But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
Ver. 7. But refuse] Gr. παραιτου, make a fair excuse. Shift them off, set them by, say thou art not at leisure to attend to them, hast no time to lose upon them. Poteras has horas non perdidisse, said Pliny to his nephew, You might have found you somewhat else to do.
Exercise thyself] Lay aside thine upper garments, as runners and wrestlers use to do, and bestir thee lustily, γυμναζε, Te nudum exerce. See Hebrews 12:1 .