If any man teach otherwise Than strict, practical holiness, in all its branches; and consent not to wholesome words Υγιαινουσι λογοις, literally, healing, or healthful words, words that have no taint of falsehood, or tendency to encourage sin; and the doctrine which is according to godliness The sole design and direct tendency of which is to make people godly, and to promote the glory of God, while it secures the salvation of men; he is proud Greek, τετυφωται, puffed up; which is the cause of his not consenting to this doctrine; knowing nothing As he ought to know; but doting Greek, νοστων, being sick, or distempered in his mind; about questions Dotingly fond of disputes; an evil, but common disease, especially where practice is forgotten. Such contend earnestly for singular phrases and favourite points of their own; but every thing else, however like the preaching of Christ and his apostles, is all law and bondage, and carnal reasoning. And strifes of words, whereof cometh envy Of the gifts and success of others; contention for the pre- eminence. Such disputants seldom like the prosperity of others, or to be less esteemed themselves; railings Βλασφημιαι, evil speakings, against those that differ from them; evil surmisings Or unjust suspicions easily entertained against others; it not being their way to think well of those that hold opinions different from theirs. Perverse disputings
Carried on contrary to conscience, by men wholly corrupted in their minds, and destitute of the truth Of the knowledge of, and faith in, the true doctrine of the gospel; supposing that gain is godliness That what promises the greatest gain is the most worthy of their pursuit; or who reckon whatever produces most money to be the best religion. A far more common case than is usually supposed. From such withdraw thyself Shun all society with them.