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The Quibbler is the Path to Spotting a Scoffer
Bible Study Outline: The Quibbler in Proverbs and Paul’s “Arguments Over Words”
Introduction
• Theme: Exploring the concept of the quibbler in Proverbs, Paul’s warnings about arguments over words, and the connection to the undoing of Babel through clear communication, with a focus on James’ admonitions about envy and self-seeking.
• Key Verses: Proverbs 20:3, 2 Timothy 2:14, James 3:16
I. The Quibbler in Proverbs
I plan to teach this lesson Wednesday July 31 at 1230C on my youtube channel revfiskj.
1. Definition and Etymology
• Hebrew Term: “תַּעֲרֹבֶת” (ta’arovet)
• PIE Root: *wer- (to turn, bend)
• Etymology: Derived from the root meaning “to mix, meddle,” referring to someone who engages in disputes and arguments.
• Meanings: To mix, to meddle, to engage in disputes
2. Proverbs 20:3
• Verse: “It is honorable for a man to stop striving, since any fool can start a quarrel.”
• Interpretation: Highlighting the wisdom in avoiding unnecessary disputes and the folly of quibbling over trivial matters.
3. Additional Proverbs Verses
• Proverbs 17:14
• Verse: “The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.”
• Interpretation: Encouraging the prevention of disputes before they escalate.
• Proverbs 18:2
• Verse: “A fool has no delight in understanding, but in expressing his own heart.”
• Interpretation: Critiquing those who argue for the sake of airing their own opinions without seeking true understanding.
• Proverbs 26:21
• Verse: “As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife.”
• Interpretation: Describing the role of a quibbler in stirring up conflict and discord.
II. Paul’s Warning Against Arguments Over Words
1. Definition and Etymology
• Greek Term: “λογομαχία” (logomachia)
• PIE Root: *leg- (to collect, to speak)
• Etymology: Derived from “logos” (word) and “machia” (battle), referring to a battle or argument over words.
• Meanings: Word battle, argument, dispute
2. 2 Timothy 2:14
• Verse: “Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers.”
• Interpretation: Emphasizing the destructive nature of arguments over words and the importance of focusing on meaningful communication.
3. Additional Pauline Warnings
• 1 Timothy 6:4
• Verse: “He is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions.”
• Interpretation: Warning against those who are prideful and engage in fruitless disputes.
• Titus 3:9
• Verse: “But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.”
• Interpretation: Advising believers to steer clear of pointless arguments that do not lead to edification.
III. Undoing Babel with Clear Communication
1. Babel and Its Consequences
• Genesis 11:7-9
• Verse: “Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.”
• Understanding: The confusion of languages at Babel as a divine response to human pride and disobedience, leading to miscommunication and division.
2. Clear Communication as Redemption
• Acts 2:4, 6
• Verse: “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. … And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.”
• Interpretation: The Day of Pentecost as a reversal of Babel, where the Holy Spirit enables clear communication and understanding among diverse peoples.
IV. James on Envy, Self-Seeking, and Their Effects
1. James 3:16
• Verse: “For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.”
• Interpretation: The destructive power of envy and self-seeking, leading to confusion and disorder, in contrast to the peace and clarity of divine wisdom.
2. Etymological Insight:
• Greek Term: “ἐριθεία” (eritheia) - Self-seeking, ambition
• PIE Root: *ers- (to drive, to push)
• Etymology: Refers to a contentious or ambitious spirit that seeks personal gain.
• Meanings: Strife, contention, ambition
V. Examples from the Prophets and Histories
1. Prophetic Example: Jeremiah
• Jeremiah 18:18
• Verse: “Then they said, ‘Come and let us devise plans against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come and let us attack him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.’”
• Interpretation: Illustrates how contentious people sought to undermine Jeremiah’s message through slander and verbal attacks.
• Context: Highlighting how disputes and arguments can be used to oppose God’s prophets.
2. Historical Example: Nehemiah
• Nehemiah 4:1-3
• Verse: “But it so happened, when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, that he was furious and very indignant, and mocked the Jews. And he spoke before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, ‘What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they fortify themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Will they revive the stones from the heaps of rubbish—stones that are burned?’”
• Interpretation: The enemies of Nehemiah engaged in verbal taunting and disputes to discourage the work of rebuilding Jerusalem.
• Context: Demonstrates the use of contentious speech to disrupt and demoralize God’s people.
VI. Speaking with One Mind
1. Proverbs on Unity in Speech
• Proverbs 15:1
• Verse: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
• Interpretation: Promotes the value of gentle, unified responses that foster peace rather than division.
• Proverbs 12:18
• Verse: “There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health.”
• Interpretation: Highlights the impact of words and the importance of speaking wisely to promote unity and well-being.
2. Jesus’ Teachings on Unity in Speech
• Matthew 5:37
• Verse: “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.”
• Interpretation: Encourages clear, straightforward communication to avoid misunderstandings and disputes.
• John 17:20-23
• Verse: “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.”
• Interpretation: Jesus’ prayer for unity among His followers, emphasizing the importance of being united in purpose and speech.
3. New Testament Wisdom on Unity in Speech
• Ephesians 4:29
• Verse: “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”
• Interpretation: Encourages speaking words that build up and edify others, promoting unity and grace.
• 1 Peter 3:8-9
• Verse: “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.”
• Interpretation: Urges believers to be of one mind, compassionate, and courteous in their speech and actions, fostering a spirit of unity and blessing.
4. Paul on Unity in Speech
• Philippians 2:1-2
• Verse: “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”
• Interpretation: Paul encourages believers to be like-minded and united in love, fostering harmony and unity.
• Colossians 4:6
• Verse: “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”
• Interpretation: Advises believers to speak graciously and wisely, ensuring their words contribute to unity and understanding.
Conclusion
• Summary: Emphasize the importance of avoiding quibbles and arguments over words, seeking clear and meaningful communication, and recognizing the destructive effects of envy and self-seeking. Highlight the redemption of Babel through the Spirit’s work in fostering understanding and unity.
• Application: Encourage participants to practice humility and wisdom in their communication, striving for clarity and unity in the body of Christ.
Final Thought
• Wisdom in Communication: Reflect on the words of Proverbs, Paul, and James, recognizing that true wisdom leads to peace, clarity, and edification, undoing the confusion of Babel and building up the community of believers.
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