Avoid
An Archaic Use: Escape
In the King James Version of 1 Samuel 18:11, "avoid" carries an archaic meaning that surprises modern readers. When Saul hurled his spear at David, the text says David "avoided out of his presence twice." Here "avoided" means "escaped" or "evaded," describing a physical act of dodging a weapon. Modern translations render this as "eluded" or "escaped," capturing the dramatic moment when David narrowly survived Saul's murderous intent.
Turning Away from False Teaching
In Romans 16:17, Paul urges believers to "mark those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which you have learned, and avoid them." The Greek word here is ekklino, meaning to turn aside or deviate from a path. Paul's instruction is not about passive avoidance but active discernment: identifying those whose teaching contradicts the apostolic message and deliberately turning away from their influence. The same word appears in Romans 3:12, describing humanity's universal tendency to turn aside from God's way.
Guarding Against Suspicion
In 2 Corinthians 8:20, Paul describes his own practice of avoidance in a different sense. He explains that he arranges financial matters carefully so that no one can find fault with how the church's generous gift is administered. The Greek word stellomai conveys the idea of arranging things to prevent a problem before it arises. Paul models the principle that leaders should proactively avoid situations that could give rise to suspicion or scandal.
Refusing Foolish Controversies
Paul instructs Timothy to "avoid profane and idle babblings" (1 Timothy 6:20) and "foolish and unlearned questions" that generate strife (2 Timothy 2:23). Similarly, Titus is told to "avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law" (Titus 3:9). The Greek words used in these passages, including paraiteomai (to refuse or decline) and periistemi (to stand clear of), describe the discipline of refusing to engage with pointless disputes that damage the church's unity and witness.
Avoidance as Spiritual Wisdom
The Bible's varied uses of "avoid" together form a picture of spiritual wisdom. Sometimes avoidance means physically escaping danger, as David did. Sometimes it means refusing to engage with false teachers or divisive people. Sometimes it means proactively structuring one's life to prevent temptation or suspicion. In every case, avoidance is not cowardice but discernment, recognizing what is harmful and choosing to distance oneself from it for the sake of faithfulness to God.
Proverbs and the Path of Wisdom
The wisdom literature reinforces the importance of avoidance. Proverbs 4:14-15 counsels: "Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way." This instruction treats avoidance as a deliberate choice to take a different road entirely, not merely to slow down or hesitate. The wise person recognizes danger early and chooses an alternative path before entanglement occurs.
Biblical Context
Avoid appears in 1 Samuel 18:11 (escaping Saul's spear), Romans 16:17 (turning from divisive people), 2 Corinthians 8:20 (preventing suspicion in financial matters), 1 Timothy 6:20 and 2 Timothy 2:23 (refusing idle disputes), and Titus 3:9 (steering clear of foolish controversies).
Theological Significance
Biblical avoidance teaches that wisdom includes knowing what to reject, not just what to embrace. The New Testament's instructions to avoid false teaching, foolish controversies, and even the appearance of impropriety demonstrate that spiritual maturity requires discernment and the discipline to turn away from what harms one's faith and the church's unity.
Historical Background
The early church faced constant threats from false teachers, divisive factions, and syncretism with surrounding pagan culture. Paul's instructions to avoid certain people and practices reflect the real challenges of maintaining doctrinal integrity and community unity in a diverse, cosmopolitan Roman Empire. The various Greek words he uses show a nuanced understanding of different types of avoidance appropriate to different situations.