Christians are warned about grieving the Holy Spirit and Scripture tell us not to discuss certain things because it does not make for peace or edify; such as: fables and endless genealogies which cause disputes, profane old wives’ tales, gossiping, disputes and arguments over words which produces envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, and irreverent, sinful, wicked and godless chatter, see Ephesians 4:29-30, 1 Timothy 1:4, 1 Timothy 4:7, 1 Timothy 5:13, 1 Timothy 6:4 and 1 Timothy 6:20-21.

We are not to strive about words to no profit as it benefits no one and only brings ruin of the hearers. We should shun profane and vain babblings which leads to ungodliness, and we should not put up with those who do not endure sound doctrine, having itching ears and who turn aside to fables, see 2 Timothy 2:14, 16 and 2 Timothy 4:3-4. We are also to disregard Jewish fables and avoid foolish disputes and strivings about the law, see Titus 1:14 and Titus 3:9.

There is a big danger of building a lot on a little especially when that little happens to be a preconceived idea. We are told to warn those who cause divisions and offences, and reject them after the second warning and to avoid them, see Romans 16:17 and Titus 3:10. We should pursue things that make for peace and edify (Proverbs 25:11-12 and Romans 14:19) and do not answer a fool according to his folly, less he despise the wisdom of your words, see Isaiah 5:20, Proverbs 23:9 and Proverbs 26:4-5.

Recommended Book: Discipleship For Everyday Living: Christian Growth