2 Timothy 2:14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit… When Endamides heard old Xenocrates disputing so long about wisdom, he inquired very gravely, but archly, "If the old man be yet disputing and inquiring concerning wisdom, what time will he have left to use it?" Controversy may be sometimes needful; but the love of disputation is a serious evil. Luther, who contended earnestly for the truth, used to pray, "From a vainglorious doctor, a contentious pastor, and nice questions, the Lord deliver His Church." Philip Melancthon, being at the conferences at Spires, in 1529, made a little journey to Bretton to see his mother. This good woman asked him what she must believe amidst so many disputes, and repeated to him her prayers, which contained nothing superstitious. "Go on, mother," said he, "to believe and pray as you have done, and never trouble yourself about religious controversies." (Sunday School Teacher.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
    |