Definition: And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Timothy 4:4. It’s a really important one about how people can misunderstand or reject God's message. Here’s a simplified explanation: What it means: This verse is saying that people are drifting away from understanding the real truth of God and are increasingly embracing false ideas and stories instead. It’s like they’re turning their ears away from the good things God offers them – wisdom, faith, and understanding. Let's unpack it further: “They shall turn away” : This means people are actively choosing not to listen or consider what God has revealed to them through scripture and his word. They’re resisting his guidance. “…their [their] ears” : This is a metaphor for the mind and our ability to understand truth. It's not just about hearing, but about truly comprehending it. “From the truth” : This refers to God’s message – his word, his plan, his love, and everything he wants us to know. It's about grasping what is real and true. “…and shall be turned unto fables” : This is the key part. “Fables” are stories or myths, often based on human imagination and not rooted in God’s truth. They’re often designed to entertain, but they don’t offer genuine understanding of reality. They're misleading and often contradict what we really know to be true. In short: The verse warns against a dangerous trend where people lose their ability to think critically and understand the real truth of God. It suggests a weakening of faith and a susceptibility to deceptive ideas. Why is this important? Paul wrote this in his letter to Timothy, urging him to be careful not to lose his own understanding. It’s a reminder that we need to constantly strive to seek God's guidance and truth through scripture and prayer. Does it mean we should give up? No! It doesn’t mean we should give up on believing in God or trying to understand him. Instead, it encourages us to be vigilant – to actively seek out the truth and resist being misled by false ideas. It's a call to maintain a strong and open mind towards God's word. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give an example of how this could happen in real life? Connect it to a specific biblical story or passage?