Bickering, characterized by petty and trivial arguing, is a behavior that Scripture warns against, as it disrupts harmony and unity among believers. The Bible emphasizes the importance of peace, love, and understanding within the Christian community, urging believers to avoid disputes that lead to division and strife.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 17:14 : "Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out." This proverb highlights the destructive potential of bickering, comparing it to a dam breach that can lead to widespread damage. It advises believers to avoid initiating or engaging in arguments that can escalate into larger conflicts.

2. Philippians 2:14-15 : "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world." The Apostle Paul exhorts the Philippians to conduct themselves without grumbling or disputing, emphasizing that such behavior is unbecoming of those who are called to be lights in a dark world.

3. James 4:1-2 : "What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you? You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight." James identifies the root of bickering as internal desires and passions that lead to conflict. He calls believers to examine their hearts and motives, recognizing that such disputes often stem from selfishness and unmet desires.

4. 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 engaging in senseless arguments, which only lead to quarrels. Instead, a servant of the Lord should embody kindness, patience, and the ability to teach, fostering an environment of peace and understanding.

Theological Insights:

Bickering is often a manifestation of pride and a lack of humility, as individuals prioritize their own opinions and desires over the well-being of the community. The Bible calls Christians to emulate Christ's humility and selflessness, as seen in Philippians 2:3-4 : "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

The early church faced challenges of division and discord, prompting apostolic teachings that stressed the importance of unity and love. Ephesians 4:2-3 encourages believers to "be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love, and make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

Practical Application:

Christians are called to be peacemakers, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:9 : "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." This involves actively seeking reconciliation and understanding, rather than engaging in or perpetuating bickering. Believers are encouraged to practice active listening, empathy, and forgiveness, fostering an environment where love and unity can thrive.

In summary, bickering is contrary to the Christian call to live in peace and unity. By focusing on humility, love, and the example of Christ, believers can overcome the temptation to engage in trivial disputes and instead promote harmony within the body of Christ.Philippians 2:14
Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
Topicalbible.org

Romans 14:1
Him that is weak in the faith receive you, but not to doubtful disputations.
Topicalbible.org

2 Timothy 2:14
Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
Topicalbible.org

Those for whom Christ Prayed --"Sanctify Them. "
... There is no lightness, no jesting, no quibbling, no bickering; all are serious,
terribly in earnest, intent on "the promise of the Father." There is Peter ...
/.../rees/the heart-cry of jesus/chapter iii those for whom.htm

Tapestry Threads.
... Even in the midst of the bickering discussions at the Tabernacles Feast many of
the multitude believed on Him, some as the long-talked-of prophet, some as the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/tapestry threads.htm

Love Wooing yet More.
... The drastic turning of bargaining cattle-dealers and bickering money-brokers, out
of the temple-area, and restoring it from a barn-yard to a place of holy ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/love wooing yet more.htm

Travel. A Personal Experience.
... Uncle Sam was only a child yet, that America was destined to be the greatest country
in the world; that her trouble with Spain was only a bickering; that the ...
/.../ix travel a personal experience.htm

Chapter xxx
... For all the jealous and indelicate bickering on Leah's part there must, nevertheless,
have been also a measure of faith, for she had called upon God in her ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxx.htm

Songs of Deliverance
... We have not this bickering and that division, we are not divided brother against
brother, as some of our churches are, which are rent by schisms, torn in ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 13 1867/songs of deliverance.htm

Rom. x. 14, 15
... Why are you bickering and quarrelsome, when grace is before you, and why
keep putting me the Law forward to no purpose whatsoever? ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xviii rom x 14.htm

The Main Road --Experiences of Power and Privilege
... Tired, dirty, pinched faces, eyes vacantly staring, or else fired with low passion,
high-keyed voices bickering and jangling,"all this crowds in and out on ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on following the christ/2 the main roadexperiences of.htm

The God of Peace
... dwell,. Who the same God obey.". It is continual bickering and jealousy
that has brought disgrace upon the holy name of Christ. He ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the god of peace.htm

A Last Look-Out
... If, any of you have any grievances with one another, if there is any bickering,
or jealousy between you, I should like you to make it up to-night, because the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/a last look-out.htm

Is God man-made? Did man create the idea of God? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about disrespectful children? | GotQuestions.org

What is the doctrine of the impassibility vs. passibility of God? | GotQuestions.org

Argue: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus