Then Paul warned Timothy in verse 14. “Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers.” When we go back to the first of the chapter, verse 3 says to endure hardship as a good soldier.

Then Paul used three analogies. A soldier, an athlete, and a farmer. Each spoke of diligence to remain focused, and not get caught up in distractions. 

Verse 16-17 says, “But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. And their message will spread like cancer.” The root to this is in verse 18. It says, “Who have strayed concerning the truth…and they overthrow the faith of some.”

As we read God’s word for understanding, the Holy Spirit will highlight the errors of our ways. He will bring to our mind areas where we have strayed from the truth. His aim is to get us back on target through course correction.