2:14–21 · Why to resist false teachers: Their influence is corrupting:Paul continues his discussion from 2:2 about how to train leaders. It is they especially who must learn that “quarreling about words” will only bring ruin to “those who listen.” The warning against quarrelsomeness is important. Paul does not want his militant call (“wage the noble warfare” [1 Tim. 1:18; NIV “fight the battle well”], “no one serving as a soldier” [2:4]) to be taken the wrong way.

By contrast with those who distract with “quarreling about words” (2:14) and “godless chatter” (2:16), and those who confuse with error (2:18), Timothy is to show competence as one who “correctly handles the word of truth” (2:15). The only other places this verb occurs in the Bible are in the Septuagint at Proverbs 3:6 and 11:5…