BUT HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH WORLDLY FABLES FIT ONLY FOR OLD WOMEN: tous de bebelous kai graodeis muthous paraitou (2SPMM): (1Ti 1:4; 6:20; 2Timothy 2:16,23; 4:4; Titus 1:14; 3:9)

Note: Words in red are imperatives = commands

D. Edmond Hiebert helps put this next section in context commenting that 1Timothy 4:6-16 deals with...

The subjective fortification against error. Having set forth the fact of the coming apostasy, Paul tells Timothy how to fortify himself and the churches under his care against error. He is to find fortification through a faithful ministry (1Ti 4:6-11) and through becoming personal conduct (1Ti 4:12-16). (Hiebert, D. Edmond: First Timothy: Everyman's Bible Commentary. Moody. 1957) (Bolding added) (Click for Hiebert's entire outline of 1Timothy)

Not surprisingly Paul gives Timothy several other instructions similar to 1Timothy 4:7 in both first and second Timothy...

1Ti 1:4 (Do not) pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith. (1Ti 1:4)

1Ti 6:20 O Timothy, guard (phulasso = aorist imperative = do this now! Do it effectively! It is urgent!) what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called "knowledge" (1Ti 6:20) (Comment: The gospel and the way of truth has been committed to us in all its purity and saving power. We must guard it against all attempts to distort, dilute or deny it, for these would destroy it.)

2Ti 2:16 But avoid (make this your habit = present imperative) worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, (see note 2Ti 2:16)

But (1161) (de) introduces a contrast, here between what Paul has just stated Timothy was being nourished by -- "the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine"-- and that which will fail to spiritually nourish him -- worldly fables. The priority must be on God's Word, not man's words. Paul cautions Timothy to keep focused on the Word, not on things that come from man (reject profane and old wives' fables); the greatest effort must be put into God's Word, not man's word.

“Healthy” doctrine will promote spiritual health, but foolish myths will produce spiritual sickness. As an aside it is worth noting in regard to spiritual nourishment is critical for every believer, especially those who minister as pastors. It is an absolute necessity for the pastor to take care to nourish his own soul on the truths which he is supplying to others. It is sad but true that it is quite possible for the pastor to become so busy finding food for his flock that he fails to nourish his own soul with the food he prepares! In such a setting, the personal spiritual discipline Paul calls for in 1Timothy 4:7 becomes difficult if not impossible.

First the negative commandment

Have nothing to do with (3868) (paraiteomai  from pará = aside and in this word gives a nuance of aversion or repudiation + aitéo = ask, beg) is literally to ask along side. To seek to turn aside by asking. As in Mark 15:6, this verb can mean to beg or request (a prisoner to be freed on the occasion of the Passover). In Luke 14:18, it conveys the sense of to beg off or of wanting to be excused from a positive response, in this verse one excusing himself for not accepting a wedding invitation. Finally, in the pastoral epistles (1,2 Timothy, Titus - see below), the meaning is to decline, refuse,  to refuse to pay attention to, to shun, to avoid, to reject.

In secular Greek a wrestler was declared the victor when his opponents declined to engage him upon seeing his unclothed physique.

Present imperative means to make it your habit to refuse "worldly fables". In a parallel use in his second letter to Timothy Paul commanded his protégé to

2Ti 2:23 Refuse (paraiteomai = present imperative) foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. (see note 2Ti 2:23) (Comment: The Lord's bondservant must continually avoid getting enticed into ''which came first, the chicken or the egg'' type discussions, those things that are controversial and seriously disputed, and which have no certain basis in truth. In these situations we are to graciously "beg off" an invitation to "war over words" with others.  Certainly we can discuss differences of opinions; but our discussions must not degenerate into heated debates over irrelevant issues.)

