and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness,
In these words the apostle comes to the chief thing intended in this epistle - to excite and engage them to advance in grace and holiness, they having already obtained precious faith, and been made partakers of the divine nature. This is a very good beginning, but it is not to be rested in, as if we were already perfect.
Commenting on 2 Peter 1:5-11
And to knowledge, temperance,.... Avoiding all excess in eating and drinking, and all impure and unclean lusts; for it signifies nothing what a man knows, or professes to know, if his life is a scene of intemperance and debauchery: this seems to be levelled against the followers or Simon Magus, who ascertained salvation to knowledge, though the life was ever so impure, Moreover, this may...
Verse 6. And to knowledge temperance. On the meaning of the word temperance, , and . The word here refers to the mastery over all our evil inclinations and appetites. We are to allow none of them to obtain control over us. . This would include, of course, abstinence from intoxicating drinks; but it would also embrace all evil passions and propensities.