Quarreling is a common issue that can disrupt peace and relationships. The Bible offers wisdom and guidance on how to handle disagreements with grace and understanding.
Let’s explore some key verses that teach us to foster harmony and avoid unnecessary conflict in our lives.
Bible Verses about Quarreling
Proverbs 17:14 – A small conflict can turn into a big quarrel.
“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.” – Proverbs 17:14
James 4:1 – Conflicts often arise from our own desires.
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” – James 4:1
Proverbs 20:3 – It is wise to avoid arguments.
“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” – Proverbs 20:3
Philippians 4:2 – Unity is important among believers.
“I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.” – Philippians 4:2
Proverbs 15:18 – A calm heart prevents strife.
“A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.” – Proverbs 15:18
Romans 14:19 – Pursue peace over conflict.
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” – Romans 14:19
Proverbs 26:21 – Sparks can ignite larger problems.
“As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.” – Proverbs 26:21
Matthew 5:9 – Peacemakers are blessed.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
Ecclesiastes 7:9 – Control your emotions to prevent arguments.
“Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.” – Ecclesiastes 7:9
Colossians 3:13 – Forgiveness is key to resolving disputes.
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
Titus 3:9 – Avoid foolish controversies.
“But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.” – Titus 3:9
1 Peter 3:9 – Respond gently to those who provoke you.
“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.” – 1 Peter 3:9
Galatians 5:15 – Quarreling can lead to destruction.
“If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” – Galatians 5:15
2 Timothy 2:23 – Avoid disputes that don’t bear fruit.
“Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.” – 2 Timothy 2:23
Ephesians 4:31 – Let go of bitterness to end quarrels.
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” – Ephesians 4:31
Proverbs 29:22 – Hot tempers create strife.
“An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.” – Proverbs 29:22
Matthew 18:15 – Address issues directly to resolve them.
“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.” – Matthew 18:15
1 Corinthians 1:10 – Be united in thought and mind.
“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.” – 1 Corinthians 1:10
Proverbs 18:6 – Words can lead to disputes.
“The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating.” – Proverbs 18:6
Proverbs 15:1 – Gentle responses quell anger.
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
Romans 12:18 – Strive for peace with everyone.
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” – Romans 12:18
Proverbs 17:19 – Love can prevent quarrels.
“Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin; whoever builds a high gate invites destruction.” – Proverbs 17:19
1 Peter 5:5 – Humility prevents disagreements.
“In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” – 1 Peter 5:5
Proverbs 19:11 – Patience can help us manage conflicts.
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” – Proverbs 19:11
2 Corinthians 12:20 – Concerns about contention and jealousy.
“For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.” – 2 Corinthians 12:20
Matthew 12:25 – A kingdom divided cannot stand.
“Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.” – Matthew 12:25
Proverbs 28:25 – Greed can lead to conflicts.
“The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.” – Proverbs 28:25
Hebrews 12:14 – Pursue holiness and peace.
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness, no one will see the Lord.” – Hebrews 12:14
John 13:35 – Love among believers prevents quarrels.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” – John 13:35
Ephesians 4:2-3 – Unity is maintained through humility and love.
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:2-3
1 Timothy 1:5 – The aim is love, not disputes.
“The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” – 1 Timothy 1:5
Also Read: 30 Important Bible Verses about Tragedy
What Does the Bible Say About Quarreling?
Quarreling can tear relationships apart and create an atmosphere of distrust and hostility. Understanding how the Bible advises us on handling quarrels can guide us toward more peaceful and respectful interactions.
Throughout the Bible, we find many lessons about the dangers of quarreling. Proverbs, for example, offers wisdom on avoiding senseless disputes. It suggests that keeping away from arguments prevents us from falling into the trap of anger and resentment. When small disagreements arise, it’s often better to step back and think before we react.
Jesus’ teachings also emphasize peacemaking. In the Sermon on the Mount, He praises peacemakers as “blessed.” This shows us the value of maintaining harmony and striving to resolve conflicts amicably. By seeking peace, we open up the possibility for understanding and forgiveness.
Paul’s letters provide additional insights into how we should behave towards each other. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul encourages us to put aside bitterness, anger, and disputes. Instead, he advises us to be kind and compassionate, showing forgiveness just as we have been forgiven.
Moreover, James cautions us about the effects of our words. He points out that our speech can set the course of our lives for good or for ill. By being mindful of our words, we can avoid misunderstandings and keep conflicts from escalating into quarrels.
Ultimately, the Bible guides us to be peacemakers and thoughtful communicators. By respecting these teachings, we can foster relationships built on love, understanding, and mutual respect. In our daily lives, this could mean actively listening to others, seeking compromise, and showing empathy towards different perspectives.
In summary, quarreling does not lead to constructive outcomes. By embracing biblical wisdom on avoiding disputes, we can nurture harmonious relationships and build communities grounded in peace and understanding.