In the context of the Bible, "disputings" often refers to arguments, contentions, or debates that arise among individuals or groups. The term is used to describe both theological disagreements and everyday quarrels that can disrupt unity and peace within the Christian community. The Bible addresses the issue of disputings in several passages, emphasizing the importance of maintaining harmony and avoiding unnecessary conflicts.

Biblical References:

1. Philippians 2:14 : "Do everything without complaining or arguing." This verse is a direct exhortation from the Apostle Paul to the believers in Philippi, urging them to conduct themselves in a manner that is free from grumbling and disputes. The context of this passage highlights the call for Christians to live blameless and pure lives, shining as lights in a world that is often characterized by division and strife.

2. 1 Timothy 6:3-5 : "If anyone teaches another doctrine and disagrees with the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and semantics, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth." Here, Paul warns Timothy about those who engage in disputes over words and doctrines that deviate from the teachings of Christ. Such disputings are seen as fruitless and damaging to the faith community.

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 addresses the root causes of disputes, pointing to the internal desires and passions that lead to external conflicts. This passage encourages believers to examine their hearts and motives to prevent disputes from arising.

4. Proverbs 17:14 : "Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out." This proverb offers wisdom on the nature of disputes, likening them to a breach in a dam that can lead to widespread destruction. It advises individuals to avoid initiating quarrels and to seek peace before conflicts escalate.

Theological Implications:

Disputings are often seen as a manifestation of the sinful nature that can hinder the work of the Holy Spirit within the church. The New Testament frequently calls believers to pursue peace and unity, reflecting the character of Christ, who is the Prince of Peace. Disputes can distract from the mission of the church and damage its witness to the world. Therefore, Christians are encouraged to resolve conflicts through love, humility, and a commitment to the truth of the Gospel.

Practical Application:

In practical terms, avoiding disputings involves cultivating a spirit of humility and a willingness to listen to others. It requires prioritizing relationships over being right and seeking reconciliation when disagreements arise. The church is called to be a community where differences are handled with grace and where the focus remains on the shared mission of glorifying God and spreading the Gospel.

1 Timothy vi. 7-Feb
... is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof
cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men ...
/.../homily xvii 1 timothy vi.htm

Philippians ii. 16-Dec
... Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless,
children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse ...
/.../homily viii philippians ii 16-dec.htm

Rules for Every-Day Life.
... 27. "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without." Col.4:5. "Do all things
without murmurings and disputings." Phil.2:14. "Let another ...
/.../food for the lambs or helps for young christians/rules for every-day life.htm

John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians ...
... If any are proud, doting about questions and strifes of words, evil surmisings,
perverse disputings, supposing that gain is godliness; from such withdraw ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/john bunyan on the terms.htm

Homilies of St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, on ...
... believe...and these all have been informed of thee that thou teachest men to forsake
the law." [2667] And oftentimes he had many disputings concerning this. ...
/.../homilies of st john chrysostom.htm

Hebrews xii. 28, 29
... "Do all things" (he says) "without murmurings and disputings." ( Philippians 2:14.)
For whatever work a man does with murmuring, he cuts away and loses his ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxiii hebrews xii 28.htm

The Sophistical Arts Useless.
... nothing, but doting (noson) about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh
contention, envy, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter viii the sophistical arts useless.htm

Arius, on Being Recalled, Presents a Recantation to the Emperor ...
... and of the holy Scriptures, may by your pacific and devoted piety be reunited to
our mother, the Church, all superfluous questions and disputings being avoided ...
/.../chapter xxvi arius on being recalled.htm

Letter Xliv. To Theodosius Augustus.
... of the bishops, by the declaration of the most pure Faith, which being Divinely
inspired we both have received and hold, all noise of disputings would have ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter xliv to theodosius augustus.htm

The Various Blasphemies Uttered by the Arians against Christ are ...
... 34. Now let us consider the disputings of the Arians concerning the Son of
God. 35. They say that the Son of God is unlike His Father. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter v the various blasphemies.htm

Disputings (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Disputings (2 Occurrences). Philippians 2:14 Do
all things without murmurings and disputings: (KJV WBS). ...
/d/disputings.htm - 6k

Disputing (13 Occurrences)
... disputing among themselves.' (WEY). Philippians 2:14 Do all things without
murmurings and disputings: (Root in KJV WBS NAS). 1 Timothy 2:8 ...
/d/disputing.htm - 10k

Disqualified (3 Occurrences)

/d/disqualified.htm - 7k

Perverse (55 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). 1 Timothy 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute
of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. ...
/p/perverse.htm - 22k

Supposing (16 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the
truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. ...
/s/supposing.htm - 11k

Thyself (352 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the
truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. (KJV WBS). ...
/t/thyself.htm - 36k

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