Paul is adamant that Timothy neither indulge nor tolerate quarrels and silly arguments. If you choose to watch CNN, Fox News, or MSNBC you will view plenty of quarrelling over political matters. If you watch ESPN, there are constant silly arguments over sports. In fact there are entire TV programs dedicated to questions like “Who would win in battle?: Samurai or Viking?” Much of our TV, radio, and by extension print entertainment involves perpetual silly banter. Oh, did I mention social media? You get the picture. Our larger culture is mired in the talk Paul cautions Timothy to avoid. As Christians we are dedicated to the truth, but we are not always the most discerning over what is worth fighting over, and who we should engage in disagreement. To disagree is one thing, but to quarrel is to accuse, assume, mistreat, and malign. Besides dishonoring God, this is exhausting and pointless. Paul knows the human propensity to waste time with words without wisdom. Next time you feel like starting up an online disagreement, or rehashing an old frustration, consider Paul's guidance to Timothy.