Words are a means of communication between persons.
As much as words may seem necessary for communication, it does not necessarily mean that there will be clarity and understanding.
In fact, there are times when words are used to confuse and to contort meaning.
In the gospel, the scribe asked Jesus which is the first of all the commandments.
However, the scribe should know better, as he would be familiar with the commandments.
Probably there was some motive in asking Jesus that question.
But Jesus gave a reply that made the scribe see the truth and the clarity of what the commandments mean.
In the 1st reading, St. Paul warns of the wrangling about words that leads to the destruction of those who are listening.
St. Paul urges Timothy to present himself before God as a man who has come through his trials, and a man who has no cause to be ashamed of his life’s work and has kept a straight course with the message of truth.
When we do likewise, we too will not be far from the kingdom of God.