Arguments are a common occurrence in human interactions, often arising when individuals or groups have differing opinions or beliefs. The Bible, a guiding text for billions worldwide, offers unique perspectives on this complex topic, providing wisdom on how to manage and navigate disputes.
What Does the Bible Say About Arguments?
The Bible underscores the importance of handling disagreements with wisdom, respect and love. It emphasizes the need for believers to avoid pointless disputes and contentious talk that can escalate into animosity. The Bible encourages the adoption of peaceful discourse, promoting understanding and unity instead of contention and separation. It urges believers to strive for peace and reconciliation, recognizing that it’s better to maintain relationships and maintain unity than to win an argument. Moreover, it stresses that words should be employed thoughtfully, understanding their immense power to either heal or wound.
Why does the Bible Warn Against Frivolous Arguments?
The Bible cautions against engaging in frivolous disagreements that don’t edify or strengthen one’s faith. It warns that such discussions can lead to strife, disunity, and potential derailment from focusing on living a life honoring God. These unnecessary argumentations can foster division among believers and distract from the central commitment to loving others and sharing the love of God. Thus, the Bible suggests a wise and discerning approach, advocating against quarreling and instead promoting peace, understanding, and respect.
Who Are Encouraged to Mediate Arguments According to the Bible?
While the Bible recognizes the inevitability of disagreements in human interactions, it calls on individuals with spiritual maturity and discernment to mediate disputes when they arise. This role often falls to those in leadership positions, such as pastors, church leaders, or elder believers who have gained wisdom and experience over their years of walking with God. These individuals are encouraged to foster an atmosphere of mercy, empathy, and reconciliation when handling disputes. They are to guide the involved parties to a peaceful resolution, reflecting the love and forgiveness inherent in the teachings of the Bible.
Where Do We Apply the Bible’s Teachings About Arguments?
Applying the Bible’s teachings about disagreements is not confined to specific areas of life; it extends to all aspects. From family relations to church communities, workplaces to social circles, the wisdom provided can be utilized in any scenario where disagreements arise. The Bible’s guidance encourages believers to handle potential conflicts with love, humility, and patience, using words cautiously. It teaches the power of listening and understanding before responding and the importance of restraining anger and engaging in calm, respectful conversation. Furthermore, it reminds believers that their ultimate aim is not to win an argument but to preserve unity and peace.
When is Resolution not Achieved in Arguments According to the Bible?
The Bible acknowledges that not all disagreements will reach a peaceful resolution, despite efforts towards reconciliation. In such cases, it advises believers to respond gracefully, maintaining their peace and not resorting to hostility or retaliation. This can mean agreeing to disagree respectfully, without harboring resentment. Additionally, it implores believers not to allow unresolved disputes to interfere with their relationship with God or their love for one another. It counsels patience and continuous prayer, entrusting the situation to God’s justice and perfect timing.
Below is the full list of bible verses on arguments (King James Version – KJV). The list is ranked in order of popularity and we hope you find the inspiration you need.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Arguments
2 Timothy 2:23-25
“23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;”
2 Timothy 2:14
“14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.”
James 4:1-3
“1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.”
Related Themes: Lust Complaining Arguing
2 Timothy 2:16
“16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.”
Related Themes: Gossip Arguing Communication Preaching Vanity
Proverbs 15:1
“1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
Related Themes: Arguing Criticism Bitterness Criticism Gossip
2 Corinthians 10:5
“5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”
Related Themes: Lust Arguing Attitude Fidelity Bitterness
Proverbs 21:9
“9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.”
1 Timothy 6:4
“4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,”
Romans 12:2
“2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Related Themes: Complaining Lust Creativity Attitude Business
James 1:19
“19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:”
Related Themes: Criticism Bitterness Frustration Patience Frustration
Proverbs 18:2
“2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.”
Related Themes: Arguing Understanding Opinions Communication Assumption
Romans 14:1
“1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.”
Related Themes: Strangers Judging Others Arguing Food Criticism
Matthew 7:3
“3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?”
Related Themes: Criticism Arguing Judging Others Criticism Jewelry
Philippians 2:14-16
“14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.”
Related Themes: Complaining Attitude Complaining Holiness
Titus 3:9
“9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.”
Related Themes: Arguing Politics Division Debating Quarreling
Proverbs 21:23
“23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.”
Related Themes: Gossip Resolving Conflict Arguing Self-Control Cursing
Titus 3:1-11
“1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.”
Romans 12:1
“1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
1 Peter 5:7
“7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
Related Themes: Loneliness Frustration Depression Worry Complaining
Colossians 3:16
“16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
1 Peter 3:15
“15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”
Related Themes: Hope Arguing Gentleness Reverence Preparation
James 1:19-20
“19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”
Related Themes: Criticism Bitterness Frustration Patience Frustration
Proverbs 15:1-9
“1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.5 A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.9 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.”
Related Themes: Arguing Criticism Bitterness Criticism Gossip
