Morning, November 19
Go To Evening Reading
“Avoid foolish questions.”
Titus 3:9
Our days are few, and are far better spent in doing good, than in
disputing over matters which 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 upon
points wherein Scripture is silent; upon mysteries which belong to
God alone; upon prophecies of doubtful interpretation; and upon 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 ( Titus 3:8 ) 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 which 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 Saviour? 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 cavilling, let us now turn our
critical abilities to a service so much more profitable. Let us be
peace-makers, and endeavour to lead others both by our precept and
example, to “avoid foolish questions.”