Survey of the Letters of Paul - 2 Timothy 2

2 Timothy 2:16

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

printer-friendly MP3

Note: before doing a study on any single verse, read all the verses from the beginning of the chapter to this point and maybe a verse or two beyond. Do this so you have the verse in context before you begin. click here

This section has four verses:

2 Timothy 2:14-17 [See my notation in Verse 17]
14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting [undermining] of the hearers.
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus [Hi may nay us] and Philetus [Phi-le-tus]

We will begin with the Barclay Commentary.

THE DANGER OF WORDS

2 Timothy 2:16 …paraphrased
Avoid these godless chatterings, for the people who engage in them only progress further and further into ungodliness.

ONCE again, Paul returns to the inadequacy of words. We must remember that the Pastoral Epistles were written against a background of those Gnostics who produced their long words and their fantastic theories, and who tried to make Christianity into an obscure philosophy instead of an adventure of faith.

There is both fascination and danger in words. They can become a substitute for actions. There are people who are more concerned to talk than to act. If the world’s problems could have been solved by discussion, they would have been solved long ago. But words cannot replace deeds. As Charles Kingsley wrote in ‘A Farewell’:

Be good, sweet maid, and let who will be clever;
Do noble things, not dream them, all day long.

As Philip James Bailey wrote in Festus:

We live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not breaths;
In feelings, not in figures on a dial.
We should count time by heart-throbs. He most lives
Who thinks most – feels the noblest – acts the best.

The eighteenth-century man of letters Dr Johnson was one of the great talkers of all time; the founder of Methodism, John Wesley, was one of the great men of action of all time. They knew each other, and Johnson had only one complaint about Wesley: ‘John Wesley’s conversation is good, but he is never at leisure. He is always obliged to go at a certain hour. This is very disagreeable to a man who loves to fold his legs and have his talk out, as I do.’ But the fact remains that Wesley, the man of action, wrote his name across England in a way in which Johnson, the man of talk, never did.

It is not even true that talk and discussion fully solve intellectual problems. One of the most significant things Jesus ever said was: ‘Anyone who resolves to do the will of God will know whether the teaching is from God’ (John 7:17). Often, understanding comes not by talking but by doing. In the old Latin phrase, solvitur ambulando, the thing will solve itself as you go on. It often happens that the best way to understand the deep things of Christianity is to embark on the unmistakable duties of the Christian life.

Quoted verse:
John 7:17
If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

There remains one further thing to be said. Too much talk and too much discussion can have two dangerous effects.

First, they may give the impression that Christianity is nothing but a collection of questions for discussion and problems for solution. The discussion group is a characteristic phenomenon of our age. As the writer G. K. Chesterton once said: ‘We have asked all the questions which can be asked. It is time we stopped looking for questions, and started looking for answers.’ In any society, the discussion group must be balanced by the action group.

Second, discussion can be invigorating for those whose approach to the Christian faith is intellectual, for those who have a background of knowledge and of culture, for those who have a real knowledge of, or interest in, theology. But it sometimes happens that people with uncomplicated views find themselves in a group which is tossing heresies about and putting forward unanswerable questions; and their faith, far from being helped, is disturbed. It may well be that that is what Paul means when he says that wordy battles can undo those who listen to them. The normal word used for building a person up in the Christian faith, for edification, is the same as is used for literally building a house; the word which Paul uses here for ruin (katastrophe) is what might well be used for the demolition of a house. And it may well happen that clever, subtle, speculative, intellectually reckless discussion may have the effect of demolishing, and not building up, the faith of some of those who happen to become involved in it. As in all things, there is a time to discuss and a time to be silent. ~Barclay commentary

Now to the other commentaries. We will begin with the general and go to the specific.

From the Matthew Henry Main:

He must take heed of that which would be a hindrance to him in his work, 2 Timothy 2:16. He must take heed of error: Shun profane and vain babblings. The heretics, who boasted of their notions and their arguments, thought their performances such as might recommend them; but the apostle calls them profane and vain babblings: when once men become fond of those they will increase unto more ungodliness. The way of error is down-hill; one absurdity being granted or contended for, a thousand follow: Their word will eat as doth a canker, or gangrene; when errors or heresies come into the church, the infecting of one often proves the infecting of many, or the infecting of the same person with one error often proves the infecting of him with many errors. ~Matthew Henry Main

Now to the Matthew Henry Concise which covers verses 14-21.

