[1] But understand this, that in the last days difficult times will come. [2] For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, [3] unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, savage, opposed to what is good, [4] treacherous, reckless, conceited, loving pleasure rather than loving God. [5] They will maintain the outward appearance of religion but will have repudiated its power. So avoid people like these. [6] For some of these insinuate themselves into households and captivate weak women who are overwhelmed with sins and led along by various passions. [7] Such women are always seeking instruction, yet never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. [8] And just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these people-who have warped minds and are disqualified in the faith-also oppose the truth. [9] But they will not go much further, for their foolishness will be obvious to everyone, just like it was with Jannes and Jambres. [10] You, however, have followed my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, my endurance, [11] as well as the persecutions and sufferings that happened to me in Antioch, in Iconium, and in Lystra. I endured these persecutions and the Lord delivered me from them all. [12] Now in fact all who want to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. [13] But evil people and charlatans will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived themselves. [14] You, however, must continue in the things you have learned and are confident about. You know who taught you [15] and how from infancy you have known the holy writings, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. [16] Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, [17] that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.
