Note 37 at 2 Tim. 2:23: This is basically the same command that Paul had already given Timothy twice in this chapter (vv. 14 and 16), and three times in his first letter to him (1 Tim. 1:4; 4:7; 6:4-5). He also told Titus the same thing (Ti. 3:9).

Note 38 at 2 Tim. 2:23: The Greek word "MOROS" from which the word "foolish" was translated means, "dull or stupid (as if shut up), i.e. heedless, (mor.) blockhead, (appar.) absurd" (Strong). This is the root of the word from which we get our English word "moron." Paul is telling Timothy he doesn't have to answer stupid questions.

It is interesting to note that W.E. Vine says this word "MOROS" was "a more serious reproach than RACA," referring to Jesus' statement in Matthew 5:22. Vine went on to say that RACA "scorns a man's mind and calls him stupid; MOROS scorns his heart and character; hence the Lord's more severe condemnation."

Paul wasn't calling anyone a fool. He was referring to the questions as being foolish. Intelligent people can ask foolish questions and foolish people can ask intelligent questions. It's not wrong to judge a question as foolish. It passes over into judgment when we judge the individual who asks the question.

Note 39 at 2 Tim. 2:23: The word "avoid" here was translated from the Greek word "PARAITEOMAI" which means, "to beg off, i.e. deprecate, decline, shun" (Strong). We should feel no pressure to answer foolish and unlearned questions. We should simply decline.