Charles Spurgeon Commentary 2 Timothy 2:15

"Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth." — 2 Timothy 2:15 (ASV)

This is a metaphor taken from the action of the priest at the sacrifice. The priest cut up the bullock and then laid its different pieces according to order. Or, as some think, it is taken from the role of the father at the table, when he carves the meat and gives each child their portion.

Old Master Trapp says, "There are some ministers who are only fit to be Gibeonites and certainly not to be Levites, because they hardly understand the cutting of wood, much less the art of cutting up the sacrifice of God." Brothers, it is good to handle the word so that we are able to give rebuke when rebuke is needed, exhortation when it is needed, and comfort when consolation is required, because otherwise we cause harm. As it is said in the old fable of the simpleton, that he gave the donkey a bone and the dog hay, so there are some who give wrong exhortations, not because they are wrong in themselves, but because they are wrong in their application.