Imperfect but Useful

²⁰ In a mansion, there aren’t just gold and silver bowls but also some bowls that are made of wood and clay. Some are meant for special uses, some for garbage. ²¹ So if anyone washes filth off themselves, they will be set apart as a “special bowl.” They will be useful to the owner of the mansion for every sort of good work. ²² Run away from adolescent cravings. Instead, pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace together with those who confess the Lord with a clean heart. ²³ Avoid foolish and thoughtless discussions, since you know that they produce conflicts. ²⁴ God’s slave shouldn’t be argumentative but should be kind toward all people, able to teach, patient, ²⁵ and should correct opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will change their mind and give them a knowledge of the truth.