What Does the Bible say about Quarreling – The Bible is filled with passages that discuss the importance of living in harmony and avoiding quarreling. In fact, the Bible contains several warnings against quarrelling, and encourages us to take the high road and to instead promote peace and understanding. Proverbs 15:18 says, “A hot-tempered person stirs up strife, but one who is slow to anger calms contention.
” Similarly, Proverbs 17:14 says, “The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so stop before the quarrel breaks out.” And in James 4:1-2, we read, “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel.” These passages clearly show that God does not condone quarreling and that He expects us to be peacemakers.
2 Timothy 2:23-24 Vs 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful
Table of Contents
What Does the Bible say about Quarreling
The Bible is an ancient collection of books that are sacred to Christians and Jews. It is believed to have been written by divine inspiration and includes the teachings of God. One of the themes throughout the Bible is that of avoiding quarreling. Quarreling is defined as a heated, angry exchange between two or more people. It can involve verbal arguments, physical confrontations, or any other type of dispute. In this blog, we will explore what the Bible says is an abomination: quarreling.
List of Hebrew Words that Translate Quarrelling, Arguing, Fighting
- Makom Echad (מקום אחד): This Hebrew phrase literally translates to “one place,” and is used to describe a situation in which two or more people are arguing or quarreling with each other.
- Machloket (מחלוקת): This Hebrew word is often used to describe a disagreement or dispute between two or more people.
- Mivtzar (מבצר): This Hebrew phrase is often used to describe a situation in which two or more people are engaged in a heated argument or fight.
- Ma’arachot (מארחות): This Hebrew phrase translates to “hostilities” and is used to describe an ongoing dispute between two or more people.
- Mivtza (מבצע): This Hebrew word translates to “action” and is used to describe a physical altercation between two or more people.
- Mivchak (מבחק): This Hebrew phrase translates to “test” and is used to describe a quarrel or argument between two or more people.
- Mivta (מבטא): This Hebrew word translates to “affront” and is used to describe a situation in which two or more people are engaged in a verbal altercation.
- Mispar (מספר): This Hebrew phrase translates to “number” and is used to describe a situation in which two or more people are arguing or fighting.
- Mivtachim (מבטחים): This Hebrew word translates to “guarantees” and is used to describe a situation in which two or more people are engaged in a quarrel or dispute.
- Mivtahim (מבטחים): This Hebrew phrase translates to “pledges” and is used to describe a situation in which two or more people are engaged in a heated argument or fight.
List of Greek Words that Translate Quarrelling, Arguing, Fighting
- Eris (Ερις): This is one of the most well-known Greek words used to refer to quarreling and arguing. It is derived from the name of the Greek goddess of strife and discord, Eris.
- Stasis (Στάσις): This term means “conflict” and is often used to describe quarreling, arguing, and fighting.
- Agon (Άγων): This is a verb that means “to struggle” and is used to refer to quarreling, arguing, and fighting.
- Polemos (Πόλεμος): This term is used to refer to a fight or a war, but it can also be used to refer to quarreling or arguing.
- Makhaira (Μαχαίρα): This word is used to refer to a fight or a battle. It is derived from the Greek word for “sword.”
- Amimos (Αμίμος): This word is used to refer to a quarrel or a dispute. It is derived from the Greek word for “anger.”
- Thumos (Θυμός): This term is used to refer to a violent temper or a raging spirit, and is often used to describe quarreling, arguing, and fighting.
- Agria (Αγρια): This is a Greek word for “hostility” and is used to describe quarreling, arguing, and fighting.
- Machesthai (Μαχέσται): This term is used to refer to a fight or a combat.
- Machos (Μαχος): This word is used to refer to a quarrel or a dispute.
List of Aramaic Words that Translate Quarrelling, Arguing, Fighting
- K’upa – This is an Aramaic word that translates to quarreling or fighting. It is usually used in a negative context, such as when two people are fighting.
