That is, the word that constitutes truth—the Scriptures (see on Eph. 1:13).

 Literally, “cutting straight.” The truths of the Bible must be rightly interpreted so that no part of the Scriptures will be set in opposition to the picture presented by the Bible as a whole. Each passage of Scripture must be given its true meaning even as every brick in the wall of a building must be in its proper place, or the whole wall suffers. In v. 14 Paul warns against “word battles,” an example of the improper use of Scripture. To cut the Bible straight suggests that every phase of truth must receive its proper emphasis. Irrelevancies and secondary issues are to be subordinated to the principles that actually prepare men to conquer sin and enable them to live triumphantly in Christ.

 Since Paul himself was a tentmaker (see on Acts 18:3), he well knew how important it was for a workman to labor so efficiently that he need not be “ashamed” of his efforts.

The Christian worker must be known by all for his unsullied life and cheerful mastery of the various problems of life.

Gr. paristēmi, “to place beside,” “to present.” While the Christian is working with and for his fellow men he must ever remember that the eyes of God are upon him. It is God whom the Christian must ultimately satisfy.

 Gr. spoudazō, “to hasten,” “to exert one’s self,” “to be diligent,” also translated “endeavour” (Eph. 4:3; 1 Thess. 2:17; 2 Peter 1:15), “diligence” (2 Tim. 4:9; Titus 3:12; 2 Peter 1:10), “let us labour” (Heb. 4:11). Paul reminds Timothy that only an earnest, diligent minister can rightly represent his Lord and fulfill the weighty task entrusted to him.