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2 Timothy 2:15
Diligent Handling of Scripture
2 Timothy 2:15
Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.
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Why it is worth knowing
- “Give diligence” (Greek: spoudazo): earnest, urgent diligence is required
- “Approved” suggests the image of a tested, certified artisan
- “Doesn’t need to be ashamed”: faithful work produces confidence before God
- “Properly handling the Word of Truth”, not twisting or distorting but cutting it straight
Where it sits: 2 Timothy 2:14-16
Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord that they don’t argue about words to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear. Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth. But shun empty chatter, for it will go further in ungodliness,
Hear the passage it sits in, sung word for word, on BibleDo's 2 Timothy page.
Background
Paul writes to Timothy as a young pastor navigating the difficult world of false teaching and controversy in the church. The word picture of “properly handling” (orthotomeo) means to cut a straight path: originally used of a road-builder cutting a straight line through terrain, or a craftsman cutting material to fit precisely. Paul’s contrast is with those who quarrel about words and engage in irreverent babble. The antidote is not clever argumentation but careful, honest handling of Scripture itself. This verse became the standard for evangelical preaching: expository, accurate, non-distorting.