These verses start with “All scripture”, but what is “All scripture”? Paul and other New Testament believers had the Old Testament as their scriptures. “All” as it is used here in the Greek means “every”. It is given by inspiration of God and that translated literally means “God-breathed”.

Just as God breathed life into man, it is said that the scriptures were breathed into man by the Holy Spirit to be written. Jesus quoted the Old Testament scriptures and bore witness to their authenticity.

This means that the scriptures were written with a divine quality and that they were not interpreted by the writers.

The Bible is profitable for “doctrine” means that we can learn it and believe it, trusting in the One who gave the Word.

The Bible is profitable for “reproof” meaning that  it reproves our wrong ways of thinking, believing and acting. Next, the scripture says it is profitable for “correction”. Reproof and correction go hand-in-hand. This “correction” can be translated to mean “conviction” or “evidence”. So in convicting us of our wrongdoing, does it provide evidence against us or for us? Perhaps both! In providing evidence that we have violated God’s law, the Bible also qualifies us as forgiven and righteous by the perfection of the law in Christ Jesus. By giving us not just the problem, but also the solution, we are able to apply what we learn and correct our way of thinking.

The scriptures then go on to say “for instruction in righteousness”.  This is not to mean just “instruction” or “teaching” but also discipline. It takes discipline to build character, courage and good habits. The word used here for discipline, “paideian”, means “training through correction” which is different than “paideuō” used elsewhere in the New Testament which means “training through punishment”.

If we read the Bible without the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, we are liable to see judgment and punishment when God wants us to see mercy and grace.

You see, the Bible is not about training us through punishment. It is about raining us in the ways to live rightly by educating us.

Righteousness used here is not particularly about living a moral and ethical way, but specifically in belonging to God and submitting yourself under his Lordship.

You are righteous because He is your God, He is your Lord and you are His child.

“that the man of God may be perfect” refers to something suitable, usable or capable. While most people see “perfect” and think of “perfection”, I think you would be hard-pressed to find any Christian that feels they are “perfect” or even close to it.

Therefore, let’s just accept that maybe this scripture is referring to the “man of God” being made suitable, usable and capable.

When we know the scriptures and know God’s Word, we are suitable, usable and capable of doing the will of God, whatever that may be.

None of us remember as many scriptures as we would like to, and it certainly takes practice to keep them fresh in our minds. Don’t judge yourself to be unworthy or incapable of doing what God has called you to do. He will always make a way for you when you step out in faith and are doing His will.

The scripture goes on to say, “throughly furnished unto all good works”.

We are fully equipped with everything we need when we are sent out to do God’s work.

He is faithful and we must remember to have faith in ourselves as well. Not that we are capable of doing His will on our own, but we realize that we are never “on our own” because He is with us and in us, and His Spirit empowers us for every good work.