What does this bible passage mean?

Question

I was reading another question and someone gave this answer...

(Titus 3:9) But avoid foolish questions and genealogies and contentions, and strivings about the Law, for they are unprofitable and vain.

I am translating this to mean stay ignorant and do not ask questions.

What a deep passage. "it all makes no sense, therefore, do not question the roots"

Answer 1

Knowing some biblical history and background will assist you. The apostle Paul was writing this letter or epistle to Titus who he deems his son in a spiritual sense. Everything written to Titus is for Titus who is also a Hebrew. Some Hebrews made much ado about their lineage and contended about the scriptures which is the Law the scripture is referring too. The apostles and early disciples who preached about the death, burial and resurrection of the Messiah found themselves always at odds with the Hebrews who did not agree with them to the point it cost them their lives. Paul is admonishing Titus to not get caught up with the argument because it is a waste of time. Your incorrect interpretation of this scripture and blind application to you personally will continue to lead to confusion.

Answer 2

My impression of this passage is that it means to avoid heating up arguments over petty things. Avoid ANSWERING foolish questions. Genealogies were a point of contention among Jews several times in their history, and now Jews were supposed to be equal with Gentiles. The Law was pronounced dead by Paul. Does it seem different to You in this light?

Answer 3

That's not what that means.
I usually don't do this, but this needs to be taken in context.
From the NIV

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
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This letter is not telling you to not question or not thnk, it is telling you how to deal with contrary people.

Sorry about the cut & paste.

Answer 4

Foolish questions like "Is there a God?" and "Was Jesus the Son of God?". He's saying don't argue about the law or you will all go your separate ways and form 37 different denominations...



too late.


It doesn't mean to stay ignorant, because if you would read the whole of the Bible, it says to "study to show yourself approved." So the questions are answered in the Bible, don't go and just make up things just to contradict it. Sorta like they do on Y!A all the time.

Answer 5

Why ask foolish questions about how the Universe came to be its a waste of time nobody is going to ever figure it out. Dont waste time trying to keep some King Queen line pure it will never work. Quit fueding over laws that are disigned to control you which you willrebel against anyway. Does it make sense now?

Answer 6

Not at all. Scripture is about a marriage contract YHVH offers to mankind. Take HIS name, and follow His rules. The "Jews" got all tied up in the bloodlines thing, ancestry, etc. He is saying that righteousness is by faith which causes obedience. Believers followed Torah for 300 years after messiah, until obedience was outlawed by the "Christian" church.

Answer 7

Apparently there was a Y! in Paul's day, and he warned Christians to stay away from all the vain and contentious idiots who continually ask questions with no other intention than to bash people they've never met.

If I ever see an atheist ask a reasonable question, I think I'll fall over.

Answer 8

It's the " 'tis a gift to be simple" mentality. It was a backlash against gnosticism, which said that there was "secret knowledge" available for those who would diligently seek it, and that the attainment of this knowledge was the purpose of our spiritual lives.

But I agree with your translation. Truth can stand up to any amount of scrutiny.

Answer 9

Read the verse within the context of the chapter. You'll see the reason, and it will shed light on the proper understanding.

Answer 10

It doesn't mean to stay ignorant. It means avoid being ignorant and speaking without intelligence. It means to uses your questions and your words with intellect and to watch what you say.