4:15

Ponder over: Or “Meditate on.” Paul here emphasizes the importance of meditation. These things may refer to Paul’s counsel in the preceding verses about Timothy’s conduct, ministry, and teaching (1Ti 4:12-14), or they may refer to the letter as a whole. The Hebrew Scriptures likewise highlight how important it is for servants of Jehovah to think deeply about their actions and their relationship with God. (Ps 1:2 and ftn.; 63:6; 77:12; 143:5) For example, at Jos 1:8, Jehovah tells Joshua regarding the “book of the Law”: “You must read it in an undertone [or, “meditate on it,” ftn.] day and night.” The Hebrew verb used in that verse includes the idea of reading at a pace that allows for deep reflection. In that verse, the Greek Septuagint uses the same verb that Paul uses here at 1Ti 4:15. Like Joshua, Timothy needed to continue to meditate on the Scriptures daily in order to keep growing spiritually and become more effective in his assignment.

be absorbed in them: Lit., “be in them.” This expression conveys the idea of being immersed in an activity. Regarding this, one reference work says: “The mind is to be as immersed in these pursuits as the body in the air it breathes.”

so that your advancement may be plainly seen by all people: Paul wants Timothy to continue to make spiritual progress in the ways he has just described. Those who saw Timothy’s advancement would be motivated by his example, and their confidence in him would increase. (1Ti 4:12-16) His motive would be, not to promote himself or to impress others, but to help the congregation.​—Ro 12:3; 1Co 4:7; 13:4.