“For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, without love for what is good, traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3:2-4 HCSB).
This portion of Scripture contains some additional fast-paced descriptions of the qualities that characterize the last-days…
- Despisers of those that are good. Like many things, the meaning and application of a word largely depends upon how you define it. For instance, those who define “good” as “what’s best for me,” typically exclude what is good for others. If we link that definition with those who are “lovers of self” (a characteristic also found in the Scripture quoted above), it is easy to become someone who is a “despiser of those who are good.”
- Treacherous (ESV) or traitors. This word describes those who are willing to sell others out in order to gain a personal advantage. It is also significant to note that the word translated “traitor” here in 2 Timothy 3:4 is the same word used to describe Judas in Luke 6:16.
- Reckless, rash (NIV), or headstrong (NKJV). The Living Bible paraphrase of this passage employs the word “hotheaded” to identify this quality. A person who fits this description might be someone who acts impulsively or makes imprudent decisions without regard for the advice or counsel of others.
- Conceited or haughty (NKJV). Much like the alternative definitions for “lovers of self” mentioned earlier, we can use descriptive terms like self-centered, vain, egotistical, or narcissistic to characterize these individuals.
- Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. This can refer to the existence of a prevailing, “if it feels good, do it” attitude among those who hold little interest in fulfilling God’s objectives for humanity. One commentary expands upon this characteristic with some important observations…
“Why is it so tempting to ‘love pleasure rather than God’? Pleasure is something we can control; God cannot be controlled. Most pleasures can be obtained easily; love for God requires effort and sometimes sacrifice. Pleasure benefits us now; the benefits of loving God are often in the future. Pleasure has a narcotic effect; it takes our minds off ourselves and our problems. Love for God reminds us of our needs and our responsibilities. Pleasure cooperates with pride. It makes us feel good when we look good in the eyes of others. To love God we must lay aside our pride and our accomplishments.” (1)
(1) Life Application Study Bible [2 Timothy 3:4] Copyright © 1988, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1996, 2004 by Tyndale House Publishers Inc., all rights reserved.