Marsha's Musings: Foolish, Ignorant Controversies (2 Timothy 2:23 ESV)

Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. (2 Timothy 2:23 ESV)

We can get a hint at what Paul might be talking about here when he says "ignorant and foolish" controversies if we look at some cross references.

Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. (2 Timothy 2:14 ESV)

But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, (2 Timothy 2:16 ESV)

There are many other references in Paul's other letters dealing with this sort of thing, but these give the idea.  

The basic rule is this: Does my conversation breed quarrels, ruin the hearers of God's Word by casting doubt, or lead people into ungodliness?  If what I say or contend about with others does any of this instead of building their faith up, then I need to take note and stop doing it.