Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.
Summary: Paul’s choice of words becomes important as we push hard to better understand his meaning.
Now and then, we have to stop, pause, and ask, “What did Paul really say?”
Bible translators are often caught between a rock and a hard spot. If they provide a direct word-for-word translation of the Greek text, there is a good chance that the meaning of what was said will be lost. If, on the other hand, they attempt to capture the meaning of the original text, they have to take a risk and try to interpret what was intended.
When the NIV says “Be diligent in these matters,” we might well wonder what that means.
The Greek word Paul used is “meletaō.” This word can mean “revolve in the mind:—imagine, (pre-)meditate.”*
The King James Version of the Bible says it this way:
“Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.”
I honestly don’t know exactly what Paul meant to say; however, there is a clue in the Old Testament.
When Moses had died, and Joshua was left in charge of Israel, God spoke to Joshua and said:
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8)
Paul sounds like he is saying something very similar. He wants Timothy and us to take what he is giving us in his letter to Timothy, and keep turning it over in our minds. He wants us to understand the message and then apply it with our whole being.
In his letter to the church at Rome, Paul writes, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). If Timothy is diligent in these matters, if he gives himself wholly to them, there will be change. He will be transformed, and Paul wants everyone to see it.
Isn’t that a worthy goal for you and me, too?
Application: Continue to think about Paul’s letter to Timothy … constantly.
Food for Thought: What kinds of changes would you expect to see in Timothy or anyone else who follows Paul’s advice?
*”G3191 – meletaō – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (NIV).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 3 Jun, 2026. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3191/niv/mgnt/0-1/>.
What kinds of changes would you expect to see in Timothy or anyone else who follows Paul’s advice?
I would expect to see an ever increasing shift from self dependence to dependence on Christ and His Word. And I say this not to impugn Timothy or any follower of Christ that strives to make Christ the center of their life. I say this because we as people tend to have a frailty in faith, in that so many things can thwart it. Self-righteousness, self-condemnation, our emotions, our own sin, sins of others, our arrogance, our self identity…so many ways that we put ourselves at the center instead of Christ, trusting in ourselves instead of God. I know from my own personal walk with the Lord that it takes diligence and giving of oneself wholly to Christ in everything to keep oneself focused on Christ. Consistent reading and meditation of the Word, prayer, thanksgiving, and giving all our thoughts, hurts, and gratitude to Him.
So as we learn to take the focus off of ourselves and put our focus on Christ, He transforms our thinking, and thus our motives, and thus our actions. And the changes are that we love God more and put Him first more in our lives, and we love our neighbor as ourselves more. I think this becomes more and more evident in a person who holds to the truth of the Gospel of Christ. And, we can’t forget, abiding in the Spirit yields the fruit of the Spirit in our life. These too are changes in our character brought about by submission to the Spirit.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Thank you, Chris!
Very well said. Moving our focus from “self” to Christ changes everything!
What kinds of changes would you expect to see in Timothy or anyone else who follows Paul’s advice?
Philippians 1:6, Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
2 Peter 3:18, But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
1 Thessalonians 5:11, Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Seek the power of the Holy Spirit as your power, teacher, comforter and the source of understanding of Gods word, and He will lift each in knowledge and deeds as we grow in Christ.
Jesus Christ will heal our blindness, strengthen our weaknesses and embolden our timid nature as He will lift up as examples of God’s ways over our own,
Thank you, Ron.
Very well said!