2 Timothy 4: 3-4:
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; [they will be unable to even tolerate it. Unable to "endure" hearing it. They will think what is "sound" or true doctrine is beyond what can be permitted to be spoken, thought or believed.]
...but after their own lusts [that is, they will allow their ambitions, pride and desire to be popular and praised to control what they are willing to believe. They will require the truth to give way to the social attitudes and fashions of the day.]
... shall they heap to themselves teachers, [that is, leadership which will give them what they want. Leaders and presiding authorities whose goal is to deliver on the "lusts" for popularity and acceptance. Leaders whose decisions are driven by focus groups and opinion polling and other social studies to arrive at the place they lust to arrive.]
... having itching ears; [that is, ears tuned to hear the flattery, praise and assurance that comforts them in their false pride: "chosen people" and "royal priesthood" and "all is well" and "cannot be led astray" and such nonsense.]
... and they shall turn their ears away from the truth, [because it is never popular. It does not gather wealth and status, but instead criticism and ostracism. It will cost you something, not pay you something. Indeed, among the false teachers one of the evidences they offer of God's favor toward them will be their wealth, influence and popularity.]
... and shall be turned unto fables. [in which a counterfeit is portrayed as the real Gospel. In which lies are told about history. In which soothing things are provided by wormtongue preachers whose goal is to keep the flock praying, obeying and paying; with no regard for the souls being lost by their false preaching. Fools trifling with the souls of men will offer fables instead of revelation.]
