¹⁸ for such our Lord Jesus Christ do not serve, but their own belly; and through the good word and fair speech they deceive the hearts of the harmless,

¹⁸ For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites,[1] and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

¹⁸ Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people.

¹⁸ For such men are slaves , not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites ; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting .