1 Timoteo 4:7

Ver. 7. But (expressive of a contrast to the things just mentioned and proper to be done) the profane and old wives' fables avoid παραιτοῦ, turn aside from, shun. He gives no further description of them, nor indicates why he reckoned them profane, and such as were hatched in the brains of old wives, rather than of some other classes that might be thought of But the use of the article seems to imply that he referred to things familiarly known, or perhaps to things noticed near the beginning of the epistle (1 Timoteo 1:4), under the name of “fables and endless genealogies.

” We can scarcely doubt, indeed, that the fables spoken of were the same in both passages, especially as in the earlier passage they are represented as being at the time so much in vogue, that Timothy required to be on his guard against them. They were, as formerly noted, chiefly Jewish fables, but not improbably mixed with certain things also of Gentile origin, or such as were at least in spirit more allied to heathen than to properly Jewish teaching.

The epithets profane and anile (old-wifish) designate them as in their character or tendency frivolous, foolish, and even ungodly; hence quite undeserving of the time and labour which some appear to have bestowed upon them.

And rather exercise thyself unto godliness. The δὲ may fitly enough be rendered by and rather, marking at once a connection and a contrast with the preceding; so that the rather should be printed as part of the proper text. The verb (γύμναζε) pointing to the athletic exercises so common in ancient times, especially among the Greeks, implies that the εὐσέβεια, the work of practical piety or godliness, requires, when properly cultivated, the full bent and strenuous application of the mind.

It was that Timothy might be able to give this to what was really worthy of it, and could not be adequately promoted without it, that the apostle urged him to discard the senseless and disputatious fables which were likely to solicit his attention. It is needless to say that there are many things still, different indeed in form, but essentially alike in nature and tendency, which are ever apt to draw off the regard, especially of the youthful pastor, from what ought to be his main business. The spirit of Paul himself the spirit of concentrated, earnest striving in the work of the Lord is the right one, and that which alone can achieve great results: “This one thing I do.”