Graodes (γραώδης) means 'characteristic of old women' in the ancient cultural sense of superstitious or silly — myths and tales thought fit only for idle gossip. It appears only once in the New Testament (1 Timothy 4:7). Paul tells Timothy: 'Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales [mythous graodeis]; rather, train yourself to be godly.'
Paul's sharp dismissal of mythous graodeis ('old wives' tales') in 1 Timothy 4:7 reflects the Hellenistic rhetorical tradition of contrasting rigorous truth with idle superstition. But the deeper point is the antithesis he sets up: silly myths vs. eusebeia (godliness/piety). The Christian life is not about entertaining speculations but about strenuous discipline in the direction of God. The mind fed on myths becomes soft; the mind trained on truth becomes strong. Colossians 2:8 echoes this: 'See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy.' The antidote to worthless speculation is active training in godliness.