Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.
2 Timothy 2:23 ESV
What great advice the Apostle Paul shared with young Timothy. Paul says that ignorant controversies breed quarrels. How true that is. How many of us can look back on our lives and remember a time when when we were baited into arguments concerning ignorant controversies? They usually were quite unproductive and damaging to all involved.
The key word in this advice is “ignorant”. More often than not the issues that cause contention and division come from ignorance of the scriptures. Many folks want to argue for things that the bible either speaks directly against or they attempt to twist the scriptures to their way of thinking. Either way, when this happens you are dealing with someone that is propagating an ignorant controversy. If such a person will not listen to the scriptures and continues to force their agenda, it’s time to move on. Gently let them know that you will no longer continue to entertain their foolish pursuit.
So today, be aware of the conversations you involve yourself in. Don’t participate in foolish pursuits that will only bring on an argument that may cause lasting damage to you, your reputation and the relationship with person pursuing ignorant controversies. Deal gently with those that are ignorant of the scriptures and perhaps they will be won over by the truth of God’s word.
© 2013 Leo J. Woodman
