I Timothy 6:4
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he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and semantics, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions,
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
He is proud--literally, "wrapt in smoke"; filled with the fumes of self-conceit (Ti1 3:6) while "knowing nothing," namely, of the doctrine which is according to godliness (Ti1 6:3), though arrogating pre-eminent knowledge (Ti1 1:7). doting about--literally, "sick about"; the opposite of "wholesome" (Ti1 6:3). Truth is not the center about which his investigations move, but mere word-strifes. questions--of controversy. strifes of words--rather than about realities (Ti2 2:14). These stand with them instead of "godliness" and "wholesome words" (Ti1 6:3; Ti1 1:4; Tit 3:9). evil surmisings--as to those who are of a different party from themselves.
Open source ↗I. He treats of the duty of servants (Ti1 6:1, Ti1 6:2). II. Of false teachers (Ti1 6:3-5). III. Of godliness and covetousness (Ti1 6:6-10). IV. What Timothy was to flee, and what to follow (Ti1 6:11, Ti1 6:12). V. A solemn charge (Ti1 6:13-16). VI. A charge for the rich (Ti1 6:17-19). And lastly, a charge to Timothy (Ti1 6:20, Ti1 6:21).
Open source ↗6:4 This stirs up arguments: This is the same problem as in 1:4 (see also 2 Tim 2:23-24; Titus 3:9).
Open source ↗Cross-references
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But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling.
traitorous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil.
These men, however, slander what they do not understand, and like irrational animals, they will be destroyed by the things they do instinctively.
These men are like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be captured and destroyed. They blaspheme in matters they do not understand, and like such creatures, they too will be destroyed.
Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin.
These men are discontented grumblers, following after their own lusts; their mouths spew arrogance; they flatter others for their own advantage.
or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than the stewardship of God’s work, which is by faith.
They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand what they are saying or that which they so confidently assert.
With lofty but empty words, they appeal to the sensual passions of the flesh and entice those who are just escaping from others who live in error.