In the context of Christian edification, the opposition to foolish questions is a significant theme that underscores the importance of focusing on sound doctrine and constructive discourse. The New Testament provides guidance on avoiding fruitless debates and instead encourages believers to engage in conversations that build up the faith community.

The Apostle Paul addresses this issue directly in his pastoral epistles. In his letter to Titus, Paul advises, "But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the Law, because these are unprofitable and useless" (Titus 3:9). Here, Paul emphasizes that such discussions do not contribute to spiritual growth or the edification of the church. Instead, they distract from the core message of the Gospel and can lead to division and strife within the body of Christ.

Similarly, in his first letter to Timothy, Paul warns against engaging in "myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than the stewardship of God’s work, which is by faith" (1 Timothy 1:4). The apostle's concern is that these speculative discussions detract from the mission of the church and the edification of believers. By focusing on speculative or contentious topics, Christians risk neglecting the essential teachings that foster spiritual maturity and unity.

Paul's exhortation to Timothy continues with a call to pursue righteousness and godly edification: "Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather, train yourself for godliness" (1 Timothy 4:7). This instruction highlights the importance of prioritizing spiritual disciplines and teachings that lead to a deeper understanding of God's truth and a more profound commitment to living out one's faith.

The theme of avoiding foolish questions is also echoed in Paul's second letter to Timothy, where he advises, "But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling" (2 Timothy 2:23). Paul underscores the destructive nature of such disputes, which can hinder the church's mission and the believer's personal growth.

In the broader biblical context, the call to avoid foolish questions aligns with the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, which often contrasts the wise with the foolish. Proverbs 26:4-5 offers a nuanced perspective: "Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes." This passage suggests discernment in responding to foolishness, recognizing when engagement is necessary and when it is best to refrain.

Overall, the biblical admonition against foolish questions serves as a reminder for believers to focus on edifying conversations that promote understanding, unity, and spiritual growth. By adhering to sound doctrine and avoiding fruitless debates, Christians can better fulfill their calling to build up the body of Christ and advance the Gospel.1 Timothy 1:4
Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

"Now the End of the Commandment is Charity Out of a Pure Heart ...
... or their neighbour's time, in foolish, unnecessary, or ... they do it not unto edification
in faith ... to oppose this unto their contentions about trifling questions. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xi now the end.htm

Letter Li. From Epiphanius, Bishop of Salamis, in Cyprus, to John ...
... I have wrought for the edification of the ... as the scripture bears witness, "The foolish
man speaketh ... involved themselves in many subtle questions, and through ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter li from epiphanius bishop.htm

In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God ...
... to those things which tend to edification, not indulge in ... to instruct us, not in
frivolous questions, but in ... upon their guard against the foolish and absurd ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 14 in the creation.htm

In the Beginning God Made the Heaven and the Earth.
... become "vain in their imaginations and their foolish heart was ... would not prove to
be to the edification of the ... I ask you to leave these vain questions, I will ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily i in the beginning.htm

Introduction
... from his paramount duty, the edification of the ... was seriously interested in religious
questions was reared ... works commanded of God, the foolish opinion, that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/a treatise on good works/introduction.htm

C??sarius of Arles.
... You should spur us on by your questions, that we may ... was passing before his eyes
to the edification of his ... haste, and no justification of a foolish observance. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/neander/light in the dark places/caesarius of arles.htm

Latitudinarian Churchmanship.
... and amid the multiplicity of secondary questions of more ... for the sake of our edification,
with human ... of the Christian religion to be some foolish and wicked ...
/.../chapter iv latitudinarian churchmanship.htm

The Treatise
... here, and makes confession there, questions this man ... Here foolish men run into danger,
and especially ... sermon are listened to without edification, the prayer is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/a treatise on good works/the treatise.htm

From 1787 to 1791 Inclusive
... To the assumption of the title simply, I allow Mr. Wesley was opposed, but not ... The
following questions and answers show the deep interest felt for the colored ...
/.../a history of the methodist episcopal church volume i/chapter 2 from 1787 to.htm

Christian Behavior
... To conclude, for your farther edification, take a plain rehearsal of your several ...
few words answers his wife, and takes her off from her foolish talking: 'Thou ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

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Edification: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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