II Timothy 2:14

them--those over whom thou dost preside (Tit 3:1). charging--Greek, "testifying continually": "adjuring them." before the Lord-- (Ti1 5:21). that they strive not about words--rather, "strive with words": "not to have a (mere) war of words" (Ti2 2:23-24; Ti1 6:4) where the most vital matters are at stake (Ti2 2:17-18; Act 18:15). The oldest manuscripts put a stop at "charging them before the Lord" (which clause is thus connected with "put them in remembrance") and read the imperative, "Strive not thou in words," &c. to no profit--not qualifying "words"; but Greek neuter, in apposition with "strive in words," "(a thing tending) to no profit," literally, "profitable for nothing"; the opposite of "meet for the master's use" (Ti2 2:21). to the subverting--sure to subvert (overturn) the hearers: the opposite of "edifying" (building up) (Co2 13:10).

Having thus encouraged Timothy to suffer, he comes in the next place to direct him in his work. I. He must make it his business to edify those who were under his charge, to put them in remembrance of those things which they did already know; for this is the work of ministers; not to tell people that which they never knew before, but to put them in mind of that which they do know, charging them that they strive not about words. Observe, Those that are disposed to strive commonly strive about matters of very small moment. Strifes of words are very destructive to the things of God. That they strive not about words to no profit. If people did but consider of what little use most of the controversies in religion are, they would not be so zealous in their strifes of words, to the subverting of the hearers, to the drawing of them away from the great things of God, and occasioning unchristian heats and animosities, by which truth is often in danger of being lost. Observe, People are very prone to strive about words, and such strifes never answer any other ends than to shake some and subvert others; they are not only useless, but they are very hurtful, and therefore ministers are to charge the people that they do not strive about words, and they are most likely to be regarded when they charge them before the Lord, that is, in his name and from his word; when they produce their warrant for what they say. - Study to show thyself approved unto God, Ti2 2:15. Observe, The care of ministers must be to approve themselves unto God, to be accepted of him, and to show that they are so approved unto God. In order thereunto, there must be constant care and industry: Study to show thyself such a one, a workman that needs not be ashamed. Ministers must be workmen; they have work to do, and t…

2:14-26 Timothy must insist on the teaching of 2:8-13 and steer clear of the teaching and conduct of the false teachers. The heresy was probably the same as in 1 Tim 6:20-21.