Those disposed to strive, commonly strive about matters of small moment. But strifes of words destroy the things of God. The apostle mentions some who erred. They did not deny the resurrection, but they corrupted that true doctrine. Yet nothing can be so foolish or erroneous, but it will overturn the temporary faith of some professors. This foundation has two writings on it. One speaks our comfort. None can overthrow the faith of any whom God hath chosen. The other speaks our duty. Those who would have the comfort of the privilege, must make conscience of the duty Christ gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, Titus 2:14. The church of Christ is like a dwelling: some furniture is of great value; some of smaller value, and put to meaner uses. Some professors of religion are like vessels of wood and earth. When the vessels of dishonour are cast out to be destroyed, the others will be filled with all the fullness of God. We must see to it that we are holy vessels. Every one in the church whom God approves, will be devoted to his Master's service, and thus fitted for his use. ~Matthew Henry Concise

Quoted verse:
Titus 2:14
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Now we will look at the Biblical Illustrator for some entries there.

Shun
The word rendered “shun” is a strong one, and signifies, literally, to make a circuit so as to avoid; or as Alford paraphrases it, “the meaning seems to come from a number of persons falling back from an object of fear or loathing, and standing at a distance round it.” The word is used in Titus 3:9.

Quoted verse:
Titus 3:9
But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

They will increase unto more ungodliness.
Will increase
προκόψουσιν. The metaphor is from pioneers clearing the way before an army, by cutting down all obstacles: hence to make progress, to advance.

A lax life connected with erroneous doctrine
The close connection between grave fundamental errors in doctrine and a lax and purely selfish life is constantly alluded to by Paul.

Error is of an encroaching nature
Let the serpent but wind in his head, and he will quickly bring in his whole body. He that saith Yea to the devil in a little, shall not say Nay when he pleases.

Profane babbling to be avoided
I. Profane vain babblings are to be avoided. How often does our apostle condemn them? Why are they to be avoided?
1. Because the branches which bear them are evil; as weakness of judgment, frowardness of will, and disorder in tile affections.
2. And do they not blemish our reputation? obscure the gloss of grace? hinder the acts of it? kindle corruption? and turn from the faith?

II. The causes which increase sin are to be removed. ~The Biblical Illustrator

Now to the specific commentaries.

Though most commentaries break this out in two parts, several will deal with single words.

1] But shun profane and vain babblings.
2] For they will increase unto more ungodliness.

1] But shun profane and vain babblings.

But shun - Preach the truth. Shun foolish speculations. ~People's New Testament

Profane - Unholy. ~People's New Testament

Shun — literally, “stand above,” separate from, and superior to. ~Jamieson, Fausset, Brown

Vain — opposed to “the truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). ~Jamieson, Fausset, Brown

Quoted verse:
2 Timothy 2:15 [See Lesson]

Babblings — with loud voice: opposed to the temperate “word” (Titus 3:9 - quoted above). ~Jamieson, Fausset, Brown

Shun - The word is the same as in Titus 3:9 [quoted above - "But avoid foolish questions, etc.] where reasons are given for rendering it avoid. The present tense here and in 2 Timothy 2:14 are all the more forcible for the aorists [verb tense expressing action] which come in between. ‘Be ever putting in remembrance’ ‘ever avoiding.’ The article before ‘profane babblings’ points to a well-known theme, ‘these false teachers and their talk.’ ‘Let your teachers and yourself handle truth aright; but the false teachers and their profane babblings avoid.’ Hence there is no real ambiguity about the subject to the next clause. ‘For these false teachers will only proceed further in ungodliness.’ The pronoun in the next verse refers back to them. ~Cambridge

Profane and vain babblings - Profane babblings; ‘babblings’ is sufficient rendering of the word without the addition of ‘vain’: the word only occurs here and 1 Timothy 6:20. ~Cambridge

Quoted verse:
1 Timothy 6:20 [See Lesson]
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:

Note: As we have abundantly seen, Paul is totally against false teachers and false doctrine. Notice some of the words used in the two letters to Timothy:

