Definition and Nature:
Quarreling refers to engaging in arguments or disputes, often characterized by anger, hostility, and a lack of resolution. In the biblical context, quarreling is generally viewed as a negative behavior that disrupts peace and harmony among individuals and communities. It is often associated with pride, selfishness, and a lack of self-control.

Biblical References and Teachings:
The Bible addresses the issue of quarreling in various passages, emphasizing the importance of avoiding disputes and promoting peace. Proverbs 17:14 states, "Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out." This proverb highlights the potential for quarreling to escalate into larger conflicts, urging individuals to refrain from initiating disputes.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently admonishes believers to avoid quarreling. In 2 Timothy 2:23-24 , Paul advises, "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." Here, Paul underscores the importance of avoiding unnecessary arguments and instead fostering a spirit of kindness and patience.

James 4:1-2 provides insight into the root causes of quarreling: "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." This passage suggests that quarreling often stems from internal desires and conflicts, pointing to the need for self-examination and spiritual growth.

Consequences of Quarreling:
The Bible warns of the destructive consequences of quarreling. Proverbs 18:19 notes, "An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city, and disputes are like the bars of a castle." This imagery illustrates how quarreling can create deep divisions and barriers between individuals, making reconciliation difficult.

Furthermore, Galatians 5:19-21 lists quarreling among the "acts of the flesh," which are contrary to the fruit of the Spirit. The passage warns that those who engage in such behaviors "will not inherit the kingdom of God." This serves as a sobering reminder of the spiritual implications of persistent quarreling.

Encouragement to Pursue Peace:
The Bible consistently encourages believers to pursue peace and unity. Romans 12:18 exhorts, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This call to peace emphasizes the responsibility of each individual to strive for harmonious relationships, as far as it depends on them.

Additionally, Ephesians 4:31-32 instructs, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." This passage highlights the virtues of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness as antidotes to quarreling.

Practical Application:
Believers are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of humility and gentleness, which can help prevent quarreling. Philippians 2:3-4 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 the well-being of others and practicing humility, individuals can reduce the likelihood of disputes and promote a culture of peace.

In summary, the Bible presents quarreling as a behavior to be avoided, advocating instead for peace, unity, and love among believers. Through self-control, humility, and a focus on the teachings of Christ, individuals can overcome the tendency to quarrel and contribute to a harmonious community.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Quarrel.

2. (a.) Engaged in a quarrel; apt or disposed to quarrel; as, quarreling factions; a quarreling mood.

1777. din -- to judge
... NASB Word Usage administer (1), defend (1), dispute (1), execute judgment (1), govern
(1), judge (9), judges (2), plead (2), pled (1), quarreling (1), strive (1 ...
/hebrew/1777.htm - 6k

Whether Quarreling is Opposed to the virtue of Friendship or ...
... OF QUARRELING (TWO ARTICLES) Whether quarreling is opposed to the virtue
of friendship or affability? Objection 1: It seems that ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether quarreling is opposed to.htm

Of Quarreling (Two Articles)
... OF QUARRELING (TWO ARTICLES). We must now consider quarreling; concerning
which there are two points of inquiry: (1) Whether it is ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/of quarreling two articles .htm

Whether Quarreling is a More Grievous Sin than Flattery?
... OF QUARRELING (TWO ARTICLES) Whether quarreling is a more grievous sin
than flattery? Objection 1: It seems that quarreling is a ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether quarreling is a more.htm

Anti-Unionistic Attitude.
... a union not only with the General Synod, but with all religious bodies in America,
the Henkels and their adherents declared at the "Quarreling Synod," 1820 ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bente/american lutheranism/anti-unionistic attitude.htm

The Date of the Beginning of Noonday.
... Our principal study is to get money and estates; we follow after pride, we are at
leisure for nothing but emulation and quarreling, and have neglected the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter i the date of.htm

Organization.
... (21.) In the following year, a few months after the so-called "Quarreling Synod"
("Streitsynode"), where the majority of the North Carolina Synod decided in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bente/american lutheranism/organization.htm

Conversion and Sanctification
... If you make him behave himself, I will behave." "Mary, I am afraid you children
will never stop your quarreling until you land in perdition; and if I were out ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter v conversion and sanctification.htm

Sin.
... homes there. The second picture is that of a community where neighbors
are quarreling, hating and lawing with each other. In home ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter iii sin.htm

Efforts at Unity and Peace.
... Attempts at Union with North Carolina."Though universally decried as the "Quarreling
Conference," Tennessee enjoyed and cultivated unity and harmony within ...
/.../bente/american lutheranism/efforts at unity and peace.htm

This Doctrine Confirmed by Proofs from Scripture.
... But if the fact is certain, what can they gain by quarreling with God? We
teach nothing but what experience proves to be true"viz. ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 22 this doctrine confirmed.htm

Quarreling (17 Occurrences)
... & vb. n.) of Quarrel. 2. (a.) Engaged in a quarrel; apt or disposed to quarrel;
as, quarreling factions; a quarreling mood. ...Quarreling (17 Occurrences). ...
/q/quarreling.htm - 11k

Quarrel (22 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Proverbs 17:14 The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam,
therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out. ...
/q/quarrel.htm - 15k

Quarreled (8 Occurrences)

/q/quarreled.htm - 8k

Strife (71 Occurrences)
... Proverbs 17:14 The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, therefore stop
contention before quarreling breaks out. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). ...
/s/strife.htm - 27k

Quarrelled (2 Occurrences)

/q/quarrelled.htm - 7k

Dam (5 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Proverbs 17:14 The beginning of strife is like breaching
a dam, therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out. (WEB NIV). ...
/d/dam.htm - 9k

Breaks (35 Occurrences)
... (WEB). Proverbs 17:14 The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, therefore
stop contention before quarreling breaks out. (WEB NAS RSV NIV). ...
/b/breaks.htm - 16k

Breaching (2 Occurrences)
... Proverbs 17:14 The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, therefore
stop contention before quarreling breaks out. (WEB NIV). ...
/b/breaching.htm - 7k

Brawling (3 Occurrences)
... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Brawl. 2. (a.) Quarreling; quarrelsome; noisy. 3. (a.) Making
a loud confused noise. See Brawl. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/b/brawling.htm - 7k

Contention (24 Occurrences)
... (DBY YLT). Proverbs 17:14 The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, therefore
stop contention before quarreling breaks out. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT) ...
/c/contention.htm - 15k

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