“Avoid foolish questions.” Titus 3:9 (KJV)
Our days are few and are far better spent in doing good than in disputing over matters that are, at best, of minor importance. The old schoolmen did a world of mischief by their incessant discussion of subjects of no practical importance, and our churches suffer much from petty wars over abstruse points and unimportant questions.
After everything has been said that can be said, neither party is any the wiser, and therefore the discussion no more promotes knowledge than love, and it is foolish to sow in so barren a field. Questions about points where Scripture is silent, mysteries that belong to God alone, prophecies of doubtful interpretation, and mere modes of observing human ceremonials—are all foolish, and wise men avoid them.
Our business is neither to ask nor answer foolish questions, but to avoid them altogether; and if we observe the apostle’s precept (v. 8) to be careful to maintain good works, we shall find ourselves far too much occupied with profitable business to take much interest in unworthy, contentious, and needless strivings.
There are, however, some questions that are the reverse of foolish, which we must not avoid, but fairly and honestly meet, such as these:
Do I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ?
Am I renewed in the spirit of my mind?
Am I walking not after the flesh, but after the Spirit?
Am I growing in grace?
Does my conversation adorn the doctrine of God my Savior?
Am I looking for the coming of the Lord, and watching as a servant should do who expects his master?
What more can I do for Jesus?
Such enquiries as these urgently demand our attention, and if we have been at all given to making petty objections, let us now turn our critical abilities to a service so much more profitable. Let us be peacemakers and endeavor to lead others both by our precept and example to “avoid foolish questions.”
Adapted from Morning and Evening.
