Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context:Arguing, in the biblical context, refers to engaging in disputes or debates, often characterized by a contentious exchange of words. The Bible addresses the nature and consequences of arguing, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and unity among believers.
Biblical References:1.
Proverbs 15:18 : "A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms dispute." This verse highlights the role of temperament in arguments, suggesting that patience and self-control can prevent or resolve conflicts.
2.
Philippians 2:14 : "Do everything without complaining or arguing." The Apostle Paul instructs believers to avoid arguing, promoting a spirit of cooperation and harmony within the Christian community.
3.
2 Timothy 2:23-24 : "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." Paul advises Timothy to avoid pointless arguments that lead to division, encouraging a demeanor of kindness and patience.
4.
James 4:1 : "What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you?" James identifies internal desires and passions as the root cause of arguments, urging believers to examine their hearts.
5.
Proverbs 17:14 : "Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out." This proverb warns of the potential escalation of arguments, advocating for the wisdom of de-escalation.
Theological Insights:·
Human Nature and Sin: Arguing is often seen as a manifestation of human sinfulness and pride. The Bible teaches that arguments can arise from selfish desires and a lack of humility, which are contrary to the character of Christ.
·
Unity in the Body of Christ: The New Testament frequently emphasizes the importance of unity among believers. Arguing can disrupt this unity, hindering the church's witness to the world.
Ephesians 4:3 urges believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
·
Wisdom and Discernment: The Bible encourages believers to seek wisdom and discernment in their interactions.
Proverbs 19:11 states, "A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense." This suggests that wisdom involves knowing when to avoid or disengage from arguments.
·
Role of Love: Love is central to Christian ethics and is seen as a remedy for arguments.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 describes love as "patient and kind," not "easily angered," and keeping "no account of wrongs." Love seeks reconciliation and understanding rather than conflict.
Practical Application:·
Self-Examination: Believers are encouraged to examine their motives and attitudes before engaging in arguments. This involves seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit to cultivate humility and peace.
·
Peacemaking: Christians are called to be peacemakers, as stated in
Matthew 5:9 : "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." This involves actively working to resolve conflicts and promote harmony.
·
Constructive Dialogue: While the Bible discourages contentious arguing, it does not prohibit all forms of debate or discussion. Constructive dialogue, conducted with respect and a desire for truth, can be beneficial for growth and understanding within the community of faith.
Topical Bible Verses
Philippians 2:14Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
Topicalbible.org
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Argue.
Greek
3859. paradiatribe -- wrangling, constantarguing... wrangling, constant
arguing. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration:
paradiatribe Phonetic Spelling: (par-ad-ee-at-ree-bay') Short Definition: useless
...4802. suzeteo -- to examine together, hence to dispute
... Word Origin from sun and zeteo Definition to examine together, hence to dispute
NASB Word Usage argue (1), argued (1),arguing (3), debated (1), discuss (1...
476. antidikos -- an opponent, adversary
... 476 (from 473 , "against, off-set" and 1349 , "justice, a judge") -- properly, a
prosecuting attorneyarguing a case-at-law; an "opponent at law" ()....
Library
Absurdity ofArguing from Man's Impotency.
... Chapter IX."Absurdity ofArguing from Man's Impotency. As there are many
things of more importance to the inquiry before us, I...
The Danger ofArguing from Silence.
... A Treatise on the soul and its origin, Chapter 30"The Danger ofArguing
from Silence. Now, while the disputants are thus contending...
But as to what they Say,Arguing as Follows...
... A Treatise Chapter 11. " 48. But as to what they say,arguing as follows?
"48. But as to what they say,arguing as follows...
The Answer to a Seventh Letter,
... "Your objection againstarguing at all a priori, concerning the existence and
perfections of the first cause, is what many learned men have indeed stuck at....
Since Then, in Reference to Our Hope of the Resurrection, Christ...
... At this point, however, inarguing about the resurrection of the flesh, our friend,
as his habit is, mixes up what is ridiculous and farcical with what is...
Ephesians ii. 8
... Paul is there speaking of such Works of the Law, as Circumcision; andarguing, that
such are not necessary, from Abraham's being justified by the eminent Faith...
Erroneous Opinions Imputed to the Apostles.
... To which question, asarguing with unbelievers, and asarguing for the substantial
truth of the: Christian history, and for that alone, it is competent to the...
He Has no Reason for Distinguishing a Plurality of Beings in the...
... from created things, such conjecturing about the transcendent from lower existences
would not be altogether sound, though the error inarguing from natural...
That if any Bishop is Accused the Cause Should be Brought Before...
... not be suspended from communion by reason of the crime laid to his charge unless
he fails to put in an appearance on the appointed day forarguing his cause...
The So-Called Letter to Diognetus
... are not the slaves of gods like these, but if anyone cannot see the force of these
arguments, I think that nothing is to be gained byarguing the matter further...
Thesaurus
Arguing (12 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Arguing (12 Occurrences). Mark 9:14 Coming to the disciples,
he saw a great multitude around them, and scribes questioning them.
...Condemnation (30 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Romans 3:8 And why should we not say--for so they wickedly misrepresent
us, and so some charge us witharguing--"Let us do evil that good may come"?...
Argument (45 Occurrences)
Zedekiah (63 Occurrences)
... There Zedekiah is represented asarguing that since Micaiah contradicts Elijah's
prediction as to the place of Ahab's death, he must be regarded as a false...
Wickedly (34 Occurrences)
... Romans 3:8 And why should we not say--for so they wickedly misrepresent us, and
so some charge us witharguing--"Let us do evil that good may come"?...
Forceful (3 Occurrences)
... talking has little force. (See NIV). Job 6:25 How forcible are words of
uprightness! But what doth yourarguing argue? (See RSV)....
Terms (25 Occurrences)
... Jude 1:9 But Michael the Archangel, when contending with the Devil andarguing with
him about the body of Moses, did not dare to pronounce judgement on him in...
Temper (14 Occurrences)
... 12:24 it occurs in English Versions of the Bible as a rendering of the Greek word
sugqerannumi, which meant to "mix together." Paul isarguing in favor of the...
Road (155 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS). Mark 9:33 He came to Capernaum, and when he was in the house he asked
them, "What were youarguing among yourselves on the way?" (See NIV)....
Result (73 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Romans 3:8 And why should we not say--for so they wickedly misrepresent
us, and so some charge us witharguing--"Let us do evil that good may come"?...
Resources
Why are Christians always arguing? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the doctrine of the impassibility vs. passibility of God? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is axiology? | GotQuestions.orgArguing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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