Splitting Hairs

The phrase “splitting hairs” is an idiom which has existed since Shakespeare’s time. It continues to be used today because that’s how many of us behave. 

In a meeting, gentleman 1 (G1) made a motion using the word “empower.”  

Immediately gentleman 2 (G2) objected saying that “empower” is not the exact word. He suggested “task” because he felt it is more result-oriented and specific.  

G1 defended his position in a voice that was two decibels too high.  

Naturally, G2 became defensive and explained his choice of word emphatically in a pitch higher than his normal voice.   

Splitting hairs: worrying and arguing about small, non-essential details. It can be the start of a bitter word war. 

This can happen in churches, too.

Sometimes, we argue with fellow believers about what this word in the Bible means and how it should be used in Bible study lessons. Words, as invented and translated by man, are not exact. They have nuances and sometimes, one word cannot exactly replace the other. So we split hairs. 

My boss in the workplace used to advise me when I fumed over a client’s habit of changing my carefully thought-out words in a TV advertising. “If it’s just a synonym or a word that does not change the concept, give it to him. Don’t lose sleep over a word.”  

The Bible admonishes us, “A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.” (2 Timothy 2:24 NLT)

In Romans 14:19, this is how church people should behave among themselves, “So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.”  

By grace, this should be the norm.