But reject irreverent, silly myths. Instead, train yourself for godliness.
But refuse profane and old wives' fables,.... Either Jewish ones, the traditions of the elders; or those of the Gnostics, concerning God, angels, and the creation of the world; or those doctrines of demons, and which forbad marriage, and commanded abstinence from meats before mentioned; which are called profane, because impious and ungodly, and old wives' fables, because foolish and impertinent; and which were to...
Verse 7. But refuse. That is, refuse to pay attention to them, or reject them. Do not consider them of sufficient importance to occupy your time. Profane. The word here used does not mean that the fables here referred to were blasphemous or impious in their character, but that they had not the character of true religion, . And old wive's.
But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself [rather] unto godliness. (10) He contrasts again true doctrine not only with the false and apostate doctrine, but also with all vain and curious wiles. (11) It is not only necessary that the minister of the word be sound in doctrine, but also that his life is godly and religious. (g) In the true serving of God.