6 Bible Verses about Strife

For the Lord's slave must not quarrel, but be kind toward everyone, capable of teaching, [and] patient [with difficult people and situations].

For I am afraid that somehow, when I come [to you], I might not find you the way I want you to be, and you might not find me the way you want me to be. I am afraid there might be quarrelling, jealousy, angry outbursts, factious spirits, slander, gossip, arrogance and [other] disturbances [there].

For it has been reported to me about you, my brothers, by some of Chloe's family, that there is quarreling [going on] among you.

for you are still worldly [minded]. And since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, is that not evidence that you are [still] worldly and living like [unspiritual] people?

But [instead], a brother goes to court against his brother, and that in front of an unbelieving [judge]!

I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be like-minded in [fellowship with] the Lord.

A loud commotion developed [in the Council meeting]. Some of the teachers of the law of Moses who belonged to the Pharisee party stood up and argued, saying, "We can find nothing wrong with this man. What if an angel or spirit did speak to him?"

We should be living properly, as in the daytime [i.e., when people normally behave themselves], not engaging in orgies and drunkenness; not practicing sexual immorality and indecent vices; not quarrelsome and jealous.

Do not do anything from rivalry or from empty conceit, but in humility, consider others better than yourselves.

For it has been reported to me about you, my brothers, by some of Chloe's family, that there is quarreling [going on] among you.

for you are still worldly [minded]. And since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, is that not evidence that you are [still] worldly and living like [unspiritual] people?

But in giving you these instructions, I have a criticism to make [about you people]. It is that your assemblies are doing more harm than good. For first of all, I have been informed [Note: This was probably by Chloe's family. See 1:11] that divisions exist among you people when you assemble as a congregation. And I am inclined to believe it [is true].

And when you hear of wars [going on] and rumors of [other] wars [pending], do not worry, for such things must necessarily happen. But the end has not yet come. [Note: By "end" here Jesus probably alludes to the downfall of Jerusalem in AD 70, with its attending destruction of the Temple buildings].

Then Jesus said to His disciples, "Nations will wage war against one another and kingdoms will attack one another. And great earthquakes will happen, and at various places there will be famines and disease epidemics. And there will be fearful events and great [supernatural] signs from heaven.

When He was spoken to with harsh insults, He did not reply in the same way. When He was made to suffer, He did not threaten [His tormentors], but instead entrusted Himself to God, [whom He knew] would make a righteous judgment [in the matter].

When Jesus perceived what they were doing He withdrew from that place. Many people followed Him and He healed all of them. Then He urged them not to reveal His [true] identity, so what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah would be fulfilled when he said, read more.
[Isa. 13:1ff] "Look, see my [i.e., God's] servant whom I have chosen; my dear One [i.e., Jesus] with whom my soul is very pleased: I will put my Holy Spirit on Him, and He will proclaim judgment to the [unconverted] Gentiles. He will not be contentious nor shout out [loudly]. Neither will anyone hear His voice [raised] in the streets.

So, He sent messengers on ahead of Him, who went and entered a Samaritan village to prepare for Him [i.e., for His food and lodging]. And these Samaritans did not welcome Him because He was heading for Jerusalem. [Note: They perceived He was a Jew and Samaritans did not associate with Jews]. And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said [to Him], "Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to burn them up?" read more.
But He turned to them and spoke sternly. {{Some manuscripts add "You do not know what kind of a spirit you represent, for the Son of man did not come to destroy men's lives but to save them"}} So, they went to another village.

Indeed, the fact that you have lawsuits with one another is [evidence of] a complete failure among you. Why should you not rather take the wrong? Why should you not rather accept being cheated?

But I tell you, do not offer resistance to an evil person, but whoever hits you on the right side of the face, allow him [to hit you] on the other side also. And if anyone takes you to court in order to take your shirt away from you, let him have your coat also [i.e., if he insists on it].

Now I urge you, brothers, through the name [i.e., by the authority] of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you should all agree in what you say, so that no divisions [continue] among you. Be restored [to unity] by having common thoughts and convictions [i.e., in spiritual matters].

Remind them [Note: This probably refers to the "trustworthy men" there at Ephesus. See 2:2] of these things [i.e., the truths just mentioned. Verses 8-13], solemnly urging them, in the presence of the Lord, not to argue over words, [for] it is useless and brings [only] ruin to those who listen to it.

For I am afraid that somehow, when I come [to you], I might not find you the way I want you to be, and you might not find me the way you want me to be. I am afraid there might be quarrelling, jealousy, angry outbursts, factious spirits, slander, gossip, arrogance and [other] disturbances [there].

But if you people have bitter jealousy and rivalry in your hearts, do not be arrogant [over it] and deny the truth.

For the Lord's slave must not quarrel, but be kind toward everyone, capable of teaching, [and] patient [with difficult people and situations].

[He must] not be a drunkard or a fighter, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not wanting to get money by questionable [or, dishonest] means.

that person is conceited. He does not understand anything, but has an unhealthy concern for controversy and arguments over words, which produce envy, dissension, abusive language, evil suspicions,

But refuse [to participate in] foolish and stupid arguments, knowing that they produce quarreling.

