Conflict and disagreements are part of life, but the Bible provides profound wisdom on how to approach them.
Arguments, if not handled wisely, can lead to strife and division.
However, God’s Word encourages peace, understanding, and a gentle spirit.
So, below are 33 Bible verses about arguing, along with concise explanations to help us navigate conflicts in a way that honors God.
1. Proverbs 15:1 – A Gentle Answer
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
2. James 1:19 – Quick to Listen
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
3. Proverbs 29:11 – Controlling Anger
“Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”
4. Ephesians 4:29 – Words That Build
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
5. Matthew 5:9 – Peacemakers
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
6. Proverbs 17:14 – Avoiding Strife
“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.”
7. Colossians 3:13 – Forgiveness
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
8. Romans 12:18 – Living at Peace
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
9. Proverbs 16:32 – Patience Over Power
“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.”
10. Philippians 2:14 – Without Complaining
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing.”
11. Galatians 5:15 – Avoid Biting and Devouring
“If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”
12. Proverbs 19:11 – Glory in Overlooking an Offense
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”
13. Titus 3:9 – Avoid Foolish Arguments
“But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.”
14. 1 Peter 3:9 – Repay Evil with Blessing
“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.”
15. Proverbs 20:3 – Honor in Avoiding Strife
“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”
16. Ecclesiastes 7:9 – Patience Over Anger
“Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.”
17. Matthew 18:15 – Addressing Offenses Privately
“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.”
18. Proverbs 10:12 – Love Covers Wrongs
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”
19. Romans 14:19 – Pursue Peace
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
20. 2 Timothy 2:23-24 – The Lord’s Servant Must Not Quarrel
“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.”
21. Proverbs 22:10 – Drive Out the Mockers
“Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.”
22. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 – Love Is Not Easily Angered
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
23. James 3:17 – Wisdom Brings Peace
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
24. Psalm 34:14 – Seek Peace and Pursue It
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
25. Colossians 4:6 – Grace-Filled Conversations
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
26. Proverbs 15:18 – Patience Quiets Quarrels
“A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.”
27. Matthew 7:5 – Remove Your Own Plank
“You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
28. Proverbs 21:23 – Guard Your Mouth
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”
29. Ephesians 4:31 – Rid of Bitterness
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”
30. Luke 6:31 – Treat Others Well
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
31. Isaiah 1:18 – Reason Together
“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”
32. Romans 15:5 – Unity Through Endurance
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.”
33. Proverbs 25:15 – Gentleness Breaks Resistance
“Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.”
Our Thoughts on What the Bible Says About Arguing
The Bible provides profound guidance on handling arguments and disagreements, emphasizing the pursuit of peace, humility, and love.
Arguments are often fueled by pride, anger, or a lack of understanding, but God’s Word offers practical wisdom to navigate conflicts constructively.
Many verses highlight the power of words in resolving or escalating disputes.
Proverbs 15:1 underscores the importance of gentle responses in diffusing anger, while Colossians 4:6 calls for conversations to be filled with grace.
The ability to speak thoughtfully can transform potential conflicts into opportunities for reconciliation.
The Bible also encourages self-reflection and humility in disagreements.
Matthew 7:5 reminds us to address our own faults before critiquing others.
This approach fosters understanding and reduces the likelihood of unnecessary quarrels.
Similarly, James 3:17 points to heavenly wisdom, characterized by peace-loving and considerate actions.
Forgiveness and patience are recurring themes in resolving disputes.
Colossians 3:13 calls believers to forgive as the Lord forgave, breaking cycles of hostility.
Proverbs 15:18 emphasizes the calming effect of patience in heated situations.
These principles reflect God’s desire for harmony among His people.
Finally, the Bible portrays peacemaking as a divine calling.
Matthew 5:9 assures blessings for peacemakers, who reflect God’s nature in striving for unity.
Romans 14:19 encourages believers to pursue peace and mutual edification, prioritizing relationships over personal pride.
In summary, the Bible teaches that arguing should not dominate relationships.
Instead, believers are called to embody Christ’s love and resolve conflicts using wisdom, patience, and humility.
By following these principles, we can transform disagreements into opportunities for growth and glorify God through our interactions.