People to Avoid — A Hard Truth from 2 Timothy 3
\r\n“Have nothing to do with them.” — 2 Timothy 3:5
\r\n\r\nThere are passages in Scripture that comfort us.
\r\nThere are passages that inspire us.
\r\nAnd then there are passages that flat-out warn us.
2 Timothy 3 is one of those.
\r\nPaul writes to young Timothy, preparing him for leadership in a world gone sideways.
\r\nIt’s a brutal list — a catalogue of human traits that will run rampant in the last days.
And Paul’s instruction?
\r\n👉 “Have nothing to do with them.”
Not: \”Win them over.\”
\r\nNot: \”Make excuses for them.\”
\r\nNot: \”Tolerate them in your circle.\”
\r\nAvoid them. Full stop.
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The List — Still Relevant Today
\r\n\r\nHere’s a modern take on the kinds of people Scripture warns us to steer clear of:
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- Self-obsessed narcissists \r\n
- Money-worshippers chasing status and possessions \r\n
- Boasters who never stop talking about themselves \r\n
- Prideful, unteachable people \r\n
- Abusive personalities who harm others \r\n
- Rebellious, authority-hating individuals \r\n
- Chronic complainers lacking gratitude \r\n
- Morally unanchored people \r\n
- Cold-hearted, unloving types \r\n
- Grudge-holders who refuse to forgive \r\n
- Gossipers and slanderers \r\n
- Impulse-driven, self-indulgent characters \r\n
- Cruel, harsh people \r\n
- Cynics who mock what is good \r\n
- Fake friends and backstabbers \r\n
- Reckless decision-makers \r\n
- Vain and conceited show-offs \r\n
- Pleasure-seekers over God-seekers \r\n
- Religious hypocrites who look godly but lack real faith \r\n
Sound familiar?
\r\nLook around. Scroll social media. Watch the news.
\r\nThis list is not theoretical — it is current events.
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Guard Your Circle
\r\n\r\nWhy the strong warning?
\r\nBecause who you walk with will shape who you become.
Paul knew that bad company corrupts good character (1 Corinthians 15:33).
\r\nIf you surround yourself with people marked by these traits, their spirit will seep into yours.
And here’s the kicker:
\r\nMany of these people will wear a religious mask — a \”form of godliness\” — but their lives will deny the power of true transformation. Don’t be fooled.
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A Personal Challenge
\r\n\r\nBefore you rush to judge others, take a hard look inward:
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- Am I quick to forgive, or do I harbor resentment? \r\n
- Is my speech building others up or tearing them down? \r\n
- Do I hunger for the things of God — or the pleasures of this world? \r\n
- Is my faith authentic — or just a performance? \r\n
We must first clean our own house.
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Final Word
\r\n\r\nWe live in a time where discernment is critical.
\r\nLove all people — but be wise about who you allow close.
Guard your heart. Guard your circle. Guard your calling.
\r\n\r\n👉 Have nothing to do with them.
\r\n\r\nChoose wisely. Walk boldly. Live set apart.
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