Titus 3:10 Reject  (paraiteomai = present imperative) a factious (one who will not submit to Word or godly leaders and is a law unto himself with no concern for spiritual truth or unity) man after a first and second warning, (see note Titus 3:10)

Paraiteomai is used 12 times in the NAS (Mark 15:6 ; Luke 14:18, 19 ; Acts 25:11 ; 1Tim 4:7; 5:11;2Timothy 2:23; Titus 3:10; Heb 12:19, 25 - twice) and 4 times in the Septuagint (LXX) (1Sa 20:6 - twice, 28; Esther4:8; 7:7). It is translated as follows: KJV (11) - avoid, 1; excuse, 2; intreat, 1; make excuse, 1; refuse, 5; reject, 1; NAS (12) - begged, 1; excused, 2; have nothing to do with, 1; make excuses, 1; refuse, 4; refused, 1; reject, 1; requested, 1.

Paul's command to refuse fables, indicates that  Timothy already has people coming to him with these fables

Worldly (952) (bebelos from basis = a stepping or walking from  baíno =  to go + belos = threshold, particularly of a temple) refers properly to one who either was or ought to have been debarred from going over the threshold or entrance of the temple. The picture is that which is trodden under foot and which thus describes that which is the antithesis of that which is holy or set apart. Bebelos thus describes that which is accessible to everyone and therefore devoid of real significance. Bebelos can thus describe that which is worldly as opposed to having an interest in transcendent (existing apart from and not subject to the limitations of the material universe) matters.

The meaning of this adjective is nicely conveyed by our English word profane which describes that which disregards what is to be kept sacred or holy. The English word "profane" is derived  from the Latin profanus which means "outside the temple, not sacred" and in turn is derived from pro- ‘before’ + fanum = ‘temple’.

Here in 1Timothy 4:7, bebelos could be translated “unhallowed” or "godless" describing the fables which contradict the truth of Word of God.

Bebelos suggests that which is void of all connection with, or relation to, God. There is nothing sacred about these fables. By using bebelos Paul is not saying that the fables were blasphemous per se but that they did not possess the character of truth and sound doctrine.

The UBS Handbook series adds that bebelos is...

a word that in its neutral sense means “accessible” but is used in Greek writings as the opposite of the word “holy,” hence “secular.” In the present context its primary meaning is “profane,” that is, devoid of anything sacred, so that it is not worth the attention of any godly or religious person. (Arichea, D. C., & Hatton, H.. A Handbook on Paul's Letters to Timothy and to Titus. New York: United Bible Societies )

Bebelos is used 5 times in the NAS - see below - and is translated: godless person, 1; profane, 1; worldly, 3. Bebelos is used 6 times in the Septuagint - LXX (Lev 10:10; 1 Sam 21:4,5; Ezek 21:25; 22:26; 44:23)

Paul used bebelos in chapter 1 explaining to Timothy...

that law is not made for a righteous man, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers 10 and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching (1Timothy 1:9, 10) (Comment: Observe that bebelos is those whose lives are contrary to sound teaching).

Paul used bebelos again in chapter 6 in a warning...

1Timothy 6:20 O Timothy, guard (aorist imperative = urgent! do this now!) what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly (bebelos) and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called "knowledge"  (Comment: Again observe that bebelos describes talk that is contrary to true knowledge)

Here are the only other NT uses of bebelos...

2Ti 2:16 But avoid worldly (bebelos) and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, (see note 2 Ti 2:16)

Comment: Once again observe that bebelos is chatter that is contrary to sound doctrine and thus leads not to godliness but to ungodliness

Hebrews 12:16 (note) that there be no immoral or godless (bebelos) person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal.

Vincent writes that...

The verb bebeloo means "to profane, pollute", (Matt. 12:5; Acts 24:6, and often in LXX). Derived from belos = threshold (compare to baino = to go). Hence the primary sense is that which may be trodden. Compare to Latin profanus meaning before the temple or on the ground outside. What is permitted to be trodden by people at large is unhallowed, profane. Esau is called bebelos in Heb. 12:16, as one who did not regard his birthright as sacred, but as something to be sold in order to supply a common need. (Vincent's Word Studies)

