BIBLE COMMENTARY/2Timothy 2: 14

2TIMOTHY 2: 14 – Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.

– There are two kinds of aggressiveness in people. One is fighting and one is quarreling. Those who don’t have physical strength or courage to fight often using their tongues to quarrel with others. These actions always hurt those who get involved. The fighting hurt people bodily and quarreling hurt them mentally and emotionally. These actions can also kill, not only fighting but quarreling as well. In fact, there were many people, particular younger ones, who committed suicide or killed themselves because of the hurt they got by words (for example, committing suicide because of bad comments or bullying on social media).
– From the ancient time God had commanded His children not to quarrel with anyone because it’s no good and only hurting those who listen. It could lead to confrontation and fighting later (Proverbs 17: 14, 22: 10). It’s especially true in today world and Christians should take heed and try our best to avoid it.
– The Lord Jesus Christ is our best example. He never quarrelled with anyone (Matthew 12: 19). According to the Bible’ standards, quarreling because of discord with others is one of the reasons that make humans unable to enter the Kingdom of God (Galatians 5: 19-20).
– We should remember not to use quarreling as a way to win others over for some causes, especially spiritual ones. When people have formed opinion on something, it’s hard to persuade them into other ways. So just let they be, pray for them and try the best not to quarrel with them. We only hope they will see the light later by themselves.

QUOTED VERSES:

PROVERBS 17: 14 – The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.

PROVERBS 22: 10 – Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; Yes, strife and reproach will cease.

MATTHEW 12: 19 – He will not quarrel nor cry out, nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets.

GALATIONS 5: 19-20 – The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.