As believers interact with one another, the Bible warns against the destructive nature of strife and quarrels. In 2 Timothy, the apostle Paul advises Timothy to gently instruct those who oppose him, avoiding foolish and unprofitable arguments. The book of Proverbs offers wisdom on the dangers of strife, noting that it separates even the best of friends and that avoiding it is a mark of honor. James emphasizes that strife is rooted in selfish ambition and earthly wisdom, contrasting it with the peaceable and gentle wisdom from above, which is characterized by humility and a pure heart.
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But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling. And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.
But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.
An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
To start a quarrel is to release a flood; so abandon the dispute before it breaks out.
There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, a false witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up discord among brothers.
Drive out the mocker, and conflict will depart; even quarreling and insults will cease.
What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you?
If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he 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 he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.