But avoid … arguments and quarrels …
Summary: The words Paul used to describe conflict to be avoided are translated differently in the NIV and the KJV. Looking at the Greek helps us to understand the differences. Understanding helps us to honor our Lord.
In the verse we are looking at, Paul uses four different Greek words for examples of what Christians should avoid doing. The NIV translates these words this way:
“But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.” (Titus 3:9, NIV)
The King James translates this text like this:
“But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.” (Titus 3:9, KJV)
Only the second example is translated the same in both versions. The other three are as follows:
Controversies / questions
Arguments / contentions
Quarrels / strivings
There is enough difference here that we should probably take a minute and look at the Greek text to see what is going on.
The first pair of words are translated from the Greek word zētēsis (Pronunced dzay’-tay-sis). This word has to do with searching, questioning, or debating “foolish” things. There are certain things we humans cannot know. These things are known by God but are beyond our ability to “know.” For example, we can know what gravity is or who our neighbor is, but we cannot know what heaven is like until we get there. While it might be interesting to ponder such things on occasion, wasting time in debate or extended inquiry is to be avoided.
The second pair of words, “arguments/contentions,” is translated from eris (pronounced er’-is). Strong’s describes this as “a quarrel, i.e. (by implication) wrangling:—contention, debate, strife, variance.” I would describe it as arguing for the sake of arguing.
The third pair of words, “quarrels/strivings,” is translated from machē (pronounced makh’-ay). This word has a military feel to it. It is used in Greek to describe fights or combat. Here again, somewhat like eris, the emphasis is on conflict for the sake of conflict. In this case, there may be an underlying motivation. Where eris describes someone who likes to argue as a pastime, machē describes a conflict with the intent to conquer or overcome.
Our Lord desires that those who believe in him are one, just as he and the Father are one. (John 17: 20-21) People who love controversy, who are contentious and always striving with others, divide the Body of Christ.
If Paul is explicit about avoiding such people, it is for a good reason.
Application: Examine your demeanor. Are you reflecting the Lord’s values or your own?
Food for Thought: Have you ever been sucked into an argument without realizing what is happening? When you become aware that you are being argued with, how do you deal with the situation?
1.) Have you ever been sucked into an argument without realizing what is happening?
Oh Yes!
I was in my office one day, picked up my ringing phone and it was a frantic salesmen on the phone. Speaking quickly he said, Ron, so and so is on the phone, line #2, wants to know status of his order right now! With that, he hung up the phone.
2,) When you become aware that you are being argued with, how do you deal with the situation?
It was a very important customer, a large order and I was very familiar with the status. I picked up line #2 , introduced myself and began to address the status. I got maybe 3 or 4 words out of my mouth and the man just went off on me. He was very angry, demanding and speaking to me harshly.
When he took a breath, I spoke to him. “ Wow, lets star over, I understood you wanted an update on your order, what you really want is to holler at someone. So I am going to remain very quiet, you holler all you want, and when you are finished, let me know and I will tell you where your order is.” The phone was dead silent.
Then the man, almost whining said, “Ron, I really just want to know where my order is.”
I replied “ OK, great,” and gave him a total status report regarding his order, asked him if that would work, he said it would and we ended our conversation on a positive note.
Let the person know you are willing to discuss a topic, but will not participate in an argument, or shouting match. If that is agreeable, great, If they insist on an argument, I leave. They are a total waste of time, and I choose to not participate.
Ron,
What a great story! Thank you for sharing!!
I love how you handled that situation.
I may have to used that technique sometime. 🙂
The Lord just worked that out. I just knew I did not want to argue with this man, and He gave me the words to say. Definitely took all the steam out of the moment, and we kept a good customer.
Active listening is a powerful communication tool. When I was in my rebellious youth, I remember an older gentleman who took the time to listen to me. Really listen! In the space of a very short time he made an impression on me that has lasted a lifetime.
Probably many of times without realizing it,..
One thing for sure is that I know how to deal with the arguments I have in my head now,..I command the devil in the name of Jesus to flee, and the arguments cease,..a calming sense comes about,..
Arguing gets us nowhere,..besides it’s probably all negative anyway. How can we be a positive influence in other’s if we are arguing about everything,..the seeds we cast would just shrivel up and die even before it got planted,..so sense in sowing a seed with a negative or an argumentative attitude.
That’s my take on it anyway,..
John,
What a great point! Those little “discussions” that go on inside the head can rightly be called arguments, too.
They need to be avoided just like arguments between people.