Arguments are a natural part of human interaction, but they can easily lead to conflict and division. The Bible warns against strife and calls believers to pursue peace. While disagreements will arise, we must handle them with wisdom and grace.
Many arguments stem from pride, anger, or selfish ambition. When emotions take over, words become weapons, and relationships suffer. God urges us to be slow to speak, quick to listen, and slow to anger. A soft answer can defuse tension, but harsh words fuel the fire.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers. Arguments should never escalate to hatred or resentment. The goal should be understanding, not victory. Let’s read what the Bible teaches about arguing and how we should respond.
Bible Verses About Arguing
1. Proverbs 15:1
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
2. James 1:19-20
“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
3. Proverbs 29:22
“An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression.”
4. 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.”
5. Philippians 2:14
“Do all things without complaining and disputing.”
6. Titus 3:9
“But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.”
7. Romans 12:18
“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”
8. Proverbs 20:3
“It is honorable for a man to stop striving, since any fool can start a quarrel.”
9. 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.”
10. James 3:16
“For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.”
11. 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.”
12. Proverbs 17:14
“The beginning of strife is like releasing water; therefore, stop contention before a quarrel starts.”
13. 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?”
14. Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
15. Proverbs 22:10
“Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; yes, strife and reproach will cease.”
16. Galatians 5:15
“But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!”
17. 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.”
18. Proverbs 26:20
“Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.”
19. Romans 14:19
“Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.”
20. Proverbs 18:6
“A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for blows.”
21. 1 Corinthians 1:10
“Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”
22. Ephesians 4:31-32
“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
23. Proverbs 15:18
“A wrathful man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger allays contention.”
24. 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.”
25. Psalm 37:8
“Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret—it only causes harm.”
26. Galatians 6:1
“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.”
27. Proverbs 25:15
“By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded, and a gentle tongue breaks a bone.”
28. 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.”
29. Ecclesiastes 7:9
“Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.”
30. 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.”
31. 2 Peter 1:5-6
“But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness.”
32. Romans 16:17
“Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.”
33. Hebrews 12:14
“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”
34. 1 Corinthians 3:3
“For you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?”
35. 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.”
Our Thought on What the Bible Says About Arguing
The Bible teaches that arguing often leads to strife, division, and broken relationships. Instead of quarreling, believers are called to be peacemakers, exercising wisdom and self-control. Anger and pride fuel arguments, but humility and patience foster understanding.
God desires that His people avoid unnecessary disputes and approach conflicts with love and gentleness. When disagreements arise, they should be handled with kindness, not hostility. Arguments rooted in selfishness lead to destruction, but words spoken in wisdom bring peace.
Christians are called to pursue unity, avoid foolish quarrels, and seek reconciliation. Arguments should not be about proving who is right but about maintaining peace and righteousness before God. Let us strive to build one another up instead of tearing each other down.