II Timothy 2:14-26  Three times in this section of his letter Paul writes about the use of words..

V14 ".. solemnly charge them (the people) not to wrangle about words.. " 

V16 "... avoid worldly and empty chatter.. "

V23 "But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations..."

And perhaps we can add v24 that speaks of how the Lord's "bond-servant must not be quarrelsome."

In contrast, Paul tells Timothy to  "be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth." ( v15)   Other translations say, "study" or "do your best".. " rightly dividing the word of truth".  The meaning is clear.. we need to make every effort to know and speak the Word of God accurately.. we must cut straight to the Truth.. and nothing but the Truth!

Where worldly chatter and speculations, etc.. cause quarrels and "ruin the hearers".. leading people astray.. the Word of God, in truth, is a firm foundation... " having this seal, 'The Lord knows those who are His.' and 'Let everyone who names the name of the Lord abstain from wickedness.' " ( v19) 

Paul makes an interesting analogy in verses 20-21  There are many vessels.. containers in a house.. some are gold and silver.. of great value and used with great honor.  But, some are wood or clay.. perhaps used for less honorable purposes. Paul says, "Therefore, if a man cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful for the Master, prepared for every good work." 

The walk of faith, we are reminded here, is anything but natural.. it will not come without effort.. without diligently studying and applying the Truth.. God's Word.  We must be cleansed.. purified.. of every false teaching and wrong speculations.. we must stand firmly on the Truth. As God's vessels we are to be pure.. sanctified.. holy.. and then we will be useful and not ashamed... but honorable.

The Truth of God's Word will also prepare us for what God desires for us.. "righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." ( v22)  This is what we are to pursue in our lives.  We are also to be "kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition.. " (v24-25)  As God's Word and Spirit shape our lives.. our character.. our thinking.. the ultimate purpose is possible..  we may help others find Christ.. " .. .if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth.."  

Father in heaven, we desire to be fully cleansed from all unrighteousness.. in our hearts.. in our thoughts.. in our actions. Fill us with Your righteousness, with faith and love and peace.. in Christ Jesus. Let the character of Christ be formed in all of us who call on Your Name.  We are Yours. Have Your way in us we pray. May we be vessels that honor You .  May we be useful for helping others come to Christ in repentance and truth.  In Jesus' name. Amen.