'Contention' in the Bible
the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours!” So Isaac named the well Esek (quarreling), because they quarreled with him.
He named the place [where this miracle occurred] Massah (test) and Meribah (contention) because of the quarreling of the sons of Israel, and because they tested the [patience of the] Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us, or not?”
Through pride and presumption come nothing but strife,But [skillful and godly] wisdom is with those who welcome [well-advised] counsel.
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife,But he who is slow to anger and patient calms disputes.
The beginning of strife is like letting out water [as from a small break in a dam; first it trickles and then it gushes];Therefore abandon the quarrel before it breaks out and tempers explode.
A fool’s lips bring contention and strife,And his mouth invites a beating.
Drive out the scoffer, and contention will go away;Even strife and dishonor will cease.
For lack of wood the fire goes out,And where there is no whisperer [who gossips], contention quiets down.
Woe to me, my mother, that you have given birth to meTo be a man of strife and a man of contention to all the earth!I have not loaned, nor have men lent money to me,Yet everyone curses me.
Hear the word of the Lord, you children of Israel,For the Lord has a [legal] case with the inhabitants of the land,Because there is no faithfulness [no steadfast love, no dependability] or loyalty or kindnessOr knowledge of God [from personal experience with Him] in the land.
Yet let no one find fault, nor let any rebuke [others];For your people are like those who contend with the priest.
The Lord also has a dispute [a legal complaint and an indictment] with Judah,And He will punish Jacob in accordance with his ways;He will repay him in accordance with his deeds.
“Hear, O mountains, the indictment of the Lord,And you enduring foundations of the earth,For the Lord has a case (a legal complaint) against His people,And He will dispute (challenge) Israel.
Why do You make me see iniquity,And cause me to look on wickedness?For destruction and violence are before me;Strife continues and contention arises.