Avoid Foolish Conversations

January 19, 2026

TITUS 3:9 NKJV – (9) But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.

Paul instructs Titus to insist on these basic principles. First, Titus is to avoid "foolish controversies," or "foolish debates." Bickering over certain issues is poisonous to the Christian life.

Second, Titus was to avoid genealogies. This sounds like an odd point, but certain false teachers took great pride in proving that they were direct descendants of Abraham. Yet God is not concerned with who one's parents are, He is concerned about our salvation. 

Third, Titus was commanded to avoid "dissensions," "strife," or "quarrels." In other words, Titus is not to be known for being argumentative. The New Testament gives many positive instructions to contend for the Christian faith 1 Peter 3:15–16; Acts 17:3; , referring to arguments or debates. In other words, Titus is not to be known for being argumentative.

Fourth, Titus is to avoid "quarrels [or disputes] about the law." The false teachers of Crete were using the law of Moses to make accusations against Titus' fellow Christians. Paul tells Titus not to lose focus by arguing about details of the Jewish law. Instead, he is to center his ministry on the good news of Jesus, promoting sound doctrine in the local churches.

All four of these practices—pointless debate, arguments over genealogy, quarrels, and debates over the law of Moses—are considered a waste of time. All they accomplish is taking energy and resources away from the ministry. Just stick to the guidance of Jesus Christ.

SCRIPTURE READING

1 TIMOTHY 6:4; 1 TIMOTHY 6:4; 2 TIMOTHY 2:23-26 and PROVERBS 26:4-5

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Avoid foolish conversations. Christ “WILL” hold His own.