All students of the writings of Paul know of his great propensity to deal with contrasts. For example, this is easily seen in his many "not - but" verses. No greater usage of contrasts is found than in the verses of our text. However, we often quote verse 15, leaving verse 16 as sort of a "fly over" verse, when in fact as we look at it, point by point, there are direct opposites to what he says in verse 15, serving to make tht verse even stronger. Let us consider these strong contrasts.

First, in verse 15 he uses the word "study" (KJV), or as the later versions have it, "give diligence." But for a "one word" comparison, let us use the word "study." It means "to exert one's self, endeavor ..." (Thayer). The idea is one of diligent application. Then notice the contrasting word in verse 16 - "shun." The word originally meant to "place around; stand around," thus turning one's self about for the purpose of avoiding a thing. And so we immediately see one of Paul's great contrasts.

Then note in verse 15 the thing to be studied is "the word of truth." Here is God's word; the truth (cf. John 17:17). And so the thing we are to give diligence to, or study, is God's word. It is to be "rightly divided," from a term which means to "cut straight; to hold a straight course." The meaning is not to divide scripture from scripture, but rather to teach the scriptures accurately. Then over against this in verse 16 we have the contrast - "profane and vain babblings." "Profane" originally denoted a threshold, hence that which may be trodden upon. It is in direct contrast to that which is "holy." Moses once stood on "holy ground" (Exo. 3:5). Unlike the "word of truth," these are nothing but "vain babblings."

Next we note the reason given by Paul for these admonitions; there is his "because" that we need to look at. Why study the "word of truth?" Because it makes us "approved unto God." Then standing in opposition to this we need to see what giving attention to profane and vain babblings will produce. Note the last part of verse 16 - giving attention to these will do nothing but "increase unto more ungodliness."

Be assured, when you give diligence to the word of truth you will never have cause for shame! But see also the term "workman;" i.e. one must work at coming to this condition! But when one gives himself over to the profane and vain babblings of men, he himself can become nothing but a vain babbler!

God has preserved his word for us; he ha given us the intelligence of mind to "rightly divide" that word. When we view it against a background of some "church theology," we will never truly come to understand and appreciate it. But when we separate it from such, as well as any proconceived notions we may have about it, we will both understand it and become what God wants us to be.

James encourages his readers to "receive with meekness the engrafted word which is able to save your souls" (1:21), and as we note the first part of this verse, he like Paul, sets forth a great contrast. We urge the reader to consider this verse along with the one of our text. - Bill Moseley