But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, ¹  quarrels, and fights about the law, ²  because they are useless and empty.

and a sound message that cannot be criticized, so that any opponent will be at a loss, ¹  because he has nothing evil to say about us.

not pilfering, but showing all good faith, ¹  in order to bring credit to ²  the teaching of God our Savior in everything.

A certain one of them, in fact, one of their own prophets, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” ¹ 

He ¹  gave himself for us to set us free from every kind of lawlessness and to purify for himself a people who are truly his, ²  who are eager to do good. ³ 

This saying ¹  is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on such truths, ²  so that those who have placed their faith in God may be intent on engaging in good works. These things are good and beneficial for all people.