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Titus 3:9
9 But [de] avoid [periistemi] foolish [moros] questions [zetesis], and [kai] genealogies [genealogia], and [kai] contentions [eris], and [kai] strivings about [mache] the law [nomikos]; for [gar] they are [eisi] unprofitable [anopheles] and [kai] vain [mataios]. KJV-Interlinear
9 But shun foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law; for they are unprofitable and worthless. NASB
Wherever there is a disagreement between two or more people, whether in social circles, marriage, family, friends, or in the public venue, there is the basis for controversy.
And in things of controversy, you either have to hold your ground, compromise, or change over to the other view.
And regardless of the issue, any controversy engaged in within this world, is approached without facts, without orientation to the realities of the issue, and certainly without knowing the true answer, or the repercussions of the answers desired. Bias, selfishness, and convenience are the usual ingredients.
Controversies are fueled by arrogance. People with opinions based on little or no knowledge.
And of course we are talking here about the issues of the world, not the issues of the Bible.
The issues of the world create nothing, produce nothing, solve nothing, and are impotent with respect to contributing to ones destiny.
Genealogies are the controversies of ones color, or gender, or culture, or ancestry, or heritage, or whatever it is that makes you think that you are better, or worse than anyone else. These are opinions that presume some form of superiority of ones self over others.
The Jewish people back in Paul’s day, thought that they were the superior race, chosen by God, custodians of the scriptures, and therefore better than everyone else.
The Muslims of today, believe similar things, only that the rest of us are infidels and worthy of nothing short of being killed.
And then you have the skin heads, and black-panther types, cults galore, nazis followers, and so on and so forth. All of whom want to force their views on everyone else, which simply means that they want everyone else to be enslaved by them. They, being the elite among us, and we, providing for their every whim.
Strife's and disputes are the arguments and conflicts that crop up among people, neighbors, couples, family members, nations, etc.
The law here is not a reference to the Levitical Law, but to the regulatory function of government in general. This opens up a huge can of worms, what with entitlement programs, regulatory programs, taxation, the use of public money, pork barrel policies, and so forth.
If we listed every controversy, or issue, or difference of opinion that could come up in life, you probably wouldn’t have enough time in this life, to read them all.
Suffice to say, there are so many possible distractions in this world, which can keep you or prevent you from your spiritual life, that if you were not alert to some extent, you wouldn’t even know that you were being prevented from something better.
And in all of these issues in life, unless they have their origin in some principle of doctrine, then they are totally worthless and a huge waste of your time.
For example. What color of clothing you choose to wear is a matter of personal preference. Others should not get involved in your wardrobe choices. However, the hostage incident on the high seas the other day, was handled perfectly. Those who are complaining that the pirates rights were violated, are detached from reality.
Matters of opinion can be expressed, but should go no further. ‘I see you are wearing red. I think you would look better in a darker shade.’
Matters of doctrine, need to be aligned perfectly with the principles of truth. ‘If you can’t do the time, don’t do the crime.’
And so, if you don’t wish to lose out on your eternal future, then don’t trade it away on the inconsequential things of this life. Esau traded his whole future away for a single meal.
Everything from this world is that single meal. It will never compare with an eternity of blessing that you are trading away for it, which is what you are doing if you do not pursue your spiritual life.
