John Calvin Commentary 2 Timothy 2:23

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

But avoid foolish and uninstructive questions—he calls them foolish because they are uninstructive; that is, they contribute nothing to godliness, whatever show of acuteness they may present. When we are wise in a useful manner, only then are we truly wise.

This ought to be carefully observed, for we see what foolish admiration the world entertains for silly trifles and how eagerly it runs after them. So that an ambition to please does not urge us to seek the favor of people by such display, let us always remember this remarkable testimony of Paul, that questions, which are highly esteemed, are nevertheless foolish because they are unprofitable.

Knowing that they beget quarrels—next, he expresses the evil that they commonly produce. And here he says nothing other than what we experience every day: that they give occasion for wrangling and debates. Yet most people, after having received so many instructions, do not profit from them at all.