These people are divisive, ¹  worldly, ²  devoid of the Spirit. ³ 

It trains us ¹  to reject godless ways ²  and worldly desires and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,

For sadness as intended by God produces a repentance that leads to salvation, leaving no regret, but worldly sadness brings about death.

If then you haven’t been trustworthy ¹  in handling worldly wealth, ²  who will entrust you with the true riches? ³ 

But a married man is concerned about the things of the world, how to please his wife,

And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by how you use worldly wealth, ¹  so that when it runs out you will be welcomed ²  into the eternal homes. ³ 

O Timothy, protect what has been entrusted to you. Avoid ¹  the profane chatter and absurdities ²  of so-called “knowledge.” ³ 

They do not belong to the world ¹  just as I do not belong to the world. ² 

Since many ¹  are boasting according to human standards, ²  I too will boast.

But avoid profane chatter, ¹  because those occupied with it will stray further and further into ungodliness, ² 

Now the first covenant, ¹  in fact, had regulations for worship and its earthly sanctuary.

for you are still influenced by the flesh. ¹  For since there is still jealousy and dissension among you, are you not influenced by the flesh and behaving like unregenerate people? ² 

Therefore when I was planning to do this, I did not do so without thinking about what I was doing, did I? ¹  Or do I make my plans ²  according to mere human standards ³  so that I would be saying ⁴  both “Yes, yes” and “No, no” at the same time?

This is the reason ¹  I do my best to always ²  have a clear ³  conscience toward God and toward people. ⁴ 

for the weapons of our warfare are not human weapons, ¹  but are made powerful by God ²  for tearing down strongholds. ³  We tear down arguments ⁴ 

But reject those myths ¹  fit only for the godless and gullible, ²  and train yourself for godliness.

So what advantage does a wise man have over a fool? ¹  And what advantage ²  does a pauper gain by knowing how to survive? ³ 

Think about the circumstances of your call, ¹  brothers and sisters. ²  Not many were wise by human standards, ³  not many were powerful, not many were born to a privileged position. ⁴ 

So, brothers and sisters, ¹  I could not speak to you as spiritual people, but instead as people of the flesh, ²  as infants in Christ.

Guard against self-deception, each of you. ¹  If someone among you thinks he is wise in this age, let him become foolish so that he can become wise.