Be Ready for Every Good Work

3 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to slander no one, and to be peaceable and considerate, always showing gentleness toward everyone. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, and enslaved to various lusts and pleasures. Living in wickedness and envy, we were loathsome and hated one another. 4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of any righteous works we had done, but according to his mercy, through the washing of regeneration and the renewal of the Holy Spirit. 6 He richly poured out his Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This saying is trustworthy. I want yoʋ to insist on these things, so that those who have put their trust in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are good and beneficial for people. 9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, quarrels, and [fn]disputes about the law, for they are unprofitable and futile. 10 Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning. 11 For yoʋ know that such a person is corrupted and sinful; he is self-condemned.