According to some of the internet dictionaries I consulted, the origin of this term described the manual removal of nits (eggs of lice) from another person’s hair. The more recent usage means to criticize for tiny faults or details of little importance. Some synonyms are quibble, carp and fuss. My grandma Mary once told us about a word that is pronounced the same but spelled knit. It seems as if a group of ladies would gather to knit garments. One of the women was quite vocal about any knitting she considered inferior to her own. Finally, one brave soul exclaimed, “Rose, tend to your own knitting” We all wondered if Rose knitted her brow upon hearing that. The original act of nitpicking was probably appreciated, the brash and arrogant nitpicking not so much.
Some of Jesus’ most stern rebukes to the Pharisees and teachers of the Law dealt with their hypocrisy in being sure to give a tenth of even the smallest spices while neglecting the matters of justice, mercy and faithfulness (Matt 23;23). He showed some of His humor by adding, “You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel” (v. 24). Their extreme desire to be seen by others as holy (Matt 23:2-7) led to nitpicking of other’s behavior while inventing traditions counter to God’s laws (Matt 15:6-9). Apparently, arrogance and nitpicking go hand in hand, as Jesus taught in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Lk 18: 10-14).
The 1st Century church had to deal with a dangerous heresy called Gnosticism. It taught that one must learn a special knowledge to achieve salvation, not through union with Christ alone. Matter was considered evil and the spirit good, hence the body was treated severely (1 Jo 4:1-3) ( Col 2:4, 20-23). Of course, this teaching would claim that Christ in His body was sinful.
Many cults have arisen over the years led by teachers who delight in false humility (Col 2:18-23) and who are in reality, “savage wolves” and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:29-31). They are the arrogant Pharisees of this century.
Christianity is and always has been a taught religion (1 Tim 3:2,16) ( 1 Tim 2:2) ( Tit 2:1) (Jas3:1) (Matt 28:20). However, we must be very cautious not to nitpick, rather teach only what Jesus did. “But even if we (Paul) or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned” (Gal 1:8, 11-12).
Christ gives His disciples the freedom to believe things that are different from our brethren if they are about, “disputable matters” (Rom 14:1-13). These matters in that day involved special days and eating of meat. Today they might involve something of our culture. We must recognize which are really salvation issues and not bind any esoteric ideas on others. Otherwise, we may be guilty of nitpicking.
-Jim Bailey
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