Contentiousness refers to a tendency to engage in arguments, disputes, or conflicts, often characterized by a combative or quarrelsome spirit. In the Bible, contentiousness is generally viewed negatively, as it disrupts peace and harmony within communities and relationships. The Scriptures provide numerous insights into the nature of contentiousness and its consequences, urging believers to pursue peace and unity instead.

Biblical References and Insights

1. Proverbs on Contentiousness: The Book of Proverbs frequently addresses the issue of contentiousness, highlighting its destructive nature. Proverbs 21:9 states, "Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife." This verse underscores the discomfort and strife that contentious behavior can bring into a household. Similarly, Proverbs 26:21 notes, "As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife," illustrating how contentious individuals can ignite and perpetuate conflict.

2. New Testament Teachings: The New Testament also warns against contentiousness, emphasizing the importance of unity and peace among believers. In 1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul appeals to the church in Corinth, saying, "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction." This call for unity directly opposes the spirit of contentiousness, which leads to division and discord.

3. The Role of Love and Humility: The Bible teaches that love and humility are antidotes to contentiousness. In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul advises, "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." By prioritizing love and humility, believers can overcome the urge to be contentious and instead foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding.

4. Consequences of Contentiousness: Contentiousness can have severe consequences, both spiritually and relationally. James 3:16 warns, "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice." This verse highlights how contentiousness, often rooted in selfish ambition, leads to chaos and moral decay. Furthermore, Galatians 5:19-21 lists "discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions" among the acts of the flesh, warning that those who live in such a manner will not inherit the kingdom of God.

5. Pursuit of Peace: Believers are encouraged to actively pursue peace and avoid contentious behavior. Romans 12:18 advises, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This exhortation reflects the biblical ideal of living harmoniously with others, as far as it depends on the individual. Additionally, 2 Timothy 2:24 instructs, "And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and patient with difficult people."

Practical Application

In practical terms, overcoming contentiousness involves cultivating a spirit of gentleness, patience, and self-control. Believers are called to be peacemakers, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." By embodying these virtues, Christians can reflect the character of Christ and contribute to a more harmonious and loving community.

1 Cor. xiii. 8
... attainment of it, they henceforth would not feel human infirmity; both as having
the root of all gifts, and as no longer capable of contentiousness even though ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxxiv 1 cor xiii.htm

Gratian Elects Theodosius of Spain to Reign with Him, Arianism ...
... that period, many of the Macedonians seceded from the others, and held separate
churches; while others, condemning this opposition and contentiousness of those ...
/.../chapter ii gratian elects theodosius of.htm

Fragment viii. Those, Moreover, who have the Care of the Emperor's ...
... [1304] And, further, let there be no jealousy among you or contentiousness, which
might bring you into all manner of confusion and division, and thus also make ...
/.../theonas/epistle of phileas/fragment viii those moreover who.htm

Heretics are Self-Condemned Heresy is Self-Will, Whilst Faith is ...
... word is subjoined by the Apostle (exestraptai) which signifies turned inside out,
and so self-condemned, as exhibiting his inward contentiousness and pravity. ...
/.../chapter vi heretics are self-condemned heresy.htm

From the Same Second Book.
... made. But if any one should suspect that that had been said of the Word,
even this also was to be heard without contentiousness. ...
/.../dionysius/the works of dionysius/from the same second book.htm

Concluding Appeal.
... which is highly esteemed among you, do ye henceforward pay less devotion to accuracy
of metres and of language; and giving heed without contentiousness to the ...
/.../justins hortatory address to the greeks/chapter xxxviii concluding appeal.htm

1 Cor. I. 10
... and in "judgment." For it was not from any difference in faith that the schisms
arose, but from the division of their judgment through human contentiousness. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily iii 1 cor i.htm

2 Cor. Iii. 7, 8
... Seest thou how in correcting the Jewish contentiousness, by his very expressions
even he lessens its authority, speaking of stone and letters and a ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily vii 2 cor iii.htm

Matt. xii. 9, 10
... see this person made whole: in both ways betraying their wickedness; by their warring
against Christ, and by their doing so with such contentiousness, as even ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xl matt xii 9.htm

Matt. xii. 33
... charges as are contrary to men's common notions. And see how free He is
from contentiousness. For He said not, "Make the tree good ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xlii matt xii 33.htm

Contentiousness (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Contentiousness (1 Occurrence). Philippians 1:15 Some
indeed actually preach Christ out of envy and contentiousness...
/c/contentiousness.htm - 6k

Contentious (13 Occurrences)

/c/contentious.htm - 10k

Contentment (4 Occurrences)

/c/contentment.htm - 9k

Actually (35 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Philippians 1:15 Some indeed actually preach Christ out of envy and
contentiousness but there are also others who do it from good will. (WEY). ...
/a/actually.htm - 16k

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