Strife is a recurring theme in the Bible, often representing conflict, division, and the struggles within human relationships. The Scriptures offer wisdom on dealing with strife, highlighting the importance of reconciliation, peace, and humility. These verses remind us that, while strife may arise, God calls His people to pursue peace, resolve conflicts, and live in unity. Through these scriptures, we will explore how the Bible guides us to handle strife in a way that honors God and promotes harmony.
1. James 4:1 – “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?”
James teaches that internal desires and selfish ambitions often lead to strife and conflict. The root of strife is not external circumstances but the unchecked passions within the heart. This verse reminds us that true peace begins within ourselves, and it’s crucial to examine our motivations to prevent strife from arising in our relationships.
2. Proverbs 17:14 – “Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.”
Proverbs warns about the danger of starting arguments and how small disagreements can quickly escalate. Strife, once initiated, spreads like a flood, bringing harm to relationships. The wisdom here encourages us to avoid conflict at its inception and to seek peaceful resolutions before things spiral out of control.
3. Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Paul exhorts believers to pursue peace with others, emphasizing that we should do everything in our power to avoid strife. While peace may not always be achievable, our responsibility is to make every effort to live in harmony with others, recognizing that God values unity and reconciliation.
4. Proverbs 15:18 – “A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.”
This verse contrasts the actions of a hot-tempered person with those who are patient and peaceful. Strife often results from impulsive, angry reactions, while patience helps to diffuse tension. It teaches us that our response to conflict can either escalate or calm the situation, and choosing patience is key to resolving disputes peacefully.
5. Matthew 5:9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Jesus pronounces a blessing on those who seek to make peace, showing that God honors those who act as peacemakers in a world full of strife. Being a peacemaker is not about avoiding conflict but resolving it in a way that brings reconciliation and honor to God.
6. Proverbs 26:20 – “Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.”
Strife is often fueled by gossip, and this verse shows how spreading rumors and engaging in idle talk can escalate conflicts. Just as fire needs fuel to burn, quarrels need gossip to thrive. By avoiding gossip, we can prevent strife and help maintain peace in relationships.
7. Galatians 5:15 – “If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”
Paul warns against the destructive nature of constant strife and division. Engaging in conflict with others can lead to self-destruction, tearing apart relationships and communities. This verse urges us to be mindful of our words and actions, as unchecked strife can have catastrophic consequences.
8. Proverbs 13:10 – “Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.”
Strife is often a result of pride, where individuals refuse to humble themselves and listen to others. Wisdom, on the other hand, is found in those who seek counsel and are willing to set aside their pride for the sake of peace. This verse calls for humility as the antidote to strife.
9. Philippians 2:3 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
Paul encourages believers to avoid actions that stem from selfishness and pride, as these are the root causes of strife. By valuing others above ourselves, we foster humility and peace, preventing conflict and promoting unity within the body of Christ.
10. Proverbs 28:25 – “The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.”
Greed and selfish desires are often the fuel for strife and division. People driven by selfishness stir up conflict, while those who trust in God and follow His principles experience peace and prosperity. This verse shows how self-centered behavior leads to conflict, while trust in God brings peace.
11. Titus 3:9 – “But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.”
Paul warns against engaging in needless disputes that do not lead to spiritual growth or edification. Strife over trivial matters wastes time and energy and does not serve God’s purposes. Believers are encouraged to avoid such arguments and focus on what truly matters—faith and love.
12. 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 be united, as strife and division undermine the body of Christ. This call for unity highlights the importance of working through disagreements and coming together in one mind and purpose. Strife within the church weakens its witness and hampers its mission.
13. Romans 1:29-30 – “They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips.”
Paul lists strife as a product of moral decline, showing how destructive behavior can permeate society when people abandon God’s standards. Strife is a symptom of a deeper spiritual issue—selfishness and sin. This verse underscores the need for righteousness to prevent conflict and division.
14. Proverbs 16:28 – “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
The verse warns about the divisive nature of gossip and deceit. Those who stir up conflict and spread lies cause division and destroy relationships. Maintaining trust and integrity is key to preventing strife, and this passage urges us to avoid behaviors that foster discord.
15. 1 Corinthians 3:3 – “You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?”
