Arguments are a common part of human relationships and the Bible has much to say about how to handle disagreements and conflicts. These scriptures provide wisdom and guidance on handling arguments with grace, humility, and love. As followers of Christ, we are called to strive for peace and to resolve disagreements in a manner that honors God. Let these verses encourage and guide you in your interactions with others.
Bible Verses About Arguments
1. Proverbs 15:18 – The Peacemakers
“A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.” – Proverbs 15:18
Cross-References
Matthew 5:9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
James 1:19 – “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
2. James 4:1 – The Source of Quarrels
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” – James 4:1
Cross-References
1 Peter 2:11 – “Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.”
Romans 7:23 – “But I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me.”
Proverbs 17:14 – “Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.”
3. 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, able to teach, not resentful.” – 2 Timothy 2:23-24
Cross-References
Titus 3:9 – “But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.”
1 Timothy 6:4 – “They are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions.”
Proverbs 26:4 – “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.”
4. Proverbs 29:11 – The Wise and the Fool
“Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.” – Proverbs 29:11
Cross-References
Proverbs 14:29 – “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”
Ecclesiastes 7:9 – “Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.”
Proverbs 16:32 – “Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.”
5. Romans 14:1 – Accept One Another
“Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.” – Romans 14:1
Cross-References
Romans 15:7 – “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”
1 Corinthians 8:9 – “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.”
1 Corinthians 10:32 – “Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God.”
6. Proverbs 18:2 – Listening and Understanding
“Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.” – Proverbs 18:2
Cross-References
Proverbs 17:27 – “The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.”
Ecclesiastes 10:14 – “The fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming—who can tell someone else what will happen after them?”
Proverbs 12:23 – “The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves, but a fool’s heart blurts out folly.”
7. Ephesians 4:26 – Anger and Sin
“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,” – Ephesians 4:26
Cross-References
Psalm 4:4 – “Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.”
James 1:20 – “Because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
Matthew 5:22 – “But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.”
8. Philippians 2:14 – Do Everything Without Grumbling
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing,” – Philippians 2:14
Cross-References
1 Peter 4:9 – “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”
1 Corinthians 10:10 – “And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.”
9. Matthew 5:23-24 – Reconciliation Before Worship
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” – Matthew 5:23-24
Cross-References
Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Mark 11:25 – “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
2 Corinthians 5:18 – “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”
10. Proverbs 20:3 – Honor in Avoiding Strife
“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” – Proverbs 20:3
Cross-References
1 Thessalonians 4:11 – “And to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you.”
Proverbs 12:16 – “Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.”
11. Colossians 3:8 – Rid Yourself of Anger
“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” – Colossians 3:8
Cross-References
James 1:21 – “Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”
Ephesians 4:31 – “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”
1 Peter 2:1 – “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”
12. Proverbs 18:19 – The Barrier of Offense
“A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.” – Proverbs 18:19
Cross-References
Luke 17:3 – “So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them.”
Romans 14:13 – “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.”
13. Galatians 5:15 – Biting and Devouring
“If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” – Galatians 5:15
Cross-References
James 3:14 – “But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.”
Ephesians 4:2 – “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
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14. Proverbs 16:28 – A Perverse Person Stirs Up Conflict
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” – Proverbs 16:28
Cross-References
Proverbs 6:14 – “Who plots evil with deceit in his heart—he always stirs up conflict.”
Proverbs 11:13 – “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”
15. Psalms 37:8 – Refrain from Anger
“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.” – Psalms 37:8
Cross-References
Proverbs 22:24 – “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered.”
Ecclesiastes 7:8 – “The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.”
16. Matthew 12:25 – A Divided Kingdom
“Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.’” – Matthew 12:25
Cross-References
Mark 3:24 – “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.”
Luke 11:17 – “Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, ‘Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall.’”
1 Corinthians 1:13 – “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?”
17. Romans 12:17 – Do Not Repay Evil for Evil
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.” – Romans 12:17
Cross-References
1 Thessalonians 5:15 – “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”
Proverbs 20:22 – “Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.”
