Avoid Foolish Questions

Titus 3:8-9 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 

‘Faithful saying.’ Four “faithful sayings” in Timothy and Titus: Christ came to save sinners (1Tim. 1:15; 4:10; Matt. 1:21; John 3:16; Gal. 1:4). Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of life now, and of that which is to come (1Tim. 1:4). If we are dead with Him, we shall also live with Him (2Tim. 2:11-13). They which belief must maintain good works (Tit. 3:8; cp. 1Tim. 3:1; Rev. 21:5; 22:6). This gives the whole span of redemption from the fall of man to the eternal reign with Christ.

‘Affirm constantly.’ Affirm strongly. We are commanded to maintain good works (3:8, 14; 2:14; 2Tim. 2:21; Matt. 5:16).

‘Avoid foolish questions’ [Greek: zetesis] a searching after; investigation. Translated as “question” (3:9; 1Tim. 1:4; 6:4; John 3:25; Acts 25:20; 2Tim. 2:23). Here and in 1Timothy 1:4 it means disputing that causes strife, divisions, and parties. Avoid conversations where people ask questions because they want to argue or prove their opinions.

‘Unprofitable and vain.’ Four things unprofitable and vain: foolish questions; strivings about law; genealogies; contentions.