Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness;
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to glance over the "silly myths" part, but Paul's point is that these aren't just harmless stories; they're irreverent, actively pulling us away from what's truly holy. The contrast isn't between good stories and bad stories, but between divine truth and trivial distractions that sap our spiritual energy.
Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness;
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is instructing Timothy on how to lead the church in Ephesus, emphasizing sound doctrine and godly living. Before this, he warns against false teachers promoting ascetic lifestyles and meaningless regulations. Immediately after, he highlights that denying worldly desires and training in godliness is far more profitable for both present life and the life to come.
Paul kicks off this instruction with a sharp command: steer clear of certain kinds of talk. What makes a story 'irreverent and silly' enough to be rejected?
The Danger of Empty Tales
The apostle Paul uses strong language here, calling for believers to "have nothing to do with" what he terms "irreverent, silly myths." This isn't just about avoiding harmless fables. In the context of 1 Timothy, Paul is addressing false teachings that were creeping into the early church, likely a mix of Jewish legalism and Gnostic-like ideas that focused on "knowledge" without true transformation.
These myths were dangerous because they:
Paul's command is clear: we must be discerning about the 'stories' we entertain, ensuring they align with truth and build us up, rather than leading us astray.
After demanding we reject the trivial, Paul offers a powerful alternative. It's not passive; it's an active pursuit requiring serious effort. What does it truly mean to 'train' for godliness?
Godliness as an Active Pursuit
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The second part of the verse is a call to action: "Rather train yourself for godliness." The Greek word used here is related to exercise or training, similar to how an athlete prepares for competition. This isn't about earning salvation, but about actively cultivating a life that reflects God's character.
What Does This Training Involve?
This training is a lifelong process, a continuous effort to become more like Christ. It requires discipline, perseverance, and a deep reliance on God's power.
Understand the original words
bebēlos · Greek Adjective
Literally 'profane' or 'godless'; refers to things that lack holy reverence and have no place in the life of a believer.
eusebeia · Greek Noun
Refers to the state of being devoted to God, characterized by a character and conduct that honors Him. It is the practical outworking of one's relationship with God.
This passage warns against being detracted by Jewish myths, echoing Paul's caution in Timothy about worthless stories that distract from truth.
2 Timothy 2:23Here, Paul advises Timothy to avoid foolish controversies, directly aligning with the 'irreverent, silly myths' mentioned in our verse, urging focus on healthier spiritual pursuits.
Hebrews 12:1This verse speaks of 'running with endurance the race that is set before us,' which parallels the idea of 'training yourself for godliness' by highlighting the persistent effort required in the Christian life.
1 Corinthians 9:25Paul uses the analogy of athletes training rigorously for a perishable crown, which powerfully illustrates the intense discipline and self-control needed for the 'training for godliness' that Timothy is encouraged to pursue.
It's easy to glance over the "silly myths" part, but Paul's point is that these aren't just harmless stories; they're irreverent, actively pulling us away from what's truly holy. The contrast isn't between good stories and bad stories, but between divine truth and trivial distractions that sap our spiritual energy.
Paul is instructing Timothy on how to lead the church in Ephesus, emphasizing sound doctrine and godly living. Before this, he warns against false teachers promoting ascetic lifestyles and meaningless regulations. Immediately after, he highlights that denying worldly desires and training in godliness is far more profitable for both present life and the life to come.
Paul is instructing Timothy on how to lead the church in Ephesus, emphasizing sound doctrine and godly living. Before this, he warns against false teachers promoting ascetic lifestyles and meaningless regulations. Immediately after, he highlights that denying worldly desires and training in godliness is far more profitable for both present life and the life to come.
"Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness;" — It's easy to glance over the "silly myths" part, but Paul's point is that these aren't just harmless stories; they're irreverent, actively pulling us away from what's truly holy. The contrast isn't…
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Last reviewed October 2026