Split Hairs
Do you remember sky-high teased hairstyles? Or have you seen pictures of them? Can you imagine all the split hairs that caused? Worse damage occurs when we split hairs with our words.
When we split hairs, we fight about minor details that make no major difference.
We focus on the petty or unimportant.
This metaphor “was first recorded in the late 17th century,” according to The Free Dictionary.
Most of us have split a few hairs.
Yet why let anything that is neither here nor there steal our attention? No need to stress. No need to waste that time. If it will not matter six months from now, let it go.
Let’s focus on the worthy.
- Do what needs to be done.
- Forget what makes little or no difference.
- Never let trivial matters get our goat.
A single hair should not overtake the rest of our body. Neither should one small detail overtake our minds, emotions, or relationships.
“Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen” (2 Timothy 2:14 NIV).
Thanks to Tracy Crump for the suggestion and to Misty Durham for the photo.
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6 thoughts on “Split Hairs”
No one wants split ends in their hair nor needs to split hairs just to make a point, Diana. This is a great illustration for all of us to focus on the meaningful, not the meaningless, points that aren’t worth arguing about.
Blessings!
Thank you, Martha. I pray we always focus on what matters most. Have a wonderful day.
Reminds me of:
Six of one, half dozen of the other..
Good thought, Beckham. Here’s a link to that one.
https://dianaderringer.com/six-of-one-and-half-a-dozen/
Whenever I’m in a discussion and those involved begin to split hairs–focus on tiny, seemingly irrelevent details just to waste time or express opinions that don’t involve the issue being discussed, I cringe. The urge to shout, “Let’s focus on the real issue here!” nearly overwhelms me. I just don’t like to waste time. However, I’ll admit that sometimes, occasionally, those “split hair” folks will have a legitimate suggestion to add to the discussion. Thanks, Diana, great message!
I hear you, Katherine, and you are right. As much as I want to stay focused on the issue at hand, those minor details often make significant differences. That would have made a great additional point in the post.