- Zalma – This is an Aramaic word for arguing or fighting. It is usually used to describe a heated argument between two people.
- Shehaya – This is an Aramaic word for fighting or quarreling. It is used to describe a physical altercation that is taking place between two people.
- Khutla – This is an Aramaic word for fighting or quarreling. It is used to describe an aggressive altercation between two people.
- Yallama – This is an Aramaic word for arguing or fighting. It is used to describe a heated argument or debate between two people.
- Muhalaba – This is an Aramaic word for quarreling or fighting. It is used to describe a loud, aggressive altercation between two people.
- K’alma – This is an Aramaic word for arguing or fighting. It is used to describe a verbal altercation that is taking place between two people.
- K’alla – This is an Aramaic word for quarreling or fighting. It is used to describe an argument that has become physical in nature.
The Bible’s Definition of Quarreling
The Hebrew word for quarreling is מְחַלְלָה (makhalalah). This word is used in the Bible to describe those who quarrel, fight, and dispute. It is used to refer to those who are contentious and quarrelsome in their words and actions.
Why Quarreling is Unhealthy
The Bible states that quarreling leads to disharmony and discord. It can cause two people to become angry, frustrated, and resentful with each other. Quarreling can also lead to a lack of trust and communication between two people, as well as a feeling of isolation. If an argument is not resolved, it can even lead to physical violence.
What the Bible Says about Quarreling
The Bible states that quarreling is an abomination. This means that it is something that is considered to be morally wrong and abhorrent. In Proverbs 17:14, the Bible states that “Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out.” This verse is a warning to avoid quarreling, as it can have harmful effects.
Quarreling in the King James Version of the Bible
The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible states the following about quarreling: “And he that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.” This verse is a warning against getting involved in arguments or disputes that do not involve you.
Bible Verses That Warn Against Quarreling
There are several Bible verses that warn against quarreling. In Proverbs 20:3, it states “It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling.” This verse is a warning against getting involved in arguments and disputes. In James 4:1, it states “What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members?” This verse is a warning against allowing our desires to lead us into arguments.
The Harmful Effects of Quarreling
Quarreling can have many harmful effects. It can lead to a breakdown in communication and trust between two people. It can also lead to feelings of resentment and isolation. Quarreling can also lead to physical violence if the argument is not resolved.
- Stress and Anxiety: Quarreling can cause an increase in stress and anxiety levels. This can lead to physical and mental health issues, such as high blood pressure, depression, and difficulty sleeping.
- Strained Relationships: Quarreling can cause people to feel distant and disconnected from each other, leading to strained relationships and a lack of communication.
- Lack of Trust: Quarreling can cause a lack of trust between people, leading to feelings of insecurity and mistrust.
- Loss of Respect: Quarreling can lead to a lack of respect for one another, as each person may feel that their opinion is not valued.
- Poor Self-Esteem: Quarreling can lead to negative self-talk, which can lead to feelings of worthlessness and low self-esteem.
- Unhealthy Coping Strategies: Quarreling can lead to unhealthy coping strategies, such as substance abuse, self-harm, or other destructive behaviors.
- Missed Opportunities: Quarreling can lead to missed opportunities to connect and grow with one another, as well as missed opportunities to solve problems and work together.
The Benefits of Avoiding Quarreling
One of the benefits of avoiding quarreling is that it can lead to more harmonious relationships. When two people disagree and can still remain civil and respectful, it can lead to a stronger bond between them. It can also lead to more effective communication and understanding.
- Improved Communication: Quarreling forces couples to communicate their thoughts and feelings more openly and honestly. This helps partners learn to express their needs in a clear and direct manner. Additionally, couples can learn to have more meaningful conversations and develop better listening skills.
- Closer Ties: Quarreling can help partners better understand each other’s perspectives and build closer ties. This is especially true when disagreements are handled in a respectful manner. Through healthy quarreling, partners can bridge the gap between their differing views and develop a deeper understanding of one another.
