Out of the smoke came locusts upon the earth, and power was given to them, as the scorpions of the earth have power.

 Good morning. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workmen who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth. It is not something that happens naturally. You have to be diligent to do it. It is too easy to slack off - to let something get in the way. It is also easy to let down your standards when those around you disagree with the truth. It is not just unbelievers that don't want to hear the truth; it is also believers that don't want to hear it. So you let things slide to keep the peace. In the end you will become just like them. And of course you've got to want to know the truth; and sometimes the truth is not what you currently believe. But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene. That's hard to do especially at work. Even Christians let down their guard when they are with nonbelievers. They want to be accepted so they join in the conversation. We need to keep our mouths shut even if we agree with them. It won't just stop there – it will spread all over the place. And of course it will be noted that you agree with them. Paul was talking about two particular men: who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and thus they upset the faith of some. If it had been just those two men, it would not have spread. If someone who had known and could handle accurately the word of truth had spoken up, that person would have stopped it dead in its tracks. You cannot fight this kind of fire without the water of the word of truth. Father thank You that the reader handles accurately the word of truth. He/she does not participate in empty chatter; in fact he/she stops it dead in its tracks.