Paul rebukes the Corinthians for their jealousy and quarreling, highlighting how strife reveals worldly attitudes. Conflict among believers should not be the norm, and such behavior reflects a lack of spiritual maturity. This verse calls Christians to rise above worldly ways and embrace unity in Christ.
16. Hebrews 12:14 – “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
The writer of Hebrews emphasizes the importance of peace and holiness. Strife disrupts peace, and without holiness, true reconciliation is impossible. Believers are called to make every effort to live in peace, not just with God, but with others as well, as this is part of reflecting God’s character.
17. 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 gives instructions for resolving conflict within the community. When strife arises, it is important to approach the person directly and privately. This verse emphasizes reconciliation over confrontation, seeking restoration rather than division.
18. 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 arguments that lead to strife, instead calling for kindness, patience, and the ability to teach. Strife and quarrels often arise from pride or ignorance, but those who follow Christ are called to respond with humility and gentleness.
19. 1 Peter 3:9 – “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
Peter instructs believers to respond to strife with blessing rather than retaliation. This reflects the heart of the gospel—peace and reconciliation instead of vengeance. When we choose not to repay evil with evil, we demonstrate Christ-like love and extend grace to others.
20. Proverbs 18:6 – “The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating.”
This verse warns about the destructive power of words. Foolish speech stirs up conflict and can lead to greater harm. Those who engage in reckless talk or gossip often bring strife upon themselves and others. Wisdom in speech is essential to maintaining peace.
21. Proverbs 19:11 – “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”
Wisdom and patience go hand in hand when dealing with strife. This verse encourages us to overlook minor offenses instead of allowing them to cause conflict. Patience allows for peaceful resolution and prevents strife from escalating into something more damaging.
22. 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 calls for the removal of negative emotions and behaviors that fuel strife, urging believers to adopt kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. The key to resolving conflict is a heart that forgives and seeks peace, following the example of Christ’s forgiveness.
23. Matthew 18:21-22 – “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’”
Jesus teaches the importance of forgiveness in resolving strife. Rather than keeping count of offenses, forgiveness should be limitless. This approach fosters peace and healing in relationships, preventing bitterness and strife from taking root.
24. Proverbs 20:3 – “It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”
Proverbs highlights the honor in avoiding conflict and the foolishness in constantly engaging in strife. Wisdom teaches us that avoiding unnecessary arguments is a sign of maturity and peace, while a quarrelsome nature brings dishonor and harm.
25. Romans 14:19 – “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
Paul encourages believers to pursue peace and edification in all things. Strife and division hinder the growth of the body of Christ, but unity and peace promote spiritual maturity. We are called to actively seek peace for the sake of mutual growth.
26. James 3:16 – “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
James identifies envy and selfish ambition as the root causes of strife. These attitudes lead to disorder and harmful actions. When we allow jealousy or self-centeredness to control us, it breeds conflict and destruction. Humility and contentment are the antidotes to such strife.
27. 1 Corinthians 6:7 – “The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?”
Paul speaks to the Corinthians about avoiding strife through legal battles. Sometimes, it is better to suffer wrong than to engage in conflict that causes division among believers. This perspective reflects the call to peace and reconciliation over seeking personal justice.
28. Proverbs 29:22 – “An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.”
Anger often leads to conflict, and this verse shows how a person’s temper can escalate strife and lead to sin. A quick temper can provoke quarrels, but wisdom teaches us to control our emotions and seek peaceful solutions.
29. Romans 15:1-2 – “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.”
Paul calls on believers to be considerate and selfless in dealing with others. Strength is shown in bearing with the weaknesses of others rather than stirring up strife. By focusing on building up others, we promote peace and harmony in relationships.
30. Proverbs 10:12 – “Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”
Proverbs contrasts hatred with love, showing that hatred fosters strife, while love brings resolution. When we choose love over hatred, we create an environment where peace can flourish. Love has the power to heal wounds and prevent conflict from escalating into division.
Conclusion
Strife is a pervasive issue in human relationships, but the Bible offers practical guidance for overcoming it. Through humility, patience, forgiveness, and love, we can navigate conflict and work toward peace. These verses remind us of the importance of addressing strife in ways that honor God and promote unity. Ultimately, the call is to reflect Christ’s character in our relationships, seeking peace and reconciliation over division and quarrels.
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