Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Timothy 2:23

"But foolish and ignorant questionings refuse, knowing that they gender strifes." — 2 Timothy 2:23 (ASV)

But foolish and unlearned questions avoid. (See the notes on 1 Timothy 1:4, 1 Timothy 1:6, and 1 Timothy 4:7).

The word "unlearned" here means trifling; that which does not tend to edification; stupid. The Greeks and Hebrews were very prone to controversies of various kinds, and many of the questions discussed pertained to points which could not be settled or which, if settled, were of no importance. Such has been the character of a significant part of the disputes which have agitated the world.

Paul correctly says that the only effect of such disputes is to engender harsh contention. Points of real importance can be discussed without provoking ill temper; but people cannot safely dispute about trivial matters.