- Conflict Resolution: Quarreling can help couples learn how to resolve conflicts in a constructive and healthy way. This can prepare couples for future disagreements, as well as provide the skills necessary to work through them in a productive and positive manner.
- Stress Reduction: Quarreling can help reduce stress levels, as it gives partners an outlet to express their frustrations and emotions. Furthermore, through healthy quarreling, couples can learn how to manage their stress and emotions more effectively.
- Increased Intimacy: Quarreling can bring couples closer together, as it allows them to be more open and honest with one another. Additionally, couples that quarreling in a healthy manner can learn to trust and understand each other more deeply, leading to increased intimacy.
- Increased Respect: Quarreling can help partners learn to respect each other’s opinions and beliefs. This is especially true when couples learn to disagree without getting defensive or angry. Ultimately, this can lead to a more harmonious and respectful relationship.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Quarreling can help couples develop better problem-solving skills. Through healthy quarreling, partners can learn how to identify the root cause of their disagreements and develop strategies to resolve them in a constructive manner.
How to Handle Quarreling According to the Bible
The Bible encourages us to handle quarreling with patience, kindness, and respect. Instead of engaging in an argument, we should try to remain calm and listen to the other person’s point of view. We should also try to find a way to resolve the issue without resorting to violence or name-calling.
- Take a Step Back: Taking a step back when you feel yourself getting angry or heated is a great way to avoid an argument. This allows you to take a few moments to cool down and assess the situation objectively.
- Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s important to recognize and accept how you’re feeling. Acknowledging your feelings can help you understand what’s really at the root of the argument.
- Listen Carefully: Listening carefully to the other person’s perspective can help you understand their point of view better. It can also help diffuse the tension and help you both come to a resolution faster.
- Brainstorm Solutions: Once both parties have expressed their points of view, it’s time to brainstorm solutions. This can help you and the other person come to a compromise that both of you can agree on.
- Compromise: Compromising is key to avoiding arguments. It’s important to remember that both sides will likely have to give a little in order to come to a resolution.
- Take a Break: If things are getting too heated, it’s best to take a break. This gives you both time to cool off and come back to the discussion with a clear head.
- Let it Go: Sometimes, the best way to avoid an argument is to just let it go. Learn to pick your battles and choose to focus on the positive instead.
Quarreling in the Context of the KJV Bible
In the KJV Bible, there are several passages that warn against quarreling. In Proverbs 17:14, it states “Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out.” This verse is a warning against getting involved in arguments or disputes that do not involve you. In Proverbs 26:17, it states “He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a dog by the ears.” This verse is a warning against getting involved in other people’s arguments.
The Message of Bible Verses About Quarreling
The overall message of Bible verses about quarreling is that it should be avoided. Quarreling can lead to disharmony and discord, as well as physical violence if the argument is not resolved. The Bible encourages us to handle disputes with patience and kindness, instead of arguing and becoming angry.
Practical Tips for Avoiding Quarreling Based on Bible Verses
- Pray for peace. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).
- Listen carefully. “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19).
- Speak kindly. “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Colossians 4:6).
- Check your motives. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23).
- Show respect. “Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10).
- Speak truthfully. “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor” (Ephesians 4:25).
- Show forgiveness. “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).
- Seek wise counsel. “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22).
- Acknowledge mistakes. “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).
- Love unconditionally. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud” (1 Corinthians 13:4).
• Remain calm and listen to the other person’s point of view.
• Avoid name-calling and other forms of verbal abuse.
• Find a way to resolve the issue without resorting to violence.
• Seek out wise counsel from others if you are having difficulty resolving the argument.
• Pray for guidance and wisdom in handling the dispute.
7 Bible Verses About Quarreling
Thankfully, the Bible offers some wisdom on how to handle disagreements and conflicts. Here are seven Bible verses that give us guidance on the subject:
- Proverbs 17:14: “Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.” This verse is a reminder that sometimes it’s best to let things go before they escalate into something bigger.
- James 4:1-2: “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight.” James is basically saying that most quarrels start from within, often from our own desires or insecurities.