Profane: 4 times
Vain: 3 times
Babblings: 2 times...only times used in the Bible
Corrupt minds: 2 times
Perverse: 1 time
Destitute: 1 time
Lies: 1 time...only time used in the Bible
Hypocrisy: 1 time
Jangling: 1 time...only time used in the Bible
Turned aside after Satan: 1 time

...along with:

1 Timothy 1:4 [See Lesson]
Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

1 Timothy 1:19 [See Lesson]
Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:

1 Timothy 4:1-2 [See Lesson-verse 1] [See Lesson-verse 2]
1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

1 Timothy 4:7 [See Lesson]
But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

1 Timothy 6:4-5 [See Lesson-verse 4] [See Lesson-verse 5]
4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

1 Timothy 6:9-10 [See Lesson-verse 9] [See Lesson-verse 10]
9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

2 Timothy 2:14 [See Lesson]
Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.

2 Timothy 2:18 [See Lesson]
Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

2 Timothy 2:23 [See Lesson]
But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

2 Timothy 4:4 [See Lesson]
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Now back to the commentaries on the first part of today's verse:

Shun profane and vain babblings - This is the character he gives of the preaching of the false teachers. Whatever was not agreeable to the doctrine of truth was, in the sight of God, empty and profane babbling; engendering nothing but ungodliness, and daily increasing in that. ~Adam Clarke

But shun profane and vain babblings - The ministry of false teachers is mere babbling; a voice, and nothing else, as the man said of his nightingale; a sound of words, but no solid matter in them; great swelling words of vanity, like large bubbles of water, look big, and make a great noise, but have nothing in them; contain nothing but vain, empty, idle, and trifling stuff; what is unprofitable and unedifying, yea, what is profane, contrary to the nature and perfections of God, and not agreeable to the doctrine which is according to godliness; and being palmed upon the Holy Scriptures, is a profanation of them. And all such wicked and empty prate [foolish talk], and babbling, is to be shunned [to keep away from; take pains to avoid], avoided, and discouraged, refused, and rejected; and, as much as can be, a stop should be put to it, both by ministers and hearers of the word. ~John Gill

2] For they will increase unto more ungodliness.

They will increase unto more ungodliness - Literally they will proceed further on. The verb corresponds to the word for ‘progress’ in 1 Timothy 4:15 where its usage is noted. As Ellicott points out, the future shews that the error of the false teachers had not yet ‘appeared in its most developed state.’ ~Cambridge

Quoted verse:
1 Timothy 4:15 [See Lesson]
Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

For they will increase unto more ungodliness. - He reveals the subtlety of Satan, who beginning with these principles, draws us by little and little to ungodliness through the means of that wicked and profane babbling, which gradually increases. And this he proves by the horrible example of those that taught that the resurrection was already past. ~Geneva Bible Translation Notes

For they will increase unto more ungodliness - meaning either that such babblings, if used and encouraged, will grow more and more profane and wicked; or the persons that use them, the unruly and vain talkers, will grow more daring, bold; and impudent, will wax worse and worse, and from one error will proceed to another, for such seldom stop; and having abused one passage of Scripture, will go on to attack another, and will not cease, till they have wrested the whole Scripture to their own destruction, and that of others. ~John Gill

Increase — Greek, “advance”; literally, “strike forward”: an image from pioneers cutting away all obstacles before an advancing army. They pretend progress; the only kind of progress they make is to a greater pitch of impiety. ~Jamieson, Fausset, Brown

More ungodliness — Greek, “a greater degree of impiety.” ~Jamieson, Fausset, Brown

Note: Impiety: lack of piety; lack of reverence for God or sacred things; irreverence. Lack of dutifulness or respect.

Quotes on Piety and Impiety:

"Piety requires us to honor truth above our friends."

"Piety is not a goal but a means to attain through the purest peace of mind the highest culture."

"Paganism is infectious, more infectious than diphtheria or piety."

“Being kind to someone, only to look kind to others, defeats the purpose of being kind.”

Quote on Ungodliness:

“It is the most ungodly and dangerous business to abandon the certain and revealed will of God in order to search into the hidden mysteries of God [Gnosticism]”

back to the top