2 Timothy 2:14

The Lord’s Approved Workman

14 Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God ^[a] to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin.

2 Timothy 2:14 Meaning and Commentary

2 Timothy 2:14

Of these things put them in remembrance
Meaning either his hearers, or those to whom he was to commit the things he had heard of the apostle, and who must expect to suffer afflictions, and endure hardships, for the sake of Christ, and his Gospel; wherefore to remind them of the above sayings might be of use and comfort to them. This clause is wanting in the Arabic version.

Charging them before the Lord;
the omniscient God, as in his sight, as they will answer it to him another day; see ( 1 Timothy 5:21 ) ( 6:13 ) ,

that they strive not about words;
it became them to strive and contend for the form of sound words, for the wholesome words or doctrines of our Lord Jesus, but not about mere words, and especially such as were

to no profit;
to no advantage to truth, nor to themselves nor others; were not to edification, to spiritual edification, to godly edifying, which is in faith:

but to the subverting of the hearers;
the confounding of their minds, misleading their judgments, and overthrowing their faith; and therefore were not only unprofitable, but hurtful and pernicious, and by all means to be avoided.

2 Timothy 2:14 In-Context

12 if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He will also deny us;

13 if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

14 Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin.

15 Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.

16 But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness,

Footnotes

• [a] SBL, BYZ, and TR the Lord