2 TIMOTHY 2
14 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene.
22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servantmust not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. – 2 Timothy 2:14-17,22-26
2 TIMOTHY 2 AVOID IRREVERENT BABBLE
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
As a believer, you are to be prudent in many ways
Present yourself as a worker approved by God
Flee from all your passions that corrupt your whole being
Avoid irreverent babble for this talk spreads like gangrene
Handle God’s word reverently and rightly so you’ll stay pure
Do not listen to lies and Satan’s accusations, but cling to the truth
Do not give in to foolish controversies for it breeds divisions
Patiently bear and correct each other gently and with compassion.
This letter of Paul to his spiritual son Timothy is full of wisdom as to how to live an authentic Christian life. He addresses some issues among the believers who got themselves into fights and quarrelsome behaviors. To avoid these kinds of ungodly acts, he tackles the antidote so such temptations to engage in sinful conflicts with the following instructions:
- Do not quarrel about words since it doesn’t do any good to the hearers
- Present yourself as a good worker for Christ by handling truth rightly and with reverence
- Avoid irreverent babbles for it will lead others to more ungodliness
- Flee from youthful passions that leads to unrighteous, dark and uncontrolled desires
- Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies that breeds more divisions
- Teach and correct each other gently and patiently
- Don’t be quarrelsome, instead be considerate and kind to one another.
It is not hard for us to just say what’s in our minds, but it takes a leaning on the Spirit of the Lord to rend our mouths and lips. So, if we only think of what is true, beautiful, honorable, pure, lovely and of good report, our mouths will also speak such wonderful and honorable words and not irreverent babbles.
REFLECTION
- Share some examples of irreverent babbles that do not edify anyone or glorify God.
