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1
Avoid Worthless Myths
Paul instructs Timothy to "refuse" what commentators describe as "profane and old wives' fables." Scholars identify these not as necessarily blasphemous, but as silly, non-religious stories, likely referring to complex Jewish legends or early Gnostic myths. The instruction is to actively reject and not waste time on spiritual theories that are distracting and unhelpful for a life of faith.
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Book Overview
1 Timothy
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Commentaries
7
Albert Barnes
On 1 Timothy 4:7
18th Century
Theologian
But refuse. That is, refuse to pay attention to them, or reject them. Do not consider them of sufficient importance to occupy your time.
AT Robertson
On 1 Timothy 4:7
Refuse (παραιτου). Present middle imperative second person singular of παραιτεω, old verb, to ask of one and then to beg off from …
Charles Ellicott
On 1 Timothy 4:7
19th Century
Bishop
But refuse profane and old wives’ fables.—Here Timothy, who was previously (see 1 Timothy 4:1–6) warned again…
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Expositor's Bible Commentary
On 1 Timothy 4:7
Timothy is to avoid “godless myths” and tall “tales” such as elderly women love to tell children. That is the way Paul describes the Jewish legends…
John Calvin
On 1 Timothy 4:7
16th Century
Theologian
Exercise thyself to godliness. After instructing him about doctrine and what it should be, he now also admonishes him about the kind of ex…
John Gill
On 1 Timothy 4:7
17th Century
Pastor
But refuse profane and old wives' fables
Either Jewish ones, the traditions of the elders; or those of the Gnostics,…
Matthew Henry
On 1 Timothy 4:6–10
17th Century
Minister
Outward acts of self-denial benefit little. What will it benefit us to mortify the body, if we do not mortify sin? No diligence in mere outward thi…