Fables (3454) (muthos from  mu- = to close, keep secret, be dumb <> muô = close [eyes, mouth] >> musterion = secret, a mystery; story, narrative, fable, fiction [Eng., myth, mythology]) (Click word study on muthos) refers to tales (a tale is a usually imaginative narrative of an event  that often contains imagined or exaggerated elements) or fables (a fable can refer to a short fictitious story which teaches a moral lesson but in the NT "fable" is used only in a negative sense as something to be avoided because it is false and unreal) fabricated by the mind in contrast to reality.  Muthos therefore refers to fictional tales in contrast to true accounts and represents manufactured stories that have no basis in fact. The Greek and Roman world abounded in stories about so-called "gods" which were nothing more than human speculations that in vain (and in error) tried to explain the world's origin and life's purpose and end!

The Scriptural uses of muthos focus chiefly on the contrast of God's Truth and the world's error/falsehood/lies. It follows that in the NT muthos always conveys an unfavorable or negative connotation. As noted in the passages above each of the NT uses of muthos describe something that is contrary to the truth, whether that truth be the doctrines relating to Christian behavior or the accounts of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.

Paul used this word two other times...

1 Timothy 1:4 nor to pay attention to myths (muthos) and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith.

Titus 1:14 not paying attention to Jewish myths (an amalgamation of pagan myths and Jewish extra-Biblical traditions, superimposed on the Old Testament Scriptures) and commandments of men who turn away from the truth. (Even some of the Jews had abandoned their sacred Scriptures and accepted man-made substitutes - see discussion) (see note Titus 1:14)

2 Peter 1:16 For we did not follow cleverly devised tales (muthos) when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. (The gospel narratives are not fictional tales, but actual eyewitness reports. Peter testified that he and the other apostles, James and John, witnessed the transfiguration - see note)

Fit only for old women (1126) (graodes from graus = old woman + eidos = form, external appearance) is an adjective which means of or belonging to old women and which is used only here in 1Timothy 4:7. This adjective describes the fables, indicating that their futile, senseless nature.

Hiebert explains that this phrase indicates that the fables

"are nothing but silly fictions, fit only for senile, childish old crones to chatter about. When people bring them to him he is to "refuse," "beg off" dealing with them. To discuss them seriously would be to give them a dignity which they do not deserve. The present tense indicates this as his constant reaction." (Hiebert, D. Edmond: First Timothy: Everyman's Bible Commentary. Moody. 1957)

Vine comments that...

The adjective graōdēs, “old wives,” signifying “old-womanish” (from graus, an old woman), is used here only in the Greek Bible. The article, which precedes the whole clause in the original, points to the silly stories and myths current at the time which gave rise to trivial teachings; such myths were common in Jewish lore. In the rabbinical schools, the history of the nation was surrounded by profitless legends. These are to be distinguished from the doctrines of demons (v. 1) which propagated Gnostic errors. (Vine, W. Collected writings of W. E. Vine. Nashville: Thomas Nelson)

MacArthur explains that...

Women were not usually allowed the educational opportunity men had, so this phrase comes from such a situation. That epithet was commonly used in philosophical circles as a term of disdain for a viewpoint lacking credibility and thus appealing only to uneducated, unsophisticated, and perhaps senile matrons. No intelligent man would hear it at all. The Ephesians would have understood Paul’s use of the phrase. (MacArthur, John: 1Timothy Moody. 1995)

Some "worldly fables" -- There was a house in Rome that stationed a boy at the doorway of the mansion to caution visitors not to cross the threshold with their left foot, for fear that this would be an ill omen! And in Scotland in prior days it was the funeral custom not to carry out the casket of the deceased through the front door, but through an opening made in the side of the house which was subsequently sealed up after serving its purpose. The belief was that the person's "ghost" was prevented from re-entering the house because the only door that it knew was gone. And on and on such superstitious unhallowed beliefs go.

