Arguing is a common part of human interaction, but it can often lead to discord, hurt feelings, and broken relationships if not handled with wisdom and grace. The Bible provides guidance on how to approach disagreements, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace, showing respect, and exercising self-control. These scriptures encourage believers to avoid unnecessary conflicts, to be slow to anger, and to seek reconciliation whenever possible. Here are 30 Bible verses about arguing, each accompanied by a brief commentary to provide deeper understanding and reflection.
1. Proverbs 15:1
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
The power of gentle speech. This verse emphasizes the impact that our words can have during disagreements. A gentle response can diffuse tension, while harsh words can escalate conflict. It encourages us to approach arguments with kindness and calmness to maintain peace.
2. James 1:19
“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”
Listening before speaking. James advises believers to prioritize listening over speaking and to control their anger. This verse highlights the importance of being patient and thoughtful in our communication, especially during disagreements, to avoid unnecessary conflict.
3. Proverbs 17:14
“The beginning of strife is like releasing water; therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.”
Avoiding unnecessary conflict. This proverb compares the start of an argument to the release of water, which can quickly become uncontrollable. It encourages us to resolve disagreements early before they escalate into bigger conflicts.
4. Ephesians 4:26-27
“Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.”
Managing anger wisely. Paul acknowledges that anger is a natural emotion, but he cautions against letting it lead to sin. This verse encourages resolving conflicts quickly and not allowing anger to fester, which can give the enemy a foothold in our relationships.
5. Proverbs 20:3
“It is honorable for a man to stop striving, since any fool can start a quarrel.”
The honor in avoiding strife. This verse teaches that it is wise and honorable to avoid arguments, as anyone can start a fight, but it takes wisdom to prevent one. It encourages seeking peace rather than engaging in unnecessary disputes.
6. Colossians 3:13
“Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”
Forgiveness over argument. Paul urges believers to practice forgiveness, even when they have legitimate complaints against one another. This verse encourages us to choose forgiveness and understanding over arguing, following Christ’s example of grace.
7. 2 Timothy 2:23-24
“But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient.”
Avoiding foolish disputes. Paul instructs Timothy to avoid pointless arguments that lead to strife. This verse reminds believers to prioritize gentleness, patience, and teaching over quarreling, focusing on constructive conversations rather than divisive disputes.
8. Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
The blessing of peacemaking. Jesus commends those who actively seek to create peace rather than engaging in conflict. This verse encourages believers to be peacemakers in their interactions, striving to resolve disputes peacefully and reflecting the character of God.
9. Romans 12:18
“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”
Pursuing peace with everyone. Paul encourages believers to do everything within their power to live in peace with others. This verse highlights the importance of making every effort to avoid arguments and maintain harmonious relationships.
10. Proverbs 19:11
“The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression.”
Overlooking offenses. This proverb praises the wisdom of being slow to anger and the honor in overlooking minor offenses. It encourages believers to exercise patience and restraint, choosing to let go of petty grievances instead of arguing over them.
11. Titus 3:2
“To speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.”
Gentleness and humility. Paul instructs believers to avoid speaking evil of others and to be peaceable, gentle, and humble in their interactions. This verse encourages a mindset of humility and kindness, which can prevent arguments from arising.
12. Proverbs 29:11
“A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.”
Wisdom in self-control. This verse contrasts the behavior of a fool, who expresses all their anger, with a wise person, who exercises self-control. It teaches the importance of managing emotions, especially in conflict, to avoid unnecessary disputes.
13. James 3:17
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.”
Heavenly wisdom in conflict. James describes the characteristics of godly wisdom, which includes being peaceable, gentle, and willing to yield. This verse encourages believers to embody these qualities during disagreements, fostering a peaceful resolution.
14. 1 Peter 3:9
“Not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.”
Responding with blessing. Peter instructs believers to respond to mistreatment with blessing rather than retaliation. This verse challenges us to break the cycle of argument and hostility by responding with kindness and grace, reflecting our calling in Christ.
15. Proverbs 15:18
“A wrathful man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger allays contention.”
Calming anger. This proverb highlights the contrast between someone who quickly becomes angry and stirs up conflict, and someone who is slow to anger and calms disputes. It encourages the practice of patience and calmness to prevent and resolve arguments.
16. Matthew 18:15
“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.”
Private resolution. Jesus teaches that conflicts should be addressed privately, seeking reconciliation rather than public confrontation. This verse encourages dealing with disagreements directly and respectfully, aiming for resolution rather than escalation.
17. Ecclesiastes 7:9
“Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.”
Avoiding quick anger. This verse warns against being quick to anger, associating it with foolishness. It encourages patience and restraint in disagreements, helping to prevent arguments from escalating into anger.
18. 2 Corinthians 12:20
“For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults.”
Warning against divisiveness. Paul expresses concern about finding the Corinthians engaged in divisive behaviors such as contentions and outbursts of wrath. This verse serves as a warning to avoid such behaviors that lead to arguments and division within the community.
19. Galatians 5:15
“But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!”
The danger of destructive arguments. Paul warns that constant arguing and backbiting can lead to the destruction of relationships. This verse highlights the destructive nature of unresolved conflict and encourages believers to seek peace and unity instead.
20. Proverbs 22:24-25
“Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul.”
Choosing peaceful companions. This proverb advises against forming close relationships with those who are prone to anger and arguments. It emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with peaceful and patient people to avoid being drawn into unnecessary conflicts.
21. Ephesians 4:31
“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.”
Putting away negative behavior. Paul instructs believers to rid themselves of negative behaviors that lead to conflict, such as anger and evil speaking. This verse encourages a heart of forgiveness and peace, steering clear of actions that fuel arguments.
22. Romans 14:1
“Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things.”
Avoiding trivial disputes. Paul advises against engaging in arguments over minor or doubtful issues, particularly with those who are weaker in faith. This verse encourages us to focus on what truly matters in our relationships and avoid unnecessary debates.
23. 1 Timothy 6:4-5
“He is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.”
Avoiding contentious individuals. Paul warns Timothy about those who are obsessed with arguments and disputes, leading to strife and discord. This verse advises distancing ourselves from such individuals and avoiding fruitless arguments that lead to division.
24. Proverbs 18:2
“A fool has no delight in understanding, but in expressing his own heart.”
The folly of self-centered arguments. This proverb describes the foolishness of arguing only to express one’s own opinions without seeking understanding. It encourages us to value understanding and empathy over winning an argument.
25. Titus 3:9
“But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.”
Avoiding unprofitable disputes. Paul instructs Titus to avoid engaging in arguments over trivial matters that are unproductive. This verse reminds us to focus on meaningful conversations that build up rather than engaging in arguments that have no value.
26. Proverbs 16:32
“He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.”
The strength of self-control. This proverb praises those who are slow to anger and have control over their emotions. It emphasizes that true strength lies in self-control, especially in the context of arguments and disputes.
27. James 4:1
“Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?”
The root of conflict. James identifies selfish desires as the source of conflicts and arguments. This verse encourages us to examine our own hearts for selfishness that may be fueling disputes and to seek peace through humility and selflessness.
28. Matthew 7:3-5
“And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
Self-examination before correction. Jesus teaches the importance of self-reflection before correcting others, particularly in the context of arguments. This verse encourages humility and self-awareness, reminding us to address our own faults before engaging in disputes with others.
29. 2 Timothy 2:14
“Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers.”
Avoiding arguments over words. Paul warns against getting caught up in arguments over words that have no value and can harm others. This verse encourages focusing on edifying conversations rather than engaging in pointless debates.
30. Proverbs 15:4
“A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”
The power of uplifting speech. This proverb highlights the life-giving power of kind and gentle words, contrasting it with the destructiveness of harsh speech. It encourages us to use our words to heal and build up, rather than to argue and tear down.
These verses collectively offer guidance on how to approach disagreements with wisdom, patience, and a spirit of peace. They remind us that while conflict is sometimes unavoidable, the way we handle it can either build relationships or destroy them. By embracing these biblical principles, we can navigate disagreements in a way that honors God and promotes harmony in our relationships.
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