Marsha's Musings: Profane & Old Wives Tales~How to Respond

My Quiet Time

If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. These things command and teach. (I Timothy 4:6-11 NKJV)

Paul is giving instruction to Timothy, a pastor in one of the churches.  He exhorts him to instruct his congregation in the things that have been previously discussed in this letter and he encourages him to be nourished in the good doctrine and faith that he has followed so far.  Then he says something that makes me sit up and take notice.

He says, "Reject profane and old wive's fables and exercise yourself toward godliness."   Could it be that there is nothing new in the church?  Did they have trouble with women in the church back then stirring up trouble, spreading gossip about the church leadership, the pastor or others in the congregation?  I venture a guess that they did.  Why else would Paul have reason to tell Timothy to reject profane and old wives fables?  He addresses the problem with women because they predominatly have trouble with their tongues, but beware, men can be just as bad.

Basically, I think he is saying, "Pay no attention to what they say.  Just pay attention to your own conduct and exercise yourself to godliness."  Wise words.  If we are living a godly life, eventually, others will come to see that and realize that what these women have to say is false.  Let them hang themselves with their own words and actions.

Paul brings Timothy back to reality....he is going to labor and suffer reproach for His trust in the Living God.  Sad that it has to often happen at the hands of those who profess to be Christians and are members of the church.

Yet, to know that they had the same problems in the church then as we do now is a comfort.  God's Word is relevant to our lives. He knows what goes on in the church and gives instruction on how to respond.