But avoid foolish controversies …
Summary: The concept of a “foolish controversy” is one that opens the door to a lot of discussion. Understanding the difference between what is foolish and what is sensible requires wisdom.
What do you think of when you hear the phrase “foolish controversies?”
The first thing that comes to mind is that Paul is aware that there are many kinds of controversies. Some are worth having. One that comes to mind is described in Acts 11: 1-18. Peter had been directed by God to visit the house of a Gentile. There he witnessed the Holy Spirit being given to Gentiles as well as Jews. When he returned to Jerusalem, he was embroiled in a controversy over what he had done.
Another controversy that followed this one involved Paul going to Jerusalem to discuss what requirements God intended to impose upon Gentile believers. (Acts 15: 1-35) Both of these controversies are related and both led to a better understanding of God’s will.
In each of these cases, the disagreement or controversy brought believers closer together in their faith. If controversy brings people closer together, it is not a waste of time, nor is it foolish. The kinds of controversy that are foolish do just the opposite. Instead of bringing people together, the foolish controversy serves the purposes of Satan and divides people.
So what qualifies as a “foolish controversy?” This is a difficult question because there are so many possible answers! The simplest answer is that a worthwhile controversy is grounded in reality while a foolish controversy is not.
Paul provides an example of a foolish controversy in his letter to the Galatians. (See Galatians 2-3) In his letter, he is responding to “foolish controversies” over questions of the law. The reason these seem foolish to Paul is that he can see the difference between the Old Covenant under the law and the New Covenant based on the blood of Christ.
Discerning the difference between the foolish and the sensible requires discernment. It is the kind of discernment that comes from God.
Application: Look for answers that are authoritative. Our best authority is the Bible confirmed by the Holy Spirit.
Food for Thought: How do you tell the difference between a foolish and a sensible controversy?
Good devotion brother. I think knowing the difference takes discernment and a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Just as you said and you said it well. If our discussion starts resembling the picture you used at the top of this devotion, then something is wrong. I thought your picture was a great illustration of what we should avoid.
Thank you, Rich!
Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words! 🙂 That brings up another aspect of foolish conversations. If we are simply puffing ourselves up like an angry bird, we are not serving the Lord. We are simply making noise to draw attention to ourselves.
I think one of the stepping stones to discernment is humility before the Lord and before each other.
How do you tell the difference between a foolish and a sensible controversy?
Great picture!
Jesus describes the difference between a wise man and a foolish man, one who hears His words and puts in them into practice, and one who hears and does not put them into practice.
Matthew 7:24-27, Luke 6:46-49.
He is teaching us a couple truths here. We see that God does not force Himself on anyone. The truth is made known, and the person receiving, exercises their free will to accept or reject this truth. Jesus the Son of God, calls out for people to follow Him, but does not force anyone.
We also see the reward of following and the consequences of choosing to not follow God.
Foolish people are self-involved, overly optimistic regarding their own views, and refuse to see their own weaknesses. They assume they already know all that needs to be known and have no need or our God of the Bible. They seek glory, honor and power for themselves over God.
Walking wisely means knowing the will of God for your life and making every effort to accomplish that goal in Christ through faith, obedience to the Word of God, prayer, discipline, trust and godly living. To live wise, we must see life as God sees it. A life that is lived to please God and not self.
1 Corinthians 1:18, Revelation 4:11, Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 1:7, Ephesians 5:15-17
Foolishness is when a christian respected by many tells you, “ I believe in the Bible as originally written ” knowing full well the original writings had disappeared long before the books of our current bible were complied.
Another would be in conversation over lunch with a couple from a church who with strong conviction tell you many parts of todays bible are out of date or too burdensome to be true. In both cases I simply parted company as quickly as I could. There was simply no need for discussion.
Sensible controversy, or discussion involving opposing views can be character building and should always be looked forward to as an opportunity to ask questions and learn as well as teach.
Proverbs 1:5, 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9, 2 Timothy 2:2
Ron,
Thank you for your thoughts today. I appreciate the two examples you offer. One insisting on a scriptural reference that does not exist, the other illustration people who set themselves up as judge and jury on the validity of God’s Word. Neither position is valid from a rational or scriptural point of view.
I also appreciate the point about the opportunity to learn from legitimate, godly discussion.
I know I am a day late, but I thought about this post a lot yesterday and found myself looking at some of the controversies I see crop up on some social media sites. I think that the line “The simplest answer is that a worthwhile controversy is grounded in reality while a foolish controversy is not ” and “Instead of bringing people together, the foolish controversy serves the purposes of Satan and divides people” rings very true. Even in my observations though I found myself getting drawn in (just in my own mind) to the arguments and “where I stood” on the “issue.” In situations like this prayer is really the answer as 1) I have to humble myself, 2) I am opening myself to a wisdom that goes beyond any earthly contemplation, and 3) I remember that the ultimate conversation is to share/share in Christ’s love, whether that be with believer or non-believer.
Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Thank you, Chris.
I appreciate you taking the time to think about your answer.
Psalm 133:1 – “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
John 17:22-23 – “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.“