Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, 21 which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith.

Grace be with you all. 1 Timothy 6:21

Paul ended his first letter to Timothy with a seemingly odd command: turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge.

What is this godless chatter?

If you recall, this entire chapter has been about people distorting the teachings of Christ for financial gain. Those who teach it claim a higher knowledge and will deceive people into believing it. They merely want to line their bank accounts at the expense of gullible Christians. The Bible was written for the average reader in mind. The truths in the Bible are plain and simple. The Holy Spirit can illuminate passages, and He does. But giving select individuals extra-biblical insight is not God’s way, especially when it relates to money, wealth, or key doctrinal issues.

A nautical term for staying on course is “steady as she goes.” No deviations. No need to change course. Just keep it going straight ahead.

That’s sound advice for us. When we’re bored or discontent, we may wander to where people are tickling our ears. Stay the course. Keep straight ahead. Rejoice in your boring, uneventful life.