Let’s face it, arguments are inevitable.
And people can be tricky and manipulative sometimes. What this means is that we can easily get drawn into debates and disputes, especially when we feel strongly about a topic.
However, the Bible consistently encourages us to avoid foolish arguments, emphasizing peace, humility, and wisdom in our interactions.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of defending our opinions at all costs, but Scripture warns against getting caught in quarrels that lead nowhere.
What often starts as a minor disagreement can escalate into unnecessary conflict, consuming time, energy, and relationships.
The Bible’s wisdom reminds us that we are called to prioritize love and unity over being “right” in every situation.
Let’s discuss some Bible verses that speak to the importance of avoiding foolish arguments and choosing peace instead of discord in our conversations.
Bible Verses About Avoiding Foolish Arguments
1. Proverbs 18:2 – The Fool’s Desire to Argue
“Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.”
2. Titus 3:9 – Avoiding Divisive Discussions
“But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.”
3. 2 Timothy 2:23 – Avoid Foolish Debates
“Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.”
4. Proverbs 15:1 – A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
5. Proverbs 26:4-5 – Answering a Fool According to His Folly
“Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him. Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.”
6. 2 Timothy 2:24-25 – The Servant of the Lord Must Be Gentle
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.”
7. Proverbs 29:9 – The Fool’s Argument
“If a wise man goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.”
8. Matthew 7:6 – Don’t Cast Pearls Before Swine
“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet and turn and tear you to pieces.”
9. Titus 3:10 – Warn a Divisive Person Once
“Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.”
10. Proverbs 17:14 – The Beginning of Strife
“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.”
11. Proverbs 18:6-7 – The Fool’s Lips
“The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating. The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives.”
12. Proverbs 14:29 – Patience in Conflict
“Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”
13. Proverbs 15:18 – A Hot-tempered Person Stirs Up Conflict
“A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.”
14. James 1:19-20 – Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
15. 1 Timothy 6:4 – The Danger of False Arguments
“They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions.”
16. Proverbs 20:3 – It Is to One’s Honor to Avoid Strife
“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”
17. Proverbs 26:17 – Engaging in Quarrels
“Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own.”
18. Ephesians 4:29 – Building Up, Not Tearing Down
“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.”
19. 2 Timothy 2:14 – Remind People to Avoid Quarreling
“Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarrelling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.”
20. Matthew 18:15 – Resolving Disagreements 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.”
21. Proverbs 25:8-9 – Disputes Before the Court
“Do not bring hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame?”
22. Romans 12:18 – Live at Peace with Everyone
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
23. Ephesians 4:31-32 – Avoiding Unwholesome Talk
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
24. Proverbs 15:4 – Healing Words
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
25. 1 Corinthians 1:10 – Unity in Christ
“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.”
26. Matthew 18:21-22 – Forgiveness Instead of Arguments
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'”
27. Romans 14:19 – Pursuing Peace
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
28. Proverbs 17:14 – The Start of Strife
“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.”
29. 1 Corinthians 14:33 – Peace, Not Disorder
“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—As in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.”
30. James 3:16 – The Fruit of Foolishness
“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
Our Thoughts On What The Bible Says About Avoiding Foolish Arguments
The Bible teaches us to avoid foolish arguments, not because we should avoid confrontation, but because we are called to pursue peace, unity, and love.
Foolish arguments often arise from pride, selfishness, and a desire to be “right,” but these disputes lead to division and harm relationships.
As Christians, we are called to build others up with our words and actions, not to tear them down in needless debates.
True wisdom involves knowing when to speak and when to remain silent, recognizing that some arguments serve no purpose other than to foster division.
By focusing on humility, forgiveness, and the pursuit of peace, we can avoid the trap of foolish arguments and cultivate healthier, more loving relationships with others.
Let us strive to be peacemakers, reflecting Christ’s love and wisdom in all our interactions.
Say This Prayer
Lord, help me to be a peacemaker in all situations. Grant me the wisdom to avoid foolish arguments and to speak words that build others up.
Teach me to be slow to anger and quick to listen, reflecting Your love and patience in my interactions. Give me the humility to walk away from disputes that serve no purpose and to focus on unity and peace.
May my words bring healing and understanding, not division and strife. Thank You for Your guidance in avoiding arguments that hinder Your work. In Jesus’ name, Amen.