Today we will talk about bible verses about sowing discord. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word. Sowing discord means stirring up trouble, gossip, or division among people — especially among brothers and sisters in the family of God. As we read these verses, we will learn how the Bible points out the causes of division, the harm it brings, and how we are called to live differently. We will learn practical steps to avoid gossip, to seek peace, and to restore relationships when they break. Let us read with open hearts and humble minds, asking God to teach us and change us. We will see that God desires unity, truth, and love among His people. As we study these bible verses about sowing discord, may we be encouraged to speak life, to guard our tongues, and to pursue reconciliation. Let us pray inwardly that our words and actions build up rather than break down, and that our lives point others to the peace of Christ.
bible verses about sowing discord
The Heart of the Problem
When we look at bible verses about sowing discord, we see that the problem often starts inside us. We are honest with ourselves: jealousy, selfish desires, pride, and secret anger can push us to whisper, accuse, or stir up trouble. These inner currents feed words and actions that break friendship and fellowship. In this place of honest reflection, we learn that discord rarely appears without a cause. The Bible points out that where envy and selfish ambition are, confusion and every evil work can follow. We hold onto the truth that God wants our hearts changed so our words build rather than destroy. As we read these verses together, we remember that we are called to examine our motives, to confess what is wrong, and to seek help. When we do that, we reduce the chance we will sow discord. We also see that God cares about how we treat one another — especially within the church. Knowing these truths helps us aim our lives toward peace, humility, and restoration.
Proverbs 6:19
“A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” – Proverbs 6:19
Proverbs 16:28
“A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.” – Proverbs 16:28
James 3:16
“For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” – James 3:16
James 4:1
“From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?” – James 4:1
Galatians 5:15
“But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” – Galatians 5:15
bible verses about sowing discord
Words That Wound
We know from the bible verses about sowing discord that words can be powerful — they can heal or they can hurt. When we talk about “words that wound,” we are thinking about gossip, talebearing, and secret slander that slip from our lips. We must confess that sometimes we join in conversation without thinking of the damage our words do. The Bible calls gossip and talebearing deep wounds, and it warns us that such speech cuts into people and damages community. As a group, we promise to pay attention to how we speak. We will work at listening more and talking less when emotions run high. We will also protect our neighbors by refusing to carry on tales that harm others. By learning from these bible verses about sowing discord, we can choose speech that brings life. We will choose restraint, kindness, and truth. When someone is wounded by words, we will be quick to restore, and slow to repeat harmful talk. This is how we keep peace and honor God in our relationships.
Proverbs 26:22
“The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.” – Proverbs 26:22
Leviticus 19:16
“Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD.” – Leviticus 19:16
Proverbs 11:13
“A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.” – Proverbs 11:13
Proverbs 20:19
“He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.” – Proverbs 20:19
Proverbs 18:8
“The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.” – Proverbs 18:8
bible verses about sowing discord
False Witness and Lies
When we study bible verses about sowing discord, we see how serious false witness and lying are. We must own that a single false story can shatter trust and change people forever. The Scriptures call on us not to raise false reports, and to avoid joining hands with wickedness by giving false testimony. As a community, we aim to speak truth plainly, and to correct wrongs without exaggeration or invention. The Bible also promises that liars will not escape unpunished, reminding us that lying harms both the liar and the one lied about. We will practice honesty in private and in public. Even when we are tempted to protect ourselves or to win an argument, we will not resort to lies. Instead, we will seek the courage to tell the truth with love. These bible verses about sowing discord show us that truth builds trust, and trust builds healthy relationships and strong communities.
Exodus 23:1
“Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.” – Exodus 23:1
Proverbs 12:22
“Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.” – Proverbs 12:22
Proverbs 19:9
“A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.” – Proverbs 19:9
Psalm 101:5
“Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.” – Psalm 101:5
Colossians 3:9
“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds.” – Colossians 3:9
bible verses about sowing discord
Church Division and Discipline
As we read bible verses about sowing discord, we see clear teaching about how to handle division in the church. We admit that when people disagree, feelings get hurt and splintering can follow. The Bible tells us to mark those who cause divisions and avoid their harmful ways, and it also directs leaders on how to deal with those who refuse correction. We do not love division; we want unity rooted in sound doctrine and love. When disagreement crosses into harmful division, the Scriptures show steps for discipline and for protecting the body. That discipline is meant to restore, not to punish forever. We also are reminded to speak the same thing and to be of one mind, seeking truth together. In our life together, we will follow these bible verses about sowing discord by protecting the church and seeking to bring people back to truth through patient correction and loving boundaries.
Romans 16:17
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” – Romans 16:17
Titus 3:10
“A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;” – Titus 3:10
1 Corinthians 1:10
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” – 1 Corinthians 1:10
1 Corinthians 11:18
“For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.” – 1 Corinthians 11:18
Jude 1:19
“These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.” – Jude 1:19
bible verses about sowing discord
Strife from Pride and Envy
When we study bible verses about sowing discord, we find that pride and envy are often at the root of quarrels. We must face this truth: wanting our way or craving another person’s place can spark fights. The Bible connects pride with downfall and shows that envy leads to confusion and evil deeds. We promise to watch our hearts and not let pride make us harsh or jealous people. Instead, we will learn humility and value others above ourselves. That does not mean we are weak; it means we follow Jesus’ way of service. These teachings help us stop strife before it grows. We learn to celebrate others, to share in their joy, and to repent when envy or pride creeps in. By doing so, we follow the safe path away from sowing discord in our families and churches.
Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.” – Proverbs 10:12
Proverbs 16:18
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” – Proverbs 16:18
1 Corinthians 3:3
“For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” – 1 Corinthians 3:3
Philippians 2:3
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” – Philippians 2:3
James 3:14
“But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.” – James 3:14
bible verses about sowing discord
Peacemaking and Reconciliation
Among the bible verses about sowing discord we find a powerful call to be peacemakers. This is not a passive idea — being a peacemaker means we actively work to heal relationships and to restore trust. We are reminded that peacemakers are blessed, and that if our brother has something against us, we should go and speak gently to restore the bond. We will strive to live peaceably with everyone as far as it depends on us. These verses teach us how to respond when hurt comes: pursue forgiveness, practice patience, and offer true reconciliation. We know that God honors those who seek peace, and that forgiveness is a key step in stopping the spread of discord. As a group, we will carry these lessons into our homes and church, always aiming to reconcile rather than to argue.
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
Matthew 18:15
“Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.” – Matthew 18:15
Romans 12:18
“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” – Romans 12:18
Hebrews 12:14
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” – Hebrews 12:14
Colossians 3:13
“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” – Colossians 3:13
bible verses about sowing discord
Wisdom to Avoid Arguments
We read many bible verses about sowing discord that give wisdom on how to avoid useless quarrels. We admit that some fights are small at first but grow into big problems if we do not stop them in time. The Bible tells us to avoid foolish and unlearned questions that breed strife and to be gentle and patient with everyone. It tells us that the beginning of strife is like letting out water, and that it is wise to stop contention early. We can learn to step back, to cool down, and to refuse the urge to fan the flame of an argument. When we do this, we protect relationships and prevent the spreading of discord. As a community, we will practice restraint, choose our battles carefully, and seek wise counsel when needed. This is how we keep peace and follow God’s ways.
2 Timothy 2:24
“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,” – 2 Timothy 2:24
Proverbs 17:14
“The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.” – Proverbs 17:14
Ecclesiastes 10:12
“The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.” – Ecclesiastes 10:12
Proverbs 26:20
“Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.” – Proverbs 26:20
Proverbs 20:3
“It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.” – Proverbs 20:3
bible verses about sowing discord
Speak Carefully and Build Up
These bible verses about sowing discord teach us to be careful with speech and to use words that build up. We admit that our tongue can be quick to speak and slow to heal. The Bible commands us not to let corrupt talk come from our mouths, but to use words that help and give grace to those who hear. We promise to be quick to hear and slow to speak, remembering that soft answers can turn away wrath. We also are told to put off anger and filthy communication. When we choose words that encourage, we help stop sowing discord and start making friends and healing wounds. This is a daily practice: we will think before we speak, choose kindness, and use truth with love. In doing so, we follow scripture and reflect Christ to others.
Ephesians 4:29
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” – Ephesians 4:29
James 1:19
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:” – James 1:19
Proverbs 15:1
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
Colossians 3:8
“But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.” – Colossians 3:8
Matthew 12:36
“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” – Matthew 12:36
bible verses about sowing discord
God’s Hatred of Division and Call for Unity
As we reflect on bible verses about sowing discord, we are reminded that God values unity among His people. Scripture describes how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity, and it urges us to endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit. We read calls to be of one mind, to have the same love, and to be likeminded. These verses help us see that unity is not uniformity; instead, it is a shared commitment to Christ that allows us to love and serve one another. We agree to pursue what makes for peace and to build each other up. When we practice humility, forgiveness, and service, unity grows and discord fades. These bible verses about sowing discord call us back to the simple, strong way of living that honors God and blesses our community.
Psalm 133:1
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” – Psalm 133:1
Ephesians 4:3
“Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:3
1 Peter 3:8
“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:” – 1 Peter 3:8
Philippians 2:2
“Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” – Philippians 2:2
Romans 14:19
“Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” – Romans 14:19
bible verses about sowing discord
Consequences and Correction
Finally, the bible verses about sowing discord show us that division has real consequences, and that correction is sometimes needed for the sake of restoration. We must admit that unresolved strife can harm people’s faith and tear apart communities. The Scriptures warn that quarrels and contentions can keep us from being what God wants us to be. Yet correction, when done in love and with the right heart, can bring healing. The Bible guides us in steps — from private correction to public action — depending on how someone responds. Discipline is not meant to shame forever but to bring a person to repentance and to restore them. As we live by these teachings, we seek to protect the body of Christ while always hoping and praying for reconciliation and renewal.
2 Corinthians 12:20
“For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strife, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:” – 2 Corinthians 12:20
Proverbs 17:9
“He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.” – Proverbs 17:9
Matthew 5:23
“Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;” – Matthew 5:23
1 Corinthians 5:11
“But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.” – 1 Corinthians 5:11
2 Thessalonians 3:14
“And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:14
Final Thoughts
I have shared these bible verses about sowing discord to help us see what God says about conflict, gossip, and division. We learned that the Bible points out the roots of strife, warns about harmful speech, and calls us to pursue peace and unity. I hope these verses encourage us to watch our hearts and guard our tongues.
We can choose to be peacemakers who build up others. Together, we can practice truth with kindness, correct with love, and seek reconciliation when hurt comes. Our goal is to reflect Christ in how we treat one another and to stop the spread of discord in our homes and churches.
Let us pray and ask God to give us humble hearts and gentle words. If we follow these teachings, we will honor God and strengthen the bonds among us. May we be known for peace, truth, and love.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
