30 Bible Verses About Arguing (With Commentary)

The Bible offers clear guidance on how to approach conflicts and disagreements, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace, humility, and love in all interactions. Arguing, when done with a spirit of pride or anger, can lead to division and strife, undermining the unity that believers are called to maintain. Instead, Scripture encourages us to be slow to anger, quick to listen, and to seek resolution through gentle words and understanding. Here are 30 Bible verses about arguing, each with a brief commentary.

1. Proverbs 15:1

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

This verse teaches the power of gentle speech in diffusing anger and preventing arguments. It encourages us to respond calmly and thoughtfully in conflicts, knowing that harsh words can escalate tensions and lead to further discord.

2. James 1:19-20

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”

James advises believers to prioritize listening and to control their anger in disputes. This passage highlights the importance of patience and restraint, reminding us that uncontrolled anger and hasty words can hinder our pursuit of righteousness.

3. Ephesians 4:29

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Paul urges believers to speak words that edify others rather than harm them. This verse reminds us to be mindful of our speech during disagreements, ensuring that our words contribute positively to the conversation rather than tearing others down.

4. Proverbs 17:14

“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.”

This proverb warns against the dangers of starting arguments, comparing it to the destructive force of a breached dam. It encourages us to avoid unnecessary disputes, recognizing that once a quarrel begins, it can quickly spiral out of control.

5. Colossians 3:8

“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”

Paul instructs believers to eliminate harmful behaviors and speech, including anger and slander. This verse teaches that arguing with malice or harsh language is incompatible with a life of godliness and that we should seek to rid ourselves of these destructive tendencies.

6. Proverbs 29:11

“Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”

This verse contrasts the behavior of fools and the wise in handling anger. It encourages us to manage our emotions wisely during disagreements, striving to bring calm and resolution rather than allowing rage to dictate our actions.

7. 2 Timothy 2:23-24

“Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.”

Paul advises Timothy to avoid engaging in pointless arguments, which only lead to quarrels. This verse teaches that as followers of Christ, we should focus on kindness, patience, and teaching rather than becoming entangled in fruitless disputes.

8. Romans 12:18

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Paul encourages believers to pursue peace in their relationships. This verse reminds us that while we cannot control others’ actions, we should do everything within our power to avoid arguments and maintain peaceful relationships.

9. Proverbs 15:18

“A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.”

This proverb highlights the difference between those who are quick to anger and those who are patient. It encourages us to cultivate patience and self-control, recognizing that these qualities can help prevent and resolve arguments.

10. Matthew 5:9

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

Jesus calls peacemakers blessed, identifying them as children of God. This verse teaches the value of striving for peace rather than engaging in arguments, encouraging us to seek reconciliation and harmony in all our interactions.

11. Proverbs 20:3

“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”

This proverb emphasizes the wisdom and honor in avoiding unnecessary disputes. It teaches that those who seek peace and avoid arguments demonstrate greater wisdom than those who are quick to engage in quarrels.

12. James 3:17-18

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”

James describes the characteristics of heavenly wisdom, which include being peace-loving and considerate. This passage encourages us to embody these qualities in our interactions, especially during disagreements, to cultivate peace and righteousness.

13. Philippians 2:14-15

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”

Paul advises the Philippians to avoid arguing and complaining, emphasizing the importance of maintaining purity and a positive witness. This verse teaches that our conduct, even in disagreements, should reflect our identity as children of God.

14. Proverbs 18:2

“Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.”

This proverb warns against the folly of prioritizing one’s own opinions over understanding others. It encourages us to approach disagreements with a desire to listen and understand, rather than merely asserting our own viewpoints.

15. Titus 3:9

“But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.”

Paul instructs Titus to avoid engaging in pointless controversies and arguments. This verse teaches that not all disputes are worth pursuing, and we should focus our energy on what is truly important and beneficial.

16. Matthew 18:15

“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”

Jesus provides guidance on resolving conflicts within the community. This verse emphasizes the importance of addressing issues privately and with the goal of reconciliation, rather than allowing disagreements to escalate into public arguments.

17. Proverbs 13:10

“Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.”

This verse links strife with pride, suggesting that humility is key to avoiding arguments. It teaches that wisdom involves being open to advice and willing to set aside one’s pride for the sake of peace.

18. Galatians 5:15

“If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”

Paul warns the Galatians about the dangers of destructive arguments within the community. This verse reminds us that constant conflict can lead to mutual destruction, and we should strive to build each other up rather than tear each other down.

19. Proverbs 26:20

“Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.”

This proverb highlights the role of gossip in fueling arguments. It encourages us to avoid spreading rumors or negative talk, recognizing that doing so can help prevent or resolve conflicts.

20. Ephesians 4:31-32

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Paul urges believers to replace anger and malice with kindness and forgiveness. This verse teaches that in the face of disagreements, we should strive to embody the love and forgiveness that Christ has shown us.

21. Proverbs 10:19

“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”

This verse warns against the dangers of speaking too much during conflicts. It encourages us to be prudent in our speech, recognizing that sometimes holding our tongue can prevent arguments from escalating.

22. Romans 14:1

“Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.”

Paul advises the Roman believers to avoid arguments over non-essential issues. This verse teaches us to be accepting and understanding of others’ differing views, especially on matters that are not central to our faith.

23. Proverbs 15:4

“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”

This proverb contrasts the effects of gentle versus harsh speech. It teaches that our words have the power to heal or harm, and we should strive to speak in ways that bring life and encouragement, rather than crushing others’ spirits.

24. 2 Timothy 2:16

“Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.”

Paul warns Timothy against engaging in worthless talk, which can lead to ungodliness. This verse encourages us to avoid arguments that do not contribute to our spiritual growth, focusing instead on conversations that build up and edify.

25. Proverbs 12:18

“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

This proverb highlights the impact of our words during conflicts. It teaches that reckless speech can cause deep harm, while wise words have the power to heal and restore, encouraging us to choose our words carefully in disagreements.

26. James 4:1

“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?”

James identifies the root of arguments as internal desires and conflicts. This verse encourages self-reflection, reminding us that unresolved issues within ourselves can lead to external disputes, and we should address these inner battles to prevent conflicts.

27. Proverbs 18:19

“A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.”

This proverb warns of the difficulty in reconciling with someone who has been deeply wronged. It teaches that arguments can create significant barriers in relationships, and we should strive to prevent or quickly resolve conflicts to avoid such hardened divisions.

28. 1 Corinthians 1:10

“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”

Paul urges the Corinthian church to seek unity and avoid divisions. This verse teaches the importance of striving for agreement and harmony within the community of believers, prioritizing unity over winning arguments.

29. Matthew 5:23-24

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”

Jesus emphasizes the importance of reconciliation before worship. This verse teaches that resolving conflicts and seeking peace with others is a priority, even before offering gifts to God, highlighting the value of maintaining right relationships.

30. Proverbs 16:28

“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”

This proverb warns against the destructive power of gossip and divisive behavior. It teaches that stirring up conflict and spreading gossip can damage relationships and create deep divisions, urging us to avoid such actions in our interactions.

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