Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.

Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.

Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.
2 Timothy 2:14,16, 23 (NIV)

Wendy and I peruse the news each morning over coffee and breakfast. Along with reading the articles, Wendy will often peruse the comments from readers that follow the online article. This regularly leads to her sharing with me some of the more ridiculous comments people make. In rare cases, the comments become a rabbit hole we fall into.

Not once have I found it profitable to fall down that rabbit hole.

I love that I live in place where free speech is a foundational right. I have also learned along life’s road that wherever you find freedom you will also find indulgence. Freedom always comes with responsibility.

Paul writes today’s chapter from the antithesis of freedom. He is chained in a Roman dungeon. I find it fascinating therefore his final instructions to Timothy return three times to being careful with his investment of words. Paul reminds Timothy to avoid unprofitable “quarreling,” “chatter,” and “foolish and stupid arguments.” Paul tells Timothy “they are of no value.”

The further I progress on this earthly journey the more I find myself discerning what I really care about, what I find worthwhile, and those things that are worth the investment of my time, energy, and resources.

Words have value. They take time. They are an investment.

I don’t want to waste my words. I don’t want to waste my time on words that have little or no value for me or anyone else.

Thanks for investing in reading/listening to these words.

If you know anyone who might be encouraged by today’s post, please share.