Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Timothy 3:4

"traitors, headstrong, puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God;" — 2 Timothy 3:4 (ASV)

Traitors. This word is used in the New Testament only here and in Luke 6:16 and Acts 7:52. It means anyone who betrays—whether it is a friend or their country. Treason has been in all ages regarded as one of the worst crimes that a person can commit.

Heady. The same word in Acts 19:36 is rendered rashly. It occurs only there and in this place in the New Testament. It properly means falling forwards; prone, inclined, ready to do anything; then precipitate, headlong, rash. It is opposed to what is deliberate and calm. Here it means that people would be ready to do anything without deliberation or concern for the consequences. They would engage in enterprises that would only disturb society or prove their own ruin.

High-minded. Literally, puffed up. In 1 Timothy 3:6, the same word is rendered lifted up with pride. The meaning is that they would be inflated with pride or self-conceit.

Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God. This refers to sensual pleasures or vain amusements.

This has been, and is, the characteristic of a great part of the world, and has often distinguished even many who profess religion.

It may be said of a large portion of humankind that this is their characteristic: they live for pleasure. They have no serious pursuits; they tolerate no restraints that interfere with their amusements. Furthermore, they greatly prefer the pleasures found in frivolous social gatherings, in the ballroom, or in places of low dissipation, to the friendship of their Creator.