Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales;(A) rather, train yourself to be godly.(B) For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things,(C) holding promise for both the present life(D) and the life to come.(E)

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6-10 You’ve been raised on the Message of the faith and have followed sound teaching. Now pass on this counsel to the followers of Jesus there, and you’ll be a good servant of Jesus. Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we’ve thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We’re banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers.

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Don't have anything to do with worthless, senseless stories. Work hard to be truly religious. 8-9 As the saying goes,

“Exercise is good
    for your body,
but religion helps you
    in every way.
It promises life
    now and forever.”

These words are worthwhile and should not be forgotten.

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But [a]stay away from (A)worthless (B)stories that are typical of old women. Rather, [b]discipline yourself for the purpose of (C)godliness; for (D)bodily training is just slightly beneficial, but (E)godliness is beneficial for all things, since it (F)holds promise for the (G)present life and also for the life to come.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 4:7 Or reject
  2. 1 Timothy 4:7 Or train

Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”

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