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2 Timothy 2:14
Of these things putthem in remembrance, chargingthem before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit,but to the subverting of the hearers.

1 Timothy 4:7
But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyselfrather unto godliness.

1 Timothy 6:20
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profaneand vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:

for.

2 Timothy 3:13
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

Ezra 10:10
And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed, and have taken strange wives, to increase the trespass of Israel.

Hosea 12:1
Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.

which will only lead to more ungodliness
Paul warns that engaging in such conversations can result in increased ungodliness. This reflects the biblical principle that bad company corrupts good character, as stated in1 Corinthians 15:33. The progression from idle talk to ungodliness highlights the slippery slope of moral decay when one entertains or participates in discussions that do not honor God. Historically, the early church faced challenges from Gnostic teachings and other heresies, which often began with seemingly harmless discussions but led to significant doctrinal errors. This warning serves as a reminder of the importance of guarding one's heart and mind, as echoed inPhilippians 4:8, which encourages believers to focus on what is true, noble, and pure.

Paul’s opening words are a clear command. “Avoid” is not a suggestion; it calls Timothy—and us—to take deliberate steps away from something that threatens spiritual health.

•2 Timothy 2:14 has just warned against “quarreling about words,” so the context shows that verbal disputes were already harming the church.

•Titus 3:9 echoes the same tone: “But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.”

• By pairing “avoid” with these examples, Scripture shows that separation can be an act of obedience, protecting both personal holiness and the unity of the body.

“Irreverent” points to anything that treats the holy as common or lightly. God’s name, truth, and people must be handled with awe.

•1 Timothy 6:20 urges, “O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid profane, empty chatter…”—linking irreverence with a failure to guard truth.

•1 Peter 1:15-16 reminds believers, “But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” Respect for God must overflow into speech.

• When speech loses reverence, it invites a slow hardening of the heart toward sin.

“Empty” (or “fruitless”) chatter is talk that sounds clever or entertaining but produces no spiritual benefit.

Consider its marks:

• It centers on speculation rather than revelation (1 Timothy 1:4).

• It majors on human opinion, not divine truth (Colossians 2:8).

• It drains time and attention that ought to go to edifying words (Ephesians 4:29).

Instead, believers are called to words that build up: “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking… but rather thanksgiving” (Ephesians 5:4).

Useless words are never neutral; they nudge hearts in a direction—toward either godliness or ungodliness.

•1 Corinthians 15:33 warns, “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” The same principle applies to bad conversation.

•Proverbs 10:19 observes, “When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.”

• Paul immediately illustrates the danger: “Their teaching will spread like gangrene” (2 Timothy 2:17), naming Hymenaeus and Philetus, whose talk had already “overturned the faith of some” (v. 18).

Left unchecked, irreverent talk multiplies error, breeds division, and dulls sensitivity to sin.

2 Timothy 2:16 commands a deliberate turning away from speech that treats sacred things lightly and produces no spiritual fruit. Such talk is not harmless; it accelerates moral decay, both in speakers and hearers. Guarding our words, therefore, is an essential part of guarding the gospel and nurturing personal holiness.

For they will increase unto more ungodliness.--Better translated,for they will advance unto . . . The tendency of these useless discussions and idle disputes is to lead men into vain and profitless speculations, which end too often--as in the case, cited below, of Hymenaeus and Philetus--in the most fatal doctrinal error. The close connection between grave fundamental errors in doctrine and a lax and purely selfish life is constantly alluded to by St. Paul.