17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles ^xcontrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; ^yavoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but ^ztheir own appetites,¹ and ^aby smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. 19 For ^byour obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you ^cto be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.