4:7 {10} But refuse profane and old wives' fables, {11} and exercise thyself [rather] unto {g} 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.
4:7 Refuse profane and old wives' fables. The foolish myths and legends of the heathen, and also the marvelous additions which Jewish rabbis had made to the Old Testament. Reject all these.
Exercise thyself [rather] unto godliness. Train thyself to a godly life, as a gymnast trains himself to bodily exercise.
4:7 Like those who were to contend in the Grecian games, exercise thyself unto godliness - Train thyself up in holiness of heart and life, with the utmost labour, vigour, and diligence.
4:6-10 Outward acts of self-denial profit little. What will it avail us to mortify the body, if we do not mortify sin? No diligence in mere outward things could be of much use. The gain of godliness lies much in the promise; and the promises to godly people relate partly to the life that now is, but especially to the life which is to come: though we lose for Christ, we shall not lose by him. If Christ be thus the Saviour of all men, then much more will he be the Rewarder of those who seek and serve him; he will provide well for those whom he has made new creatures.
