2 Timothy 2:14 says, “Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers.” This would include idle words and gossip. Both are futile and empty because they lack substance. They tear down instead of build up. Verse 23 says, “But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.”

Proverbs 16:24 says, “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.” Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”

We gain wisdom and understanding for righteous speech from God’s word alone. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Diligent means to exert oneself, make every effort, be zealous, strain every nerve, and further the cause assiduously. It involves thinking, acting, planning, and producing. We read through our Bible for understanding to implement personal application.