2 Timothy 2:16 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness,

NIV: Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.

NASB: But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness,

CSB: Avoid irreverent and empty speech, since those who engage in it will produce even more godlessness,

NLT: Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior.

KJV: But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

NKJV: But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.

Putting verses 14 and 15 together, we see how Paul divides the difference between defending important truths and bickering over lesser issues. In fact, a person cannot "rightly handle" truth (2 Timothy 2:15) unless they stay away from spiritually dead battles. In other words, Timothy is not to get involved in disputes with the false teachers, who mostly focused on shallow and unspiritual ideas.

According to Paul, falling into those traps would not draw others to Christ. Rather, it would have the opposite effect. Ungodliness was one of the chief evils to avoid in the Old Testament (Isaiah 32:6; Jeremiah 23:15) and was an idea developed by Paul in Romans (Romans 1:18; 11:26). In Titus 2:12, Paul told Titus "to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions." Jude 1:15 mentions the coming judgment "on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against [the Lord]."

In contrast, Paul frequently discussed the issue of godliness with Timothy (1 Timothy 2:10; 3:16; 4:7–8; 5:4; 6:3, 5–6, 11) and once with Titus (Titus 1:1). In addition to Paul, Peter focused on this key attribute as well (2 Peter 1:3, 6–7; 3:11). Godliness should be the goal of every believer, especially those who seek to lead others in the church.

Second Timothy 2:14–26 contains Paul's instructions to Timothy about leading other believers. Two important themes here are avoiding pointless bickering and holding to sound biblical teachings. Arguments over non-essential issues quickly turn into feuds, poisoning the body of Christ just as gangrene attacks the physical body. Paul names specific false teachers, but brings a note of compassion. Here, he reminds Timothy that gentleness and patience are key. After all, those who do not believe are not our enemies: they are those we are trying to rescue from the control of the Devil!

Paul gives Timothy a clear mandate to defend the truth. This includes both upholding the gospel accurately, and presenting that defense in a gentle and loving way. While truth is important, Paul also notes that there are some issues which are only distractions. He considers these "babble," and arguments over them a form of spiritual disease. Like gangrene, this bickering only spreads and spreads until it becomes catastrophic. The ultimate goal of our evangelism is not to "win" an argument, but to rescue lost people.

In chapter 1, Paul gave Timothy encouragement by reminding him of his heritage and spiritual power. Here, in chapter 2, Paul expands on these commands. Rather than giving minute details, Paul presents a series of examples and tells Timothy to consider them carefully. Paul's instructions here set the stage for the warnings coming up in the next chapter. Timothy—and all believers—need to be prepared and right-minded, because the world is going to become spiritually darker and darker.

Second Timothy is the last New Testament letter written by Paul. Paul writes these words while awaiting execution by Rome. At this time, around AD 67, Timothy was leading the church in Ephesus. Paul writes to Timothy in order to encourage him. Paul is facing the worst of all hardships: his own impending death. So, he encourages Timothy to stand strong in his faith, with a reliance on the written Word of God. This letter echoes many of the themes Paul uses in his other letters.