William MacDonald writes that "old wives' tales"...

make us think of Christian Science, which was founded by a woman, seems to appeal especially to elderly women, and teaches fables instead of truth. (MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. Nashville: Thomas Nelson)

ON THE OTHER HAND, DISCIPLINE YOURSELF FOR THE PURPOSE OF GODLINESS: gumnaze (2SPAM) de seauton pros eusebeian: (1Ti 1:4; 6:20; 2 Timothy 2:16,23; 4:4; Titus 1:14; 3:9) (1Ti 1:4; 2:10; 3:16; 6:11; Acts 24:16; 2 Ti 3:12; Titus 2:12; Hebrews 5:14; 2 Peter 1:5-8)

The NIV renders it "train yourself to be godly"

Note that the phrase "on the other hand" is not in the Greek but added by the translators to emphasize the striking contrast between the preceding negative commandment and the following positive commandment.

GODLINESS CALLS FOR A PERSONAL RESPONSE

Yourself (4572) (seautou) from sé = thee + autos = self) is a reflexive pronoun. The idea of "reflexive" is that it expresses action directed or turned back on oneself. Clearly it is good to have godly mentors ("trainers" or "coaches" to keep the athletic metaphor), but ultimately each believer is responsible for his or her own individual spiritual training. No one can do it for us, which implies that each believer must be diligent and disciplined, not somnolent and sporadic!

Jerry Bridges emphasizes personal responsibility writing that...

Timothy was personally responsible for his progress in godliness. He was not to trust the Lord for that progress and then relax, though he certainly understood that any progress he made was only through divine enablement. He would have understood that he was to work out this particular aspect of his salvation in confidence that God was at work in him (see notes Philippians 2:12; 2:13). But he would get Paul’s message that he must work at this matter of godliness; he must pursue it. We Christians may be very disciplined and industrious in our business, our studies, our home, or even our ministry, but we tend to be lazy when it comes to exercise in our own spiritual lives. We would much rather pray, “Lord, make me godly,” and expect Him to “pour” some godliness into our souls in some mysterious way. God does in fact work in a mysterious way to make us godly, but He does not do this apart from the fulfillment of our own personal responsibility. (Bridges, J. The Practice of Godliness. Navpress. 1996 - this short but pithy book is highly recommended if you sincerely desire to discipline yourself for godliness!)

Vine explains that reflexive pronouns

"In English end in “-self,” “-selves.” They are used when the object of a sentence or clause refers to the same person or thing as the subject." (Vine, W. Vine's You can learn New Testament Greek!: Course of self-help for the layman. Nashville: Thomas Nelson)

The positive commandment

Discipline (1128) (Gumnazo from gumnós = naked, bare, unclad or minimally clothed and descriptive of the common practice of males in the Greco Roman "gymnasia" source of English "gymnasium", "gymnastics") (Click study on gumnazo) literally meant to exercise naked in the palaestra (a school in ancient Greece or Rome for sports).

Figuratively gumnazo means to exercise so as to discipline oneself (in the moral or ethical "gym" so to speak) or to exercise vigorously, in any way, either the body or the mind. It conveys the picture of the rigorous, persevering, painstaking, diligent, strenuous, self-sacrificing training an athlete undergoes for a perishable prize, and which the Christian "athlete" should be willing to undergo for an imperishable prize (1Cor 9:24, 25, 26, 27 see note), which in the present context is "godliness" a "prize" that is profitable for this life and the life to come!

In secular Greek gumnazo was used figuratively of training for or practicing an art or profession.

Paul gives Timothy (and all who seek to be "vessels of honor" like Timothy and Paul) a command in the present imperative which calls for this to be a Christian "soldier's" lifestyle. There is no time off, because our enemies -- the world, the flesh and the devil -- don't take time off. To let down one's guard, is to make one's self vulnerable to attack. To fail to continually train oneself spiritually is analogous to ceasing to pedal when riding a bicycle, such cessation resulting in a loss of stability and risks serious injury (in one's spiritual life and on the bicycle!)

Spiritual food ("nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine" 1Ti 4:6) and spiritual exercise (gumnazo) are an excellent combination to assure spiritual vitality! If believers would put as much energy and enthusiasm into spiritual exercise as they do athletics and body-building, is there any limit to how much stronger they and their churches would be?

