Vain and Foolish Arguments

I am recently thinking heavily on several scriptures. The first is found in the second letter to Timothy in what we know as the second chapter. Throughout it, the Apostle Paul warns Timothy about word quarrels and foolish arguments. Paul tells Timothy to keep reminding them and warning them against quarreling about words. He says it will only ruin those who listen. Have nothing to do with foolish and stupid arguments as they only lead to quarrels. Lest we "quarrel" over translations, the "Authorized" version says, Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers; and, but foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

What constitutes a "foolish and stupid argument"? The answer to that question lies in the individual, I suppose. I listen to folks that are all puffed up with pride on what they base their arguments or the passion of their subject. I have for many years refused to engage the arguments for or against the "Authorized" translation of the holy scriptures we know as "The Bible" ~ The Book. Some say it has "declared homosexuals on the NIV translation team". Fact is, there was a woman who served on a committee, not at all involved with the translation, that was asked to resign once she came "out of the closet", so to say. There are those that declare that the newer translations "left Words of God out". Who is to say those sentences were not "put in"? I haven't a clue and if we were honest, no one else does either. The message is the same. Those who adhere to the camp (for lack of a better word), that all new translations are in error, should realize that the apocrypha was also included in the true "Authorized" version of King James 1. Under who's authority was that removed? Was that not "taking scripture away"? Haven't a clue. In Revelation 22:19, the "Authorized Version" reads "book of life" when in fact, the New Testament Latin used in the very translation was mis-translated. The phrase is "tree of life", not "book of Life". Even the NKJ corrected it, I believe. And for the die hard baptists, Matt. 3:11 says, "with water" in both the KJV and the NIV, yet the Greek can be translated as "in" or "with", so some translators used "in" and some "with". There is a difference to me, but evidently not to the language. Who is right here? I haven't a clue and am not going to get into foolish arguments about it. Rev. 1:11 has the phrase, I am the Alpha and the Omega in some transcripts, but not in others. Who is to say what was added or taken away. I don't know. I do know that Jesus is the first and the last. I also believe that the translators of the KJV were diligent and honest men, who did the best they could with that they had. Those men, those who worked with Wycliffe and those who worked on the Geneva translation all changed the face of the english speaking church. I have found that the men and women of God that do the translations, if they are Godly, will do the best they can and God will honor their work. 400 years or 50 makes little difference to me. The newest translation N.E.T. contains the translation notes and it's an excellent translation in my opinion. (www.bible.org) Our home contains versions of all types as well as a Greek NT. Our most recent addition was a Messianic Jewish translation, which is a very interesting addition to our library. It has been a good read, what I've read of it. Who better to give us a Christ view than a converted Hebrew?

Foolish arguments... tithe or not to tithe? Luke 11:42 I happen to believe that the New Testament does not relieve us of our obligation to tithe. On the contrary, it leads us to tithe and then add our gifts to the tithe and our love and obedience. Those who do not give their 10% + are not in obedience to God's word. There are those that feel just as strongly that they are not under the "bondage" of the tithe and that they can keep all their wages and do as they feel they should with them... giving to God's work or not. I'll not argue with them. Those are foolish arguments.

Thinking on a definition of a foolish argument over "words" while doing this, led me to this thought that I give to you, faithful reader: "Those who speak in a way that opposes or is contrary to Christ in you, your hope of glory, will violate the divine law of love though judgment, criticism, accusations and condemnation. Consider this, within the attempt to justify self or even worship the Father through self effort, is a deception, full of untruth and vanity. It distorts our focus and perverts the chosen way, leading to a way of speaking, and actions, that are not only an abomination to the LORD, it's futile and frivolous" Amen... and thank you Josef whoever you are :)

Til next time :)