While I'm a fan of robust discussions I prefer to stay out of the fray, particularly on Facebook. Rather than participate in the debates, even those on Bible topics, I typically read and analyze the discussions because the way people think is fascinating. It’s particularly interesting to see how that’s revealed as others write out their thoughts to make their case. Agree or disagree there is always something to learn from how people say what they think.

Another reason I stay out of the online debates is that too often they turn into unpleasant arguments to no real benefit, especially when people begin calling names. Even if it doesn't go there many arguments aren't about genuine doctrinal differences, but about wanting everyone to say the same thing the same way. In other words, too many online debates are not about true differences of fundamental belief; rather we end up saying, in effect, “I wouldn't say it that way,” because we’re really just saying the same things in different words. The real problems arise when that becomes, “You can’t say it that way” because “We've always said it this way.”

Fortunately Facebook facedowns aren't usually a matter of life or death - we just think they are. There was, however, an occasion in the OT when not saying “it” the right way was a matter of life or death. After Jephthah defeated the Ammonites a rival Israelite tribe (Ephraim) picked a fight because they felt slighted. They should have stayed out of the fray because it didn't go well. Thousands lost their lives because they couldn't pronounce “shibboleth” with the “shh” sound. Instead they were exposed because they said “sibboleth” (Judges 12:1-6). If an Ephraimite wanted to live he needed to heed the warning, “I wouldn't say it that way.”

The next time we want to challenge someone for what they wrote let’s make sure it’s about truth and not about our preferred (or traditional) wording. Lives may not be at stake, but our souls might. Because the real truth is our pride gets in the way of obedience to God's revealed truth that condemns fighting and wrangling over words (2 Timothy 2:14).