Conflict is a natural part of human interaction, but the Bible calls us to a higher standard when it comes to dealing with disagreements. Arguing, when done in a spirit of pride, anger, or selfishness, leads to strife and division. However, the Word of God encourages believers to approach conflicts with wisdom, patience, and love.
Throughout Scripture, we see both warnings against quarrelsome behavior and guidance on how to handle disputes in a godly manner. Jesus Christ, our perfect example, demonstrated how to respond to opposition with truth and grace.
The apostles, too, encouraged unity and peace among believers, urging them to avoid foolish debates that lead to nothing but strife. Below are Bible verses that provide divine wisdom on this subject.
Preachers Quotes
“The best way to win an argument is to start by listening.” – Adrian Rogers
“Never argue with someone who believes their own lies; instead, show them Christ through your actions.” – Billy Graham
“If we spent more time praying and less time arguing, we would see revival.” – Leonard Ravenhill
“A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still. Only the Holy Spirit can change hearts.” – Charles Spurgeon
“God did not call us to win arguments but to win souls.” – Greg Laurie
“You may have won the argument, but did you lose the relationship?” – Rick Warren
“Avoid arguments that do not lead to salvation. Stay on mission.” – John MacArthur
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Bible Verses About Arguing
Proverbs 15:1 – The power of a soft answer.
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
James 1:19 – Listen before speaking.
“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” – James 1:19
Proverbs 29:22 – Anger leads to strife.
“An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression.” – Proverbs 29:22
Philippians 2:14 – Avoid complaining and arguing.
“Do all things without complaining and disputing.” – Philippians 2:14
Proverbs 17:14 – Stop arguments before they escalate.
“The beginning of strife is like releasing water; therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.” – Proverbs 17:14
2 Timothy 2:23-24 – Avoid foolish arguments.
“But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient.” – 2 Timothy 2:23-24
Titus 3:9 – Stay away from divisive disputes.
“But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.” – Titus 3:9
Proverbs 20:3 – It is honourable to avoid strife.
“It is honorable for a man to stop striving, since any fool can start a quarrel.” – Proverbs 20:3
Romans 12:18 – Live peaceably with all.
“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” – Romans 12:18
1 Corinthians 1:10 – Unity in the body of Christ.
“Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” – 1 Corinthians 1:10
Matthew 5:9 – Peacemakers are blessed.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” – Matthew 5:9
James 3:17 – Wisdom from above is peaceable.
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” – James 3:17
Galatians 5:15 – Beware of devouring one another.
“But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!” – Galatians 5:15
Ephesians 4:26 – Do not let anger lead to sin.
“Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath.” – Ephesians 4:26
Colossians 3:13 – Forgive as Christ forgave.
“Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” – Colossians 3:13
Romans 14:19 – Pursue peace and edification.
“Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” – Romans 14:19
1 Peter 3:9 – Do not return evil for evil.
“Not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.” – 1 Peter 3:9
Proverbs 13:10 – Pride causes contention.
“By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom.” – Proverbs 13:10
James 4:1 – Where do fights come from?
“Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?” – James 4:1
Ecclesiastes 7:9 – Do not be hasty to get angry.
“Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.” – Ecclesiastes 7:9
2 Corinthians 12:20 – Paul warns against quarrels.
“For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults.” – 2 Corinthians 12:20
1 Timothy 6:4 – Arguing leads to envy and strife.
“He is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions.” – 1 Timothy 6:4
Galatians 5:19-20 – Strife is a work of the flesh.
“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies.” – Galatians 5:19-20
Proverbs 22:10 – Remove the scorner and strife will cease.
“Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; yes, strife and reproach will cease.” – Proverbs 22:10
Proverbs 26:20 – Without gossip, strife dies.
“Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.” – Proverbs 26:20
Romans 16:17 – Avoid divisive people.
“Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.” – Romans 16:17
Matthew 18:15 – Settle disputes privately first.
“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.” – Matthew 18:15
1 Peter 5:5 – Be clothed with humility.
“Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’” – 1 Peter 5:5
Hebrews 12:14 – Pursue peace with all people.
“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” – Hebrews 12:14
Proverbs 18:6 – A fool’s lips bring strife.
“A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for blows.” – Proverbs 18:6
1 Thessalonians 5:15 – Do not repay evil with evil.
“See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:15
Proverbs 10:12 – Love covers all sins.
“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins.” – Proverbs 10:12
Psalm 133:1 – Unity among brethren is good.
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” – Psalm 133:1
Matthew 5:25 – Settle matters quickly.
“Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison.” – Matthew 5:25
Luke 6:27-28 – Love your enemies.
“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.” – Luke 6:27-28
Romans 2:8 – Wrath for the contentious.
“But to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath.” – Romans 2:8
Mark 9:50 – Have peace among yourselves.
“Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.” – Mark 9:50
Proverbs 16:7 – When ways please the Lord, enemies are at peace.
“When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” – Proverbs 16:7
John 13:34-35 – Love one another.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” – John 13:34-35
Colossians 3:8 – Put away anger and malice.
“But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.” – Colossians 3:8
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What does the Bible say about Arguing
The Bible has a lot to say about arguing, and it warns us against unnecessary fights and conflicts. God wants His people to live in peace and not waste time on quarrels that lead to anger, division, and sin. Arguing often comes from pride, selfishness, or a desire to prove oneself right. But the Bible teaches us that wisdom is found in those who stay calm and avoid pointless debates.
Proverbs 15:1 says, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” This verse shows that how we respond in a disagreement matters. If we use gentle words, we can stop a fight before it grows. But if we respond with harsh words, the argument will get worse. This is why James 1:19 tells us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” A wise person listens before speaking and does not react in anger.
The Bible also warns against arguing over foolish things. In 2 Timothy 2:23-24, Paul tells believers to avoid “foolish and ignorant disputes” because they lead to fights. Instead, a servant of God should be kind, patient, and able to teach others without getting into arguments. This means that not every disagreement needs to be discussed. Some things are better left alone to keep peace.
Arguing is often a sign of pride. Proverbs 13:10 says, “By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom.” Many people argue because they want to win or prove they are better. But true wisdom comes from humility. A humble person does not always need to win an argument but seeks peace instead. Jesus Himself did not waste time arguing. When people tried to trap Him with tricky questions, He answered wisely or remained silent. He focused on what truly mattered—teaching truth in love.
Christians are called to be peacemakers. Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” This means we should do our best to avoid unnecessary conflicts. Arguing over small things damages relationships and takes our focus away from God’s will. Instead of arguing, we should aim to build each other up, forgive quickly, and speak with love. By doing this, we reflect the character of Christ and bring peace into our homes, churches, and communities.