Paul says all Scripture is breathed out by God in 2 Timothy 3:16. He lists its uses as teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. He adds that Scripture equips the man of God for every good work in 2 Timothy 3:17.
In 2 Timothy 3:16–17, the writer describes what Scripture is like and what it is good for. Scripture is presented as coming from God and as useful for shaping people through teaching, exposing wrong, setting things straight, and training a life aligned with what is right. These verses sit inside a larger appeal to remain steady amid corrupt influences and unreliable teaching. Just before this, Timothy is urged to continue in what he has learned and to remember the sacred writings he has known from childhood (3:14–15).
This passage treats “Scripture” as carrying a God-given quality (“inspired by God”) and, because of that, as useful in concrete ways. The usefulness is not only about giving information; it has a shaping function: it teaches, exposes what is wrong, corrects what has gone off course, and trains people in a way of life aligned with what is right.
A careful answer keeps the immediate passage, the book's argument, and the whole-Bible storyline together, so the question is answered in context instead of as a detached idea.
Start with 2 Timothy 3:16, then read the surrounding section so the answer stays connected to the passage's flow.
16Every scripture inspired by God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness,