Definition and Context
The term "strivings" in the Bible often refers to disputes, contentions, or efforts that can lead to discord among individuals or groups. It is generally used in a negative sense, highlighting the futility or destructiveness of such conflicts. The Bible addresses strivings in various contexts, emphasizing the importance of peace, unity, and the avoidance of unnecessary quarrels.

Old Testament References
In the Old Testament, strivings are often associated with disputes among people. Proverbs 20:3 states, "It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel." This verse underscores the wisdom in avoiding strife and the folly in engaging in unnecessary arguments. The book of Genesis also provides an early example of strivings in the account of Isaac's servants and the herdsmen of Gerar, who quarreled over wells (Genesis 26:20-22). Isaac's response was to move on and dig another well, demonstrating a preference for peace over contention.

New Testament Teachings
The New Testament further develops the theme of avoiding strivings, particularly in the context of the Christian community. 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 emphasizes the importance of avoiding disputes that lead to division and instead encourages qualities such as kindness and patience.

Titus 3:9 also warns against engaging in strivings: "But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the Law, because these are unprofitable and useless." This instruction highlights the futility of engaging in debates that do not edify or build up the body of Christ.

Theological Implications
From a theological perspective, strivings are seen as contrary to the nature of God, who is a God of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). The presence of strife and contention is often linked to the works of the flesh, as described in Galatians 5:19-21 , where "strife" is listed among the acts that are opposed to the fruit of the Spirit. Christians are called to live by the Spirit, which produces love, joy, peace, and other virtues that counteract strivings.

Practical Application
In practical terms, believers are encouraged to pursue peace and unity within the church and in their personal relationships. Romans 12:18 advises, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This call to peace is a recurring theme in the New Testament, urging Christians to be peacemakers and to resolve conflicts in a manner that reflects the love and grace of Christ.

Conclusion
While the Bible acknowledges that strivings are a part of human interaction, it consistently points believers toward a higher standard of conduct that seeks to minimize conflict and promote harmony. By following biblical principles, Christians are encouraged to avoid unnecessary disputes and to foster an environment of peace and mutual edification.

Titus iii. 11-Aug
... But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings
about the law, for they are unprofitable and vain. ...
/.../homily vi titus iii 11-aug.htm

David's Hymn of victory
... Thou also hast delivered me from the strivings of my people, Thou hast kept me to
be head of the heathen: a people which I knew not shall serve me.45. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/davids hymn of victory.htm

Preface
... pride. It has defied the life-long strivings of men whom the world recognizes
as beings of superior wisdom and power of will. The ...
/.../kane/greater things the story of saint stanislaus kostka /preface.htm

Man's Own Character no Ground of Peace
... Doings, feelings, strivings, prayings, givings, abstainings, and the life, are found
to be no relief from a sense of guilt, and, therefore, no resting-place ...
/.../bonar/gods way of peace/chapter ii mans own character.htm

God's Sovereignty and the Human Will
... same both in the converted and in unconverted, that which distinguishes the one
class from the other is that the former yielded to His strivings whereas the ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter seven gods sovereignty and.htm

The Holy Spirit Bringing Forth in the Believer Christlike Graces ...
... Then renounce self utterly and all its strivings after holiness, give up any thought
that you can ever attain to anything really morally beautiful in your own ...
/.../torrey/the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter xiii the holy spirit.htm

Why is it that the New Testament Also Contains Other Books Beside ...
... In the compilation of the New Testament this problem already, to a certain extent,
found a solution; indeed, properly speaking, the strivings and conflicts ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/harnack/the origin of the new testament/ 2 why is it.htm

The Sinner Arraigned and Convicted.
... conscience overborne."10. From the strivings of God's Spirit
resisted."11. From vows and resolutions broken."12. The charges ...
/.../chapter iv the sinner arraigned.htm

Of the Distinction of Meats.
... Hence Gerson and some other theologians have grievously complained that by these
strivings concerning traditions they were prevented from giving attention to a ...
/.../various/the augsburg confession of faith/article xxvi of the distinction.htm

The Incarnation as Prime Example of the Action of God's Grace
... What good will, what zealous strivings, what good works preceded this assumption
by which that particular man deserved to become one Person with God? ...
/.../augustine/handbook on faith hope and love/chapter xi the incarnation as.htm

Strivings (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Strivings (4 Occurrences). ... (KJV WBS YLT). 2 Samuel
22:44 You also have delivered me from the strivings of my people. ...
/s/strivings.htm - 7k

Contentions (20 Occurrences)
... (DBY WBS). Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions,
and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. ...
/c/contentions.htm - 11k

Placest (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 22:44 And -- Thou dost deliver me From the strivings of my people, Thou
placest me for a head of nations; A people I have not known do serve me. (YLT). ...
/p/placest.htm - 7k

Attacks (45 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 2 Samuel 22:44 You also have delivered me from the strivings of my people. ...
(BBE). Psalms 18:43 You have delivered me from the strivings of the people. ...
/a/attacks.htm - 19k

Strife (71 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 22:44 And -- Thou dost deliver me From the strivings of my people, Thou
placest me for a head of nations; A people I have not known do serve me. ...
/s/strife.htm - 27k

Striving (33 Occurrences)

/s/striving.htm - 16k

Preserved (27 Occurrences)
... (KJV DBY WBS). 2 Samuel 22:44 You also have delivered me from the strivings
of my people. You have kept me to be the head of the nations. ...
/p/preserved.htm - 14k

Avoid (31 Occurrences)
... (See NAS RSV). Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions,
and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. ...
/a/avoid.htm - 15k

Strode (1 Occurrence)

/s/strode.htm - 6k

Subject (99 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 22:44 You also have delivered me from the strivings of my people. ... Psalms
18:43 You have delivered me from the strivings of the people. ...
/s/subject.htm - 37k

What does the Bible say about strife? | GotQuestions.org

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