hating all good,
[4] False to their friends, acting without thought, lifted up in mind,
loving pleasure more than God; [5] Having a form of religion, but turning
their backs on the power of it: go not with these. [6] For these are they
who go secretly into houses, making prisoners of foolish women, weighted
down with sin, turned from the way by their evil desires, [7] Ever
learning, and never coming to the knowledge of what is true. [8] And as
James and Jambres went against Moses, so do these go against what is true:
men of evil minds, who, tested by faith, are seen to be false. [9] But they
will go no farther: for their foolish behaviour will be clear to all men,
as theirs was in the end. [10] But you took as your example my teaching,
behaviour, purpose, and faith; my long waiting, my love, my quiet
undergoing of trouble; [11] My punishments and pain; the things which came
to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; the cruel attacks made on me: and
the Lord made me free from them all. [12] Yes, and all whose purpose is to
be living in the knowledge of God in Christ Jesus, will be cruelly
attacked. [13] Evil and false men will become worse and worse, using deceit
and themselves overcome by deceit. [14] But see that you keep to the
teaching you have been given and the things of which you are certain,
conscious of who has been your teacher; [15] And that from the time when
you were a child, you have had knowledge of the holy Writings, which are
able to make you wise to salvation, through faith in Christ Jesus. [16]
Every holy Writing which comes from God is of profit for teaching, for
training, for guiding, for education in righteousness: [17] So that the man
of God may be complete, trained and made ready for every good work.