18. 1 Corinthians 10:31 – Do All for God’s Glory
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Cross-References
Colossians 3:17 – “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
1 Peter 4:11 – “If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
19. Proverbs 15:1 – The Power of a Gentle Answer
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
Cross-References
James 3:17 – “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.”
Proverbs 12:18 – “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Proverbs 25:15 – “Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.”
20. Galatians 6:1 – Restore Gently
“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
Cross-References
James 5:19-20 – “My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”
2 Timothy 2:25 – “Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.”
1 Corinthians 4:21 – “What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?”
21. Psalm 133:1 – Brothers Dwelling in Unity
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” – Psalm 133:1
Cross-References
Philippians 2:2 – “Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”
1 Peter 3:8 – “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”
22. Romans 14:19 – Pursue Peace and Edification
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” – Romans 14:19
Cross-References
Hebrews 12:14 – “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
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.”
23. Philippians 4:2 – Agree in the Lord
“I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.” – Philippians 4:2
Cross-References
1 Corinthians 1:10 – “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.”
Ephesians 4:1-2 – “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
Colossians 1:10 – “So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.”
24. 1 Peter 3:9 – Repay 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.” – 1 Peter 3:9
Cross-References
Luke 6:27-28 – “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
Romans 12:14 – “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”
Matthew 5:44 – “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
25. Proverbs 25:8 – Avoid Hastily Arguing
“Do not bring hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame?” – Proverbs 25:8
Cross-References
Matthew 5:25-26 – “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.”
Proverbs 18:17 – “In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines.”
1 Corinthians 6:1 – “If any of you has a dispute with another, do you dare to take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the Lord’s people?”
26. Ephesians 4:3 – Preserve Unity
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:3
Cross-References
Colossians 3:14 – “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
John 17:23 – “I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
Psalms 122:8 – “For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, ‘Peace be within you.’”
27. Titus 3:2 – Be Peaceful and Considerate
“To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.” – Titus 3:2
Cross-References
Philippians 4:5 – “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”
Colossians 3:12 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
James 3:13 – “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”
28. Ecclesiastes 7:21 – Heed Not Every Word
“Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you—” – Ecclesiastes 7:21
Cross-References
Psalm 38:12-13 – “Those who want to kill me set their traps, those who would harm me talk of my ruin; all day long they scheme and lie. I am like the deaf, who cannot hear, like the mute, who cannot speak.”
James 1:26 – “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”
29. Proverbs 13:10 – Pride Breeds Conflict
“Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.” – Proverbs 13:10
Cross-References
Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Philippians 2:3 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
Proverbs 11:2 – “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
30. James 3:9-10 – The Tongue’s Contradiction
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” – James 3:9-10
Cross-References
Romans 15:6 – “So that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Proverbs 18:21 – “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Psalms 34:13 – “Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”
31. Matthew 18:15-17 – Dealing with Sin in the Church
“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. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” – Matthew 18:15-17
Cross-References
Galatians 6:2 – “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
1 Corinthians 5:12 – “What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?”
2 Corinthians 2:7 – “Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.”
32. Proverbs 19:11 – The Glory of Overlooking Offenses
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” – Proverbs 19:11
Cross-References
Colossians 3:13 – “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Proverbs 17:9 – “Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
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Final Thoughts
Arguments, while often unavoidable, provide opportunities for growth, understanding, and the practice of our faith’s core principles. The Bible offers profound wisdom in navigating these challenges, advocating for love, patience, and humility in resolving conflicts. Christians are called to be peacemakers, actively seeking reconciliation and valuing unity in all their interactions. By adhering to these teachings, believers not only reflect Christ’s love in their relationships but also promote harmony within their communities.
The journey of managing disagreements with grace is challenging but rewarding, offering the chance to model Christ-like behavior and deepen interpersonal bonds. Let these scriptures serve as a guide, reminding us that in every argument or disagreement, God calls us to respond with compassion, understanding, and a heart seeking peace.