Morning and Evening

November 19, Morning

C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling

"Avoid foolish questions." — Titus 3:9 · KJV

Our days are few, and far better spent doing good than disputing over matters that are, at best, of minor importance. The old schoolmen did a world of mischief by their endless discussion of subjects of no practical value; and our churches suffer much from petty wars over abstruse points and unimportant questions. After everything that can be said has been said, neither party is any the wiser, and so the discussion promotes knowledge no more than love; it is foolish to sow in so barren a field. Questions about points where Scripture is silent, about mysteries that belong to God alone, about prophecies of doubtful interpretation, and about mere modes of observing human ceremonies, 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 heed the apostle's command to be careful to maintain good works, we shall find ourselves far too busy with profitable work to take much interest in unworthy, contentious, and needless strife. There are, however, some questions that are the opposite of foolish, which we must not avoid but 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 who expects his master? What more can I do for Jesus? Such inquiries urgently demand our attention; and if we have been at all given to caviling, let us now turn our critical powers to a far more profitable service. Let us be peacemakers, and by precept and example lead others to "avoid foolish questions."

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