2 Timothy 2:14

14 Remind them of this, and warn them before God that they are to avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening.

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 them of this, and warn them before God that they are to avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening.

15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth.

16 Avoid profane chatter, for it will lead people into more and more impiety,

Footnotes

• [a]. Other ancient authorities read [the Lord]