Strive Not About Words…

2 Timothy 2:14…“Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God's presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.“

This command emphasizes the necessity to avoid “word fights.” The apostle Paul has much to say about this in other passages.

Ephesians 4:29

Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

Our words should be “wholesome words”

1 Timothy 6:3

Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life.

1 Corinthians 1:10

I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.

We are not to “give heed to fables and endless genealogies”

1 Timothy 1:4…Don't let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations,(Greek in myths and endless genealogies, which cause speculation.) which don't help people live a life of faith in God.

( Greeka stewardship of God in faith.)

but are to “refuse profane and old wives’ fables”

1 Timothy 4:7

Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives' tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly.

We are not to listen to “commandments of men, that turn from the truth

Titus 1:14

They must stop listening to Jewish myths and the commands of people who have turned away from the truth.

and we must “avoid foolish spiritual questions, and genealogies…Titus 3:9

Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees (Or spiritual genealogies.) or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time.

“knowing that it would start a quarrel”

2 Timothy 2:23

Again I say, don't get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights.

1 Timothy 6:4-5

Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions.5 These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.

Such a person is a “questionaholic.” Here is a short list of the biblical warnings about such fights.

It brings ill will toward others; wrangling; bickering.…It produces “railing” defamation or dishonour of others.…It encourages private plots to hurt.…It produces an incessant meddlesomeness.…It ends up rotting the intellect and robbing truth.…It equates personal gain with godliness.

May God protect us from those who are driven to strive “about words to no profit.”

May God increase our love for “acceptable words; and that which is written, upright, even words of truth”

Ecclesiastes 12:10 …The Teacher sought to find just the right words to express truths clearly.(Or sought to write what was upright and true.)