Strife can create distance between us and others, and even from God. The Bible offers wisdom on how to deal with conflict in a Christ-like manner. Let’s explore some key verses that provide guidance and help us seek peace and understanding in challenging times.
Bible Verses About Strife
James 4:1 – Strife often arises from our desires
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” – James 4:1
Proverbs 10:12 – Love can overcome strife
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.” – Proverbs 10:12
Proverbs 17:14 – A wise person avoids the outset of strife
“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.” – Proverbs 17:14
Galatians 5:15 – Strife can arise from selfishness
“If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” – Galatians 5:15
Philippians 2:3 – Humility can combat strife
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
Romans 12:18 – Striving for peace can reduce strife
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” – Romans 12:18
Proverbs 15:18 – A calm nature helps alleviate strife
“A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.” – Proverbs 15:18
Matthew 5:9 – Peacemakers are blessed
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
1 Peter 3:9 – Responding to conflict with kindness
“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
Romans 14:19 – Seek to build up rather than create strife
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” – Romans 14:19
2 Timothy 2:23-24 – Avoid foolish arguments
“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.” – 2 Timothy 2:23-24
Proverbs 26:21 – Strife can spread quickly
“As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.” – Proverbs 26:21
Matthew 18:15 – Address conflict directly
“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
Proverbs 28:25 – A greedy heart stirs strife
“The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.” – Proverbs 28:25
Isaiah 58:9 – Strife can result in silence from God
“Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk.” – Isaiah 58:9
Proverbs 29:22 – Anger fuels strife
“An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.” – Proverbs 29:22
1 Corinthians 1:10 – Unity prevents strife
“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 20:3 – It is honorable to avoid strife
“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” – Proverbs 20:3
Matthew 12:25 – A house divided will not stand
“Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.” – Matthew 12:25
Psalms 120:6-7 – Seeking peace in a land of strife
“Too long have I lived among those who hate peace. I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.” – Psalms 120:6-7
Proverbs 19:19 – Anger leads to more strife
“A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty; rescue them, and you will have to do it again.” – Proverbs 19:19
1 Timothy 6:4 – Strife arises from unhealthy debates
“They are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words.” – 1 Timothy 6:4
James 3:16 – Jealousy leads to disorder
“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” – James 3:16
Proverbs 15:1 – A gentle answer can diffuse strife
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
John 16:33 – In Christ, we find peace amidst strife
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
Psalms 34:14 – Turn away from evil to seek peace
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” – Psalms 34:14
Proverbs 3:30 – Avoid strife without cause
“Do not accuse anyone for no reason— when they have done you no harm.” – Proverbs 3:30
Galatians 6:1 – Restoration should be pursued with grace
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” – Galatians 6:1
2 Corinthians 12:20 – Strife is often accompanied by other sins
“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
Hebrews 12:14 – Strive for peace with everyone
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” – Hebrews 12:14
Also Read: 30 Bible Verses About Harming The Innocent
What Does the Bible Say About Strife?
In our journey through life, we often encounter strife, and it can be challenging to navigate its turbulent waters. The Bible provides us with profound wisdom on this topic, offering guidance and insight to help us foster peace and unity.
The concept of strife is frequently addressed in the Scriptures. The Bible warns us about the dangers of strife and encourages us to seek harmony. Paul, in his letters to the early Christians, consistently emphasized the importance of unity and warned against divisiveness. For instance, in his letter to the Corinthians, he lamented the division among the believers and urged them to be united in mind and purpose (1 Corinthians 1:10). This teaches us that strife can weaken our collective strength and undermine our purpose as a community.
James, too, speaks directly about strife, particularly when he addresses the source of conflicts among us. He explains that strife often arises from our own desires and selfish ambitions (James 4:1-3). This insight prompts us to look inward and examine our motives. Are we fostering peace, or are we driven by envy and selfishness? According to James, such desires lead to disorder and negative practices.
Proverbs also offers timeless wisdom on this subject, stating that a hot-tempered person stirs up strife, but one who is slow to anger quiets contention (Proverbs 15:18). This reminds us of the value of patience and self-control. When we allow anger to dictate our actions, we contribute to strife. Conversely, when we exercise patience and seek understanding, we pave the way for reconciliation and peace.
A key takeaway from the Bible’s teachings on strife is the call to be peacemakers. Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, pronounced blessings on the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God (Matthew 5:9). This blesses those who actively pursue and promote peace, affirming that peacemaking aligns us with God’s heart.
We can also find inspiration in the way Jesus Himself handled situations of strife. Whether He was calming a storm or mediating disputes among His disciples, He always exemplified peace and encouraged others to do the same. His life and teachings compel us to seek peace even in the face of adversity.
In summary, the Bible consistently calls us to move away from strife and towards peace and unity. Through self-examination, patience, and a commitment to peacemaking, we can follow this divine wisdom. Let us strive to embody these principles in our daily lives, promoting harmony and reflecting the love of Christ in all our interactions.