But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition... 2 Timothy 2:23-24
I wish I could claim to have produced the idea in the title above, but everyone knows I am not nearly so clever. Nonetheless, from the time I first saw this statement I have tried to embrace its principles. There is so much practical wisdom in it that can eliminate a significant number of unnecessary tensions. If we look at the landscape in our culture today, especially in the realm of politics, there is no shortage of invitations to argue. Another common realm of disputation is the realm of religion. I imagine these two produce more squabbles than other arenas because both have so many real-world consequences for our everyday lives.
The advent of digital discussion platforms has moved these types of conversations from the dinner table, town hall, religious meeting places, etc. into the view of the broader public. This has broadened and strengthened the impact of such squabbles as it gives voice to anyone and everyone who cares to join in the conversations as well as exposing much larger numbers of people to the contents in dispute. Such broader exposure has some positive impact as it allows good ideas to move more quickly among people, but it also allows bad ideas the same ease of travel. Another negative impact of this method of communication is that many people will type things they would never speak in the presence of the person on the other end.
These realities bring the concept of this discussion into sharper focus and further highlight its value. Beyond the practical value of not participating in every available argument is the spiritual, biblical value of such. Paul told Timothy in the passage quoted above to avoid foolish and ignorant disputes. His reasoning was simple as these disputes gender strife. If we follow the remainder of Paul’s argument, we see that the greatest negative impact of pointless wranglings is their impact on the soul. Paul urged Timothy to correct those who oppose the things God has given “…in humility…so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil…” (2 Timothy 2:25-26).
Arguing for the sake of arguing works neither to the glory of God nor to the good of humanity as it hinders the attainment of the knowledge of truth. For this cause, we must be calculated in determining what things are worthy of engaging in a dispute and which are best left to fade out on their own. This is not always simple to surmise, so we must sharpen our powers of discernment (Hebrews 5:11ff). With each encounter where there are opposing views, we must determine if the parties involved are open to reason about the propositions that we may want to place before them. If not, we need not waste the time and energy of engaging in such arguments. This is simply another element of “redeeming the time” as every moment spent in meaningless arguments is a moment we cannot engage in meaningful conversations about eternal matters.