Definition: But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself [rather] unto godliness.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Timothy 4:7 together. It’s a really important one about living a good life! Here's what it means in simple terms: “But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself [rather] unto godliness.” Let’s go through each part: "But refuse profane..." - This is the first part. “Profane” means something that is dirty, impure, or sinful. It's like a stain or a mark of negativity. So, it's rejecting things that are bad for your soul. "...and old wives’ fables..." – "Old wives’ fables" are stories passed down through generations, often with superstitious beliefs and nonsense. They don’t have any real basis in truth or God’s word. Think of them as outdated and incorrect ideas. "...and exercise thyself [rather] unto godliness." – This is the core of the verse. “Exercise” means to do something, and “godliness” refers to living a righteous, moral, and holy life. So, this means actively trying to live in a way that pleases God. It's about being good, faithful, and following His will. Putting it all together: The verse is telling us to actively avoid things that are harmful – things that pollute your spirit, stories based on superstition, and a lack of devotion to God. It’s asking you to do something – to live a life that honors God – rather than just passively existing. Why is this important? This verse is often seen as a call to focus on spiritual matters – things like prayer, reading the Bible, and being honest with yourself. It's about making choices that align with God’s will for your life. It’s about striving to be a good person, to live in accordance with His principles, and to seek a relationship with Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Give you some examples of things that would be considered "profane" or "old wives’ fables"? Discuss how this verse relates to other parts of the Bible?