Jamieson, Fausset and Brown on 2 Timothy 2:14

14. them--those over whom thou dost preside (Tit 3:1).

charging--Greek, "testifying continually": "adjuring them."

before the Lord--(1Ti 5:21).

that they strive not about words--rather, "strive with words": "not to have a (mere) war of words" (2Ti 2:23, 24; 1Ti 6:4) where the most vital matters are at stake (2Ti 2:17, 18; Ac 18:15). The oldest manuscripts put a stop at "charging them before the Lord" (which clause is thus connected with "put them in remembrance") and read the imperative, "Strive not thou in words," &c.

to no profit--not qualifying "words"; but Greek neuter, in apposition with "strive in words," "(a thing tending) to no profit," literally, "profitable for nothing"; the opposite of "meet for the master's use" (2Ti 2:21).

to the subverting--sure to subvert (overturn) the hearers: the opposite of "edifying" (building up) (2Co 13:10).