Morning & Evening Daily Devotional Reading– November 19

by Charles H. Spurgeon, Revised and Edited by William C. Neff

“Avoid foolish questions.”

–Titus 3:9

Our days are few, and are far better spent in doing good, than in disputing over matters which are, at best, of minor importance. The old schoolmen (of the Renaissance) did a world of harm by their incessant discussion of subjects that had no practical importance; and our Churches still suffer from petty wars over nitpicky points and unimportant questions. After everything has been said that can be said, neither party is any the wiser, and therefore the discussion doesn’t even promote knowledge— and, much less, love.

Our business is neither to ask nor answer foolish questions, but to avoid them altogether; and if we observe the apostle’s teaching (in Titus 3:8) to be careful to maintain good works, we shall find ourselves far too occupied with profitable business to take much interest in unworthy, contentious, and needless strivings.

There are, however, some questions which are the reverse of foolish, which we must not avoid, but on the contrary, we must fairly and honestly meet. 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 who expects his master? What more can I do for Jesus? Such questions as these urgently demand our attention; and if we have been at all given to carelessness, let’s now turn our critical abilities to a much more profitable service. Let’s be peacemakers, and endeavor to lead others by our precept and example to “avoid foolish questions.”[M&E]