(Proverbs 25:9 KJV) Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:
The Christian community has retreated from the public square. We avoid conflict in the quest for being a peacemaker. We sit quietly and call it humility. In the process we have stopped being salt and light. We have ceased to witness. People may think we are fine fellows but they don’t know it is Jesus motivating us. Maybe He isn’t.
The NASB “argue” (7378) may be a little strong for this spot. The KJV “debate” goes to the other extreme and emphasizes being polite. The root idea is to contend, to push for what you believe in. Contrary to the contemporary church fixation, it is possible to have a spirited discussion and part friends. I have a friend who is a KJV only man. Everything else is polluted with heresy. We have some great discussions and are still friends. I don’t know that I have changed his mind but I have developed a greater appreciation for the King James Translation.
So? Don’t be afraid to express a contrary opinion if the basis for your opinion is solid and backed by eternal truth. It can be done politely.
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2 comments:
I prefer the KJV for reading, but I add other versions for studying. The problem with the KJV is that the meaning of so many words has changed so much over the years that it requires a bit of guessing about meaning many places, usually relying on context.
Which of course requires thinking and engaging with the text. It is that effort that keeps people from learning much of anything.
Grace and peace.
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