Topical Encyclopedia
The term "argumentative" refers to a tendency to engage in disputes or to be contentious. In the context of biblical teachings, being argumentative is often viewed negatively, as it can lead to strife, division, and a lack of peace within the community of believers. The Bible provides guidance on how to handle disagreements and emphasizes the importance of maintaining unity and love among Christians.
Biblical Warnings Against Being ArgumentativeThe Scriptures caution against a contentious spirit. In
Proverbs 17:14 , it is written, "Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out." This proverb highlights the potential for small disagreements to escalate into larger conflicts, urging believers to avoid unnecessary arguments.
Similarly,
Proverbs 20:3 states, "It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel." This verse underscores the wisdom in seeking resolution and peace rather than engaging in fruitless disputes.
New Testament TeachingsThe New Testament also addresses the issue of being argumentative. In
2 Timothy 2:23-24 , Paul advises Timothy, "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." Here, Paul emphasizes the importance of avoiding pointless arguments and instead encourages a spirit of kindness and patience.
James 1:19-20 further instructs believers, "My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man's anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires." This passage highlights the value of listening and controlling one's temper to prevent arguments and promote righteousness.
The Example of JesusJesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of how to handle disputes. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus often faced opposition and challenging questions from the Pharisees and other religious leaders. However, He responded with wisdom, patience, and authority, focusing on truth and love rather than engaging in fruitless arguments. In
Matthew 22:15-22 , when questioned about paying taxes to Caesar, Jesus skillfully navigated the trap set by His opponents, providing a profound answer that left them amazed.
Promoting Peace and UnityThe Bible encourages believers to pursue peace and unity within the body of Christ.
Ephesians 4:2-3 exhorts, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." This passage calls Christians to embody humility, gentleness, and patience, fostering an environment where arguments are minimized, and love prevails.
In
Romans 14:19 , Paul writes, "So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification." This verse encourages believers to focus on actions and words that build up the community rather than tear it down through contentious behavior.
ConclusionWhile the Bible acknowledges that disagreements may arise, it consistently advocates for a spirit of peace, understanding, and love. By following the teachings of Scripture and the example of Jesus, believers are called to avoid being argumentative and instead promote harmony within the church and the broader community.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Consisting of, or characterized by, argument; containing a process of reasoning; as, an argumentative discourse.
2. (a.) Adductive as proof; indicative; as, the adaptation of things to their uses is argumentative of infinite wisdom in the Creator.
3. (a.) Given to argument; characterized by argument; disputatious; as, an argumentative writer.
Greek
483. antilego -- to speak against, hence to contradict, oppose... 483 (from 473 , "opposite to" and 3004 , "speaking to a conclusion") -- properly,
voicing opposition; to , especially in a hostile (
argumentative) way -- ie to
...5378. Philologos -- "student, scholar," Philologus, a Christian
... Philologus. From philos and logos; fond of words, ie Talkative (argumentative,
learned, "philological"); Philologus, a Christian -- Philologus....
Library
Lest any one Think that we are Dealing in MereArgumentative...
... Chapter IV. Lest any one think that we are dealing in mereargumentative
subtleties? Lest any one think that we are dealing in...
That the Christian Miracles are not Recited, or Appealed To, by...
... remaining writings of other early Christians. The epistles of the apostles
are either hortatory orargumentative. So far as they were...
Prayer
... [6] Prayer that is likely to prevail with God must beargumentative.... Thus he was
argumentative in prayer; and he got not only a new blessing, but a new name....
Letter iv. On the Reading and Study of the Holy Scriptures
... There is almost every variety of style and matter. There is History, Biography,
Argumentative and Didactic Essays, and Poetry. Although...
History of Public Speaking
... Daniel Webster. Daniel Webster was a massive orator. He combined logical and
argumentative skill with a personality of extraordinary power and attractiveness....
The Epistle to the Ephesians
... closer inspection. And of the expressions that are held to be unusual only
the one in 3: 5 has anyargumentative force. And even...
Several Ways of Controverting his Quibbling Syllogisms.
... it would be suitable to say that he would have more claim to be considered in his
sober senses, if he had put the limit to suchargumentative safeguards at...
The Next Performance is Mainly Directed against Faith in the...
... We have been so particular, because whenever any of these writers condescend
to beargumentative, we are eager to bear them company....
Wyclif -- Christ's Real Body not in the Eucharist
... Known as the "Morning Star of the Reformation" he was a vigorous andargumentative
speaker, exemplifying his own definition of preaching as something which...
South -- the Image of God in Man
... South, who was born in the borough of Hackney, London, England, in 1638, attracted
wide attention by his vigorous mind and his clear,argumentative style in...
Thesaurus
Argumentative (1 Occurrence)... 1. (a.) Consisting of, or characterized by, argument; containing a process of reasoning;
as, an
argumentative discourse.
...Argumentative (1 Occurrence).
...Arguments (29 Occurrences)
Argument (45 Occurrences)
Quotations
... TESTAMENT QUOTATION 1. Introductory Formulas 2. Unity of the Two Dispensations 3.
Prevision of Christianity in the Old Testament 4.Argumentative Quotations 5...
Samaritan (8 Occurrences)
... He emphasized the difference between the Massoretic Text and Samaritan Pentateuch
forargumentative reasons, in order to prove the necessity for the...
Hebrews (24 Occurrences)
... "Where the literary skill of the author comes out is in the deft adjustment of the
argumentative to the hortatory sections" (Moffatt, Introduction, 424)....
Sodomite (1 Occurrence)
... TESTAMENT QUOTATION 1. Introductory Formulas 2. Unity of the Two Dispensations 3.
Prevision of Christianity in the Old Testament 4.Argumentative Quotations 5...
Galatians (2 Occurrences)
... the letter. Personal,argumentative, and hortatory matter interchange with
the freedom natural in a letter to old friends. 2. Personal...
Parable (52 Occurrences)
... Theargumentative or doctrinal value of parables is found in this, that they may,
in accordance with the analogy of Scripture, illustrate truth already clearly...
Interpretation (45 Occurrences)
... Again, the principle of parallelism, not for illustrative but forargumentative
purposes, is a rule that can, in the nature of the case, be applied to the...
Resources
What does the Bible say about a contentious or quarrelsome woman? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about dealing with difficult people? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian view sportsmanship? | GotQuestions.orgArgumentative: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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