2 Timothy 4:4

4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and will turn aside to fables.

2 Timothy 4:4 Meaning and Commentary

2 Timothy 4:4

And they shall turn away their ears from the truth
The solid truths of the Gospel, not being able to bear the hearing of them:

and shall be turned unto fables;
things idle, trifling, useless, and, unprofitable; and which are no better than old wives' fables; some respect may be had either to Jewish fables, or to the miraculous mythologies of the Gentiles, or of the Gnostics, and others: but in general, it includes everything that is vain, empty, and senseless; and this is to be considered as a just judgment upon them; that since they like not to retain the knowledge of the truth, but turn away their ears from it, God gives them up to a reprobate mind, a mind void of sense and judgment, to attend to things idle and fabulous.

2 Timothy 4:4 In-Context

2 proclaim God's message, be zealous in season and out of season; convince, rebuke, encourage, with the utmost patience as a teacher.

3 For a time is coming when they will not tolerate wholesome instruction, but, wanting to have their ears tickled, they will find a multitude of teachers to satisfy their own fancies;

4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and will turn aside to fables.

5 But as for you, you must exercise habitual self-control, and not live a self-indulgent life, but do the duty of an evangelist and fully discharge the obligations of your office.

6 I for my part am like a drink-offering which is already being poured out; and the time for my departure is now close at hand.