Christians would do well to learn from Josephus' use of gumnazo (Josephus originally was written in Greek before translation into English) in his description of the mighty and feared Roman soldiers writing that...

"...their military exercises differ not at all from the real use of their arms, but every soldier is every day exercised (gumnazo), and that with great diligence, as if it were in time of war which is the reason why they bear the fatigue of battles so easily." (Josephus, F. The Works of Josephus. Wars 3.73)

To be sure believers as good soldiers of Christ Jesus are commanded not to neglect "basic training" or "daily maneuvers", but we are to carry out these endeavors fully cognizant of and relying upon the truth that we are to continually be strengthened "in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 2:1-note) and not by fleshly self effort or by legalistic rule keeping. The point is that we don’t depend on our own strength, experience, or expertise. We depend on God’s grace as we "discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness".

The writer of Hebrews uses the verb gumnazo in calling saints to train themselves not for greed but for growth in discernment writing that

Wuest renders this verse "But solid food belongs to those who are (spiritually) mature, to those who on account of long usage have their powers of perception exercised to the point where they are able to discriminate between both that which is good in character and that which is evil.

It is impossible to practice godliness without a constant, consistent and balanced intake of the Word of God in our lives.

GODLINESS CALLS FOR COMMITMENT

In the ancient games, victory depended on the athlete’s commitment to rigorous training. Every runner entered strict training under the watchful eye of an official. Marathon runners were known to work out for years—lifting weights, running laps, regulating sleep, restricting their diet. Self-control means we must exercise mastery over our lives, foregoing some pleasures, pursuing other disciplines, all for the sake of winning. No athlete ever achieved the level of Olympic competition without a commitment to pay the price of rigorous, daily training. In the same way, no believer ever achieves genuine godliness without a commitment to pay the price of the daily spiritual training which God has designed for our growth in godliness. We must be committed to the basic spiritual disciplines of the Christian life (Bible Study, prayer, and meditation) in order for godliness to be cultivated and grow. Peter associates the call to commitment with spiritual growth (including growth in godliness) his second epistle writing...

Now for this very reason also (now that you know that have the spiritual resources - everything necessary for life and godliness, His precious and magnificent promises, a partaker of His divine nature, escape from the corruption of this world -- you are responsible to work out your own salvation), applying all diligence (making every effort with eagerness, earnestness,  willingness, zeal), in your faith (note that faith is like the roots that sink into truths Peter has mentioned previously -- it is faith that shows itself to be real in obedience to these truths) supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge; 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness; 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; 11 for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you. (see notes 2 Peter 1:5; 1:6; 1:7;1:8; 1:9; 1:10; 1:11)

Samson is an example of a believer who did not practice discipline (see notes Judges 13; 14; 15; 16) and the godliness that comes from such discipline. Instead of disciplining himself for godliness by keeping his body under control, Samson lived to please his flesh, and the consequences were tragic. Even more tragic, is that Samson's sad career has been duplicated by many Christians, including those in key leadership positions, all of whom are deceived, occasionally even defending their sins and lack of self-control as “enjoying freedom in Christ.” The tragedy is that their so-called “freedom” is really the worst kind of bondage.

Godliness (2150) (eusebeia from eu = well + sebomai = reverence. Sebomai is in turn derived from "seb" which refers to sacred awe or reverence exhibited especially in actions) (Click word study on eusebeia) literally means "well worship" and describes reverence or awe that is well directed.

Godliness comes from the old English word "Godlikeness" which means to have the character and attitude of God. It is manifest by devotion to God which results in a life that is pleasing to Him. And how does one maintain such a state of godliness? Such a life is impossible without a continual intake of the pure milk of the Word, and a consistent submission and obedience to that Word empowered by His Spirit.

Eusebeia is true religion that displays itself in reverence before what is majestic and divine in worship and in a life of active obedience which befits that reverence. Eusebeia is a term used, not of God, but of men. Eusébeia is that piety which is characterized by a Godward attitude and does that which is well–pleasing to Him. Godliness is a right attitude and response toward the Living God and manifest itself in a preoccupation from the heart with holy and sacred realities. It is respect for what is due to God, and is thus the highest of all virtues.

