1 Timothy 4:7

But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself [rather] unto godliness.

But {G1161} refuse {G3868} profane {G952} and {G2532} old wives {G1126}' fables {G3454}, and {G1161} exercise {G1128} thyself {G4572} rather unto {G4314} godliness {G2150}.

But refuse godless bubbe-meises, and exercise yourself in godliness.

But reject irreverent, silly myths. Instead, train yourself for godliness.

but refuse profane and old wives’ fables. And exercise thyself unto godliness:

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Timothy 4:7 KJV

The Apostle Paul, in his pastoral letter to young Timothy, provides crucial guidance for spiritual leadership and personal conduct. In 1 Timothy 4:7, he issues a clear directive: "But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself [rather] unto godliness." This verse serves as a powerful call to discernment and spiritual discipline, urging believers to reject empty distractions and actively pursue a life devoted to God.

Context

This verse is situated within a chapter where Paul addresses the rise of false teachers and erroneous doctrines that would emerge in "latter times" (1 Timothy 4:1). These false teachings often involved ascetic practices, such as forbidding marriage and abstaining from certain foods, which Paul condemns as contrary to God's good creation. Against this backdrop of spiritual deception, Paul instructs Timothy to focus on sound doctrine and personal spiritual growth. His exhortation to "refuse profane and old wives' fables" is a direct counter to the speculative and unedifying narratives propagated by these deceivers, similar to his earlier warning about fables and endless genealogies.

Key Themes

  • Rejection of Falsehood: Paul emphasizes the need to actively reject or "refuse" teachings that are not rooted in truth. These are described as "profane" (worldly, unholy) and "old wives' fables" (silly, superstitious, or mythological stories lacking spiritual value). This highlights the importance of discerning truth from error in Christian faith.
  • Pursuit of Godliness: The verse redirects energy from rejecting falsehood to actively pursuing true piety. "Godliness" (Greek: eusebeia) refers to a life of devotion, reverence, and practical holiness that stems from a right relationship with God. It encompasses both inner attitude and outward conduct.
  • Spiritual Discipline: The phrase "exercise thyself" comes from the Greek word gymnaze, from which we get "gymnasium." It implies rigorous training, discipline, and consistent effort, much like an athlete trains for physical fitness. This underscores that godliness is not passive but requires intentional and persistent spiritual practice.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Profane" (Greek: bebelos): This term signifies that which is unhallowed, common, or worldly, contrasting sharply with what is sacred or devoted to God. It suggests teachings that desecrate or cheapen spiritual truth.
  • "Old wives' fables" (Greek: mythous graōdeis): Literally "old womanish myths," this phrase refers to absurd, baseless, or childish stories. It implies teachings that are not only untrue but also foolish and unproductive for spiritual growth.
  • "Exercise thyself" (Greek: gymnaze): This powerful verb denotes intense, disciplined training. Just as physical exercise requires effort and consistency, so too does the pursuit of godliness demand deliberate spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, and obedience to God's Word.
  • "Godliness" (Greek: eusebeia): More than mere religiosity, eusebeia describes a deep, practical reverence for God that manifests in a life of integrity and devotion. It's a central theme in the Pastoral Epistles, representing the core of true Christian living.

Practical Application

This verse remains highly relevant for believers today. In an age saturated with information, misinformation, and various spiritual claims, the call to "refuse profane and old wives' fables" is a vital reminder to exercise discernment. We must guard against engaging with speculative theories, conspiracy myths, or unbiblical doctrines that distract from the core truths of the Gospel. Instead of wasting time on such distractions, Paul urges us to channel our energy into actively cultivating a life of true godliness and devotion. This involves consistent spiritual disciplines, such as studying God's Word, prayer, fellowship, and living out our faith in practical ways. Like an athlete training for a competition, the Christian is called to rigorous "exercise" in righteousness, knowing that while "bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things" (1 Timothy 4:8).

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Timothy 2:16 (16 votes)

    But shun profane [and] vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

  • 1 Timothy 1:4 (16 votes)

    Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: [so do].

  • Titus 2:12 (13 votes)

    Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

  • 2 Peter 1:5 (11 votes)

    ¶ And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

  • 2 Peter 1:8 (11 votes)

    For if these things be in you, and abound, they make [you that ye shall] neither [be] barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Titus 3:9 (8 votes)

    ¶ But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

  • 2 Timothy 2:23 (7 votes)

    But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.