"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly." 2 Timothy 2:15-16 (NIV) The King James Version says "Study to show thyself approved unto God..."
These are the words of that prolific New Testament writer, the Apostle Paul, to his young protege in the ministry, Timothy. Paul was encouraging Timothy to diligently apply himself to the study of The Word of God. so that he would understand it, and be able to explain it to the people and thereby please The Lord. Paul told him to avoid idle conversation and arguments, and to kind and gentle as he teaches The Word of God. (2 Timothy 2:16 and 23-26)
Most of us do not read the Bible as often as we should. Studying The Word of God requires much more than just reading it. Study entails developing an appreciation for the context in which something was said or done, looking up the definition of words, and comparing the content of a verse with other Bible verses that address the same content. We all should read and study much more. Here Paul urges Timothy to study and to do his best to correctly present The Word of God. He told him not to be ashamed of his efforts but to be careful in the manner in which he speaks and teaches. We would all also do well to heed Paul's warning to avoid idle godless conversation. Jesus, The Christ said that we would be judged on every idle word that we speak. (Matthew 12:36) Christ also said that by our words we would be justified, and by our words we would be condemned. (Matthew 12:37) Much of what we say could be left unspoken, because it is not helpful, and it does not praise God or give Him glory. As servants of The Lord we are not to quarrel with others, we are to kindly tell them what The Lord says. (2 Timothy 2:23-26) It is the job and sanctifying work of The Holy Spirit to convict, convince, and convert them as He deems necessary. (2 Thessalonians 2:13 and 1 Peter 1:2) If they will not hear us, or listen to us, it is better for us to just walk away than to argue with them. (Mark 6:11) We should always be mindful of the fact that our behavior may be the only "Bible" that they will ever read.
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