Godliness is not "letting go and letting God." There is no such thing as drifting into godliness. In fact the "stream of tendency" (our enemies - the world, the flesh, the devil) flows against us! It is vital to remember that growth in godliness calls for strenuous involvement on our part. Beloved, how are you doing in your growth in godliness? Are you making every effort, every day, to exercise self-discipline? Godliness is not talking godly but living godly. Godliness is a practical awareness of God in every aspect of life. Godliness  reflects an attitude centered on living out one's life in God's presence with a desire motivated by love for Him and empowered by His grace to be pleasing to Him in all things. Godliness is that inner attitude of reverence which seeks to please God in every thought, word or deed. Godliness is living one's life with a "Coram Deo" mindset, ever as before the face of God. Godliness is a practical awareness of God in every area of life—a God-consciousness.

As someone has well said...

The rich are not always godly, but the godly are always rich. (And we might add, not only in this present life but in the life to come and for ever!)

John Piper writes that...

Godliness...means a love for the things of God and a walk in the ways of God." (Read the full sermon Liberating Promises)

George Meisinger writes that...

Godliness is godly living, living according to the will of God. It is the kind of obedience that results from walking in the Spirit (Romans 8:4-note) (Meisinger, George: Chafer Theological Seminary Journal V1)

J I Packer adds that...

Godliness, to the Puritans, was essentially a matter of conscience, inasmuch as it consisted in a hearty, disciplined, ‘considerate’ (thoughtful) response to known evangelical truth, and centered upon the getting and keeping of a good conscience. (Packer, J. I.. A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life. Crossway Books. 1994)

Charles Stanley writes that

Godly people order their lives around godly counsel. They seek friends with fellow believers, not with the lost. They get enjoyment, encouragement, and refreshment from the Word of God. Godly people will successfully stand the storms of life, are fruitful, and prosper in all they do. Godly people are contented. They are not anxious or fretting. A sweet quietness marks them. The beginning of being a godly person is receiving Jesus Christ as Savior. That’s the foundation to build on. (Stanley, C. F. In touch with God. Nashville: Thomas Nelson)

MacArthur quotes J. Oswald Sanders who wrote...

“Spiritual ends can be achieved only by spiritual men who employ spiritual methods”

"Godly people are disciplined people. It has always been so. Call to mind...heroes of church history...they were all disciplined people. In my own pastoral and personal Christian experience, I can’t say that I’ve ever known a man or woman who came to spiritual maturity except through discipline. Godliness comes through discipline." (Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. page 15. NavPress, 1991 )

The godly man or woman lives above the petty things of life, the passions and pressures that control the lives of others. The godly individual seeks to do the will of God making the kind of decisions that are right and noble, not taking the "easy" path simply to avoid either pain or trial. That's Biblical godliness!

Paul did not take for granted the godliness of his spiritual son Timothy even though Timothy had been his companion for a number of years and had "followed (Paul's) teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, persecutions and sufferings..." (2Ti 3:10-note; 2Ti 3:11-note). Nevertheless, Paul still felt compelled to charge Timothy to "train himself to be godly.” It follows, that if Timothy needed this charge, then surely believers also need it today. Are we listening? When was the last time you heard a series on the pursuit and practice of godliness? Could our failure to discipline ourselves in this vital area explain at least to some degree our failure to be salty salt and clear, bright lights (see notes Matthew 5:13; 5:14; 5:16; 5:16) in a society that is growing darker and more ungodly by the day?

In summary, Biblical Godliness....

(1). Necessitates effort on our part (1Ti 4:7-8)

(2). Must be pursued (1Ti 6:11)

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Keep the Goal in View - Bible scholar William Barclay (Ed note: see critique) tells of his walks through the meadow with his bull terrier Rusty. Whenever his dog came to a shallow creek, he jumped in and started removing stones, one by one, dropping them haphazardly on the shore. This pointless activity would go on for hours.

Barclay says that