Eagerly try to maintain the unity produced by the Holy Spirit by being bound together in peace.

But you should avoid foolish arguments, and [pointless] discussions about ancestors, and quarrels and disputes about [observance of] the law of Moses, for they are unprofitable and useless.

But refuse [to participate in] foolish and stupid arguments, knowing that they produce quarreling.

that person is conceited. He does not understand anything, but has an unhealthy concern for controversy and arguments over words, which produce envy, dissension, abusive language, evil suspicions,

For when jealousy and rivalry exist, there is [also] disorder and every [kind of] evil practice.

Some people, indeed, are proclaiming Christ out of envy and strife [i.e., out of rivalry], while others do it from goodwill. Those who do it out of love [for me] know that I am prepared to defend the Gospel [i.e., before government authorities].

For it has been reported to me about you, my brothers, by some of Chloe's family, that there is quarreling [going on] among you.

Then a dispute arose among the apostles as to which one of them should be considered the greatest.

But they kept quiet for they had been arguing with one another over which one of them was the greatest.

for you are still worldly [minded]. And since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, is that not evidence that you are [still] worldly and living like [unspiritual] people?

for you are still worldly [minded]. And since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, is that not evidence that you are [still] worldly and living like [unspiritual] people?

idol worship, occultic practices, hatefulness, dissension, jealousy, angry outbursts, factious spirits, divisiveness, party spirits, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you again, as I have done before, that those people who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Do everything without complaining and arguing,

For it has been reported to me about you, my brothers, by some of Chloe's family, that there is quarreling [going on] among you. Now this is what I mean: Each of you is saying, "I am a follower of Paul," and another "I am a follower of Apollos," and another "I am a follower of Cephas [i.e., Peter]," and another "I am a follower of Christ."

But [instead], a brother goes to court against his brother, and that in front of an unbelieving [judge]!

Do not do anything from rivalry or from empty conceit, but in humility, consider others better than yourselves.

Remind them [Note: This probably refers to the "trustworthy men" there at Ephesus. See 2:2] of these things [i.e., the truths just mentioned. Verses 8-13], solemnly urging them, in the presence of the Lord, not to argue over words, [for] it is useless and brings [only] ruin to those who listen to it.

But if you [unlovingly] bite and eat one another [i.e., figuratively], be careful that you do not totally consume one another.

idol worship, occultic practices, hatefulness, dissension, jealousy, angry outbursts, factious spirits, divisiveness, party spirits,

Who [then] is the wise and understanding person among you? He should show by his good conduct [that he has] deeds of gentleness [stemming] from wisdom. But if you people have bitter jealousy and rivalry in your hearts, do not be arrogant [over it] and deny the truth. This "wisdom" is not the kind that comes from [God] above, but is earthly, unspiritual and demonic [i.e., it is motivated by an evil spirit and not the Holy Spirit]. read more.
For when jealousy and rivalry exist, there is [also] disorder and every [kind of] evil practice.

We should be living properly, as in the daytime [i.e., when people normally behave themselves], not engaging in orgies and drunkenness; not practicing sexual immorality and indecent vices; not quarrelsome and jealous.

But Paul was not at all in favor of taking someone who had left them and refused to continue on in the work [of preaching the Gospel] when they were in Pamphylia. [See 13:13]. A heated discussion developed [over this matter] so that Paul and Barnabas went their separate ways [over it], with Barnabas sailing for Cyprus and taking [John] Mark with him.

When he said this it stirred up a dispute between the Pharisees and Sadducees and the assembly became divided. For the Sadducees believe there is no resurrection, angels or spirits, but the Pharisees accept all of them [to be true]. A loud commotion developed [in the Council meeting]. Some of the teachers of the law of Moses who belonged to the Pharisee party stood up and argued, saying, "We can find nothing wrong with this man. What if an angel or spirit did speak to him?" read more.
And when a serious debate broke out, the commander was afraid that Paul might [virtually] be torn apart by the mob, so he ordered his soldiers to go down [to the Council meeting] and forcibly remove Paul and take him to the battalion headquarters.

A heated discussion developed [over this matter] so that Paul and Barnabas went their separate ways [over it], with Barnabas sailing for Cyprus and taking [John] Mark with him.

For when jealousy and rivalry exist, there is [also] disorder and every [kind of] evil practice.

When he said this it stirred up a dispute between the Pharisees and Sadducees and the assembly became divided.

The Jews who heard these words became divided again [i.e., over their meaning].

After Paul and Barnabas had a heated debate and argued with these men [over this issue], the brothers [of the Antioch church] decided that Paul and Barnabas, along with certain others, should go up to Jerusalem and discuss the question with the apostles and elders there.

Where do conflicts and fights among you come from? Do they not come from your [desire for] pleasures which produces inner conflict?

After Paul and Barnabas had a heated debate and argued with these men [over this issue], the brothers [of the Antioch church] decided that Paul and Barnabas, along with certain others, should go up to Jerusalem and discuss the question with the apostles and elders there.