I Timothy 4:7
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But reject irreverent, silly myths. Instead, train yourself for godliness.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
refuse--reject, avoid, have nothing to do with (Ti2 2:23; Tit 3:10). old wives' fables--anile myths (Ti1 1:4, Ti1 1:9; Tit 1:14). They are "profane," because leading away from "godliness" or "piety" (Ti1 1:4-7; Ti1 6:20; Ti2 2:16; Tit 1:1-2). exercise thyself--literally, "exercise thyself" as one undergoing training in a gymnasium. Let thy self-discipline be not in ascetical exercises as the false teachers (Ti1 4:3, Ti1 4:8; compare Ti2 2:22-23; Heb 5:14; Heb 12:11), but with a view to godliness or "piety" (Ti1 6:11-12).
Open source ↗Paul here foretels, I. A dreadful apostasy (Ti1 4:1-3). II. He treats of Christian liberty (Ti1 4:4, Ti1 4:5). III. He gives Timothy divers directions with respect to himself, his doctrine, and the people under his care (Ti1 4:6 to the end)
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness,
It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age,
or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than the stewardship of God’s work, which is by faith.
But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.
But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.
But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling.
In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man.
So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid irreverent, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of so-called “knowledge,”