They will turn their ears away from truth and turn aside to myths. (2 Tim 4:4)
Expanded Passage: 2 Timothy 4:3-4
The best leaders don’t shy away from hearing difficult things. They want to know so they can grow. We live in a culture that is increasingly drawn to whatever feels right and seems desirable. When it comes to receiving truth from the Scriptures and people in our lives, we are warned that there will come a time when human instincts will be to reject truth and turn toward more comforting myths. We may not want to admit that we ourselves could ever fall into this category, but anytime we don’t want to hear what someone has to say simply because we don’t like the content, we need to check ourselves. God’s Word says, “Wounds from a friend can be trusted” and “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Prov. 27:6, 17). These verses remind us that it is a gift when friends, mentors, or family members are willing to share sound doctrine with us that can shape us to be more like Jesus.
It has taken most of my life to finally desire to receive helpful truth even if it hurts at first. Note the part of the verse that says, “They will gather . . . teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear” (v. 3). This should make us ask ourselves: Who am I looking for and inviting to speak into my life?
Give and receive honest, helpful truth to keep growing in Christ.
Nicole Wiencek is a passionate Christ follower, wife, mom, and pastor at Keystone Church in Saline, MI. She loves great food, coffee, and meaningful ministry-centered relationships.
© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