- Proverbs 15:18: “A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.” Patience is key here; sometimes taking a step back and breathing can really defuse a situation.
- Ephesians 4:29: “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.” This one suggests that our words should aim to build up, not tear down.
- Proverbs 20:3: “It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” Basically, it’s wise to steer clear of unnecessary strife, while only a fool jumps eagerly into quarrels.
- Titus 3:9: “But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.” This verse encourages us to focus on what really matters and avoid getting tangled in pointless arguments.
- Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” This is a general principle but applies to quarreling as well. If we can keep the peace, we should make every effort to do so.
I hope you find these verses insightful and helpful in navigating any conflicts or quarrels you might encounter. Remember, it’s not just about avoiding fights, but also about striving for peace and understanding. 😊✌️
What does the Bible say about Quarrels
The Bible provides guidance on how to approach quarrels and conflicts with wisdom and understanding. Here is a list of bullet points summarizing what the Bible says about quarrels:
- Avoid Quarreling: Proverbs 20:3 (NIV) advises, “It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” The Bible encourages us to seek peace and avoid unnecessary quarrels.
- Seek Wisdom: Proverbs 17:14 (NIV) says, “Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.” Seeking wisdom and discernment can help prevent quarrels from escalating.
- Soft Answer: Proverbs 15:1 (NIV) teaches, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Responding with kindness and understanding can diffuse conflicts.
- Conflict Resolution: Matthew 18:15 (NIV) provides a framework for resolving conflicts within the Christian community, emphasizing the importance of addressing issues directly and privately.
- Forgiveness: Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV) encourages forgiveness: “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.”
- Avoiding Foolish Arguments: 2 Timothy 2:23-24 (NIV) advises, “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.”
- Peacemakers: Jesus blesses peacemakers in Matthew 5:9 (NIV), saying, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Strive to be a peacemaker in conflicts.
- Self-Examination: James 4:1-2 (NIV) encourages self-examination: “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight.”
- Seeking Mediation: If conflicts persist, consider seeking wise and impartial mediation, as recommended in 1 Corinthians 6:1-5 (NIV).
- Prayer: James 4:2-3 (NIV) reminds us to seek God’s help in resolving conflicts: “You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”
- Love and Unity: 1 Peter 3:8-9 (NIV) encourages unity and love in relationships: “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing.”
- Humble Yourself: Proverbs 13:10 (NIV) notes, “Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.” Humility can help prevent quarrels.
These biblical teachings remind us of the importance of approaching conflicts with a spirit of humility, forgiveness, and a desire for peace and reconciliation, in line with the principles of Christian faith.
Final Thoughts – What Does the Bible say about Quarreling
In conclusion, quarreling is an abomination according to the Bible. It can lead to disharmony, discord, and even physical violence if the argument is not resolved. The Bible encourages us to handle disputes with patience and kindness, instead of arguing and becoming angry. Practical tips for avoiding quarreling include remaining calm and listening to the other person’s point of view, avoiding name-calling, and finding a way to resolve the issue without resorting to violence.
Best Bible Encyclopedias and Dictionaries
Below is a table featuring some highly regarded Bible Encyclopedias and Dictionaries along with their publishers and websites where they can be found or purchased.
Title | Publisher | Website |
---|---|---|
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia | Eerdmans | Eerdmans |
Zondervan’s Pictorial Bible Dictionary | Zondervan | Zondervan |
Easton’s Bible Dictionary | Thomas Nelson | Thomas Nelson |
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary | B&H Publishing Group | B&H Publishing Group |
The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary | Moody Publishers | Moody Publishers |
HarperCollins Bible Dictionary | HarperOne | HarperOne |
Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words | Thomas Nelson | Thomas Nelson |
You can generally find these resources on the publishers’ websites, as well as other online book retailers such as Amazon or Christianbook. It’s always good practice to confirm availability and review additional details on the specific websites or other reliable online bookstores.