Jamieson, Fausset & Brown

Flee--There are many lusts from which our greatest safety is in flight (Gen 39:12). Avoid occasions of sin. From the abstemious character of Timothy (Ti1 5:23) it is likely that not animal indulgences, but the impetuosity, rash self-confidence, hastiness, strife, and vainglory of young men (Jo1 2:14-16), are what he is here warned against: though the Spirit probably intended the warning to include both in its application to the Church in general. also--Greek, "But"; in contrast to "every good work," Ti2 2:21. youthful--Timothy was a youth (Ti1 4:12). righteousness--the opposite of "iniquity," that is, unrighteousness (Ti2 2:19; compare Ti1 6:11). peace, with, &c.--rather, put no comma, "peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart" (Ti1 1:5; Eph 6:5; Col 3:22). We are to love all men, but it is not possible to be at peace with all men, for this needs community of purpose and opinion; they alone who call on the Lord sincerely (as contrasted with the false teachers who had only the form of godliness, Ti2 3:5, Ti2 3:8; Tit 1:15-16) have this community [THEODORET]. (Rom 12:18).