Contentions, often understood as disputes or arguments, are a recurring theme in the Bible, reflecting the human propensity for conflict and the need for wisdom and peace. The Scriptures provide numerous insights into the nature, causes, and consequences of contentions, as well as guidance on how to address and resolve them.

Biblical References and Insights

1. Proverbs on Contentions: The Book of Proverbs frequently addresses the issue of contentions, highlighting both their destructive nature and the wisdom required to avoid them. Proverbs 13:10 states, "Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised." This verse suggests that pride and arrogance are often at the root of contentions, while humility and wise counsel can prevent them.

2. Contentions in the Church: The New Testament addresses contentions within the early Christian communities. In 1 Corinthians 1:11, Paul writes, "My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you." Here, Paul expresses concern over divisions and disputes within the church, urging believers to seek unity and harmony.

3. The Role of the Tongue: James 3:5-6 warns of the power of the tongue in stirring up contentions: "So too the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body." This passage underscores the potential for words to ignite disputes and the importance of controlling one's speech.

4. Avoiding Contentions: The Bible advises believers to avoid unnecessary disputes. In 2 Timothy 2:23-24, Paul instructs, "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." This guidance emphasizes the value of patience, kindness, and teaching over engaging in fruitless arguments.

5. Contentions and Peace: The pursuit of peace is a central biblical principle in addressing contentions. Romans 12:18 encourages believers, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This exhortation highlights the responsibility of individuals to strive for peace, even in the face of potential disputes.

6. Contentions and Wisdom: James 3:17-18 contrasts earthly wisdom, which leads to disorder and every evil practice, with heavenly wisdom, which is "first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness." This passage illustrates the connection between divine wisdom and the resolution of contentions.

Examples of Contentions in Scripture

· Cain and Abel: The first recorded contention in the Bible is between Cain and Abel, resulting in the tragic outcome of fratricide (Genesis 4:1-8). This account exemplifies how unchecked jealousy and anger can lead to severe consequences.

· Paul and Barnabas: In Acts 15:36-40, a sharp contention arises between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark's participation in their missionary journey. This disagreement leads to their separation, yet both continue to serve the Lord in their respective ministries, demonstrating that contentions can sometimes result in the expansion of ministry efforts.

· The Disciples' Dispute: The Gospels recount a contention among the disciples over who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Luke 22:24-27). Jesus addresses this by teaching the value of humility and servanthood, redirecting their focus from personal ambition to serving others.

Conclusion

The Bible provides a comprehensive understanding of contentions, offering both cautionary tales and practical wisdom for believers. By examining the causes and effects of disputes, as well as the biblical principles for resolving them, Christians are encouraged to pursue peace, exercise humility, and seek divine wisdom in all interactions.4066. madon -- strife, contention
... Word Origin from din Definition strife, contention NASB Word Usage contention (4),
contentions (3), contentious (5), object of contention (1), strife (7). ...
/hebrew/4066.htm - 6k

7379. rib -- strife, dispute
... rib Definition strife, dispute NASB Word Usage adversary (1), case (11), cause
(9), complaint (2), contend (1), contention (1), contentions (3), controversy (1 ...
/hebrew/7379.htm - 6k

Whence the Contentions of Philosophers have Sprung. Against those ...
... Argument XIV."Whence the Contentions of Philosophers Have Sprung. Against
Those Who Catch at Everything that Meets Them, and Give ...
/.../argument xiv whence the contentions of.htm

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

Thirdly, the Peculiar Manner and Circumstances with which the ...
... The many contentions, indeed, about opinions of great uncertainty and little importance,
which, to the very great scandal of Christianity, have in several ages ...
/.../xii proposition xii thirdly the.htm

1 Cor. I. 10
... [4.] What was "declared? "That there are contentions among you." Thus, when he is
rebuking them, he saith, "That there be no divisions among you;" but when he ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily iii 1 cor i.htm

After the Synod, the East and the West are Separated; the West ...
... The Church throughout the whole of the West in its entirety regulated itself by
the doctrines of the Fathers, and kept aloof from all contentions and hair ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter xiii after the synod the.htm

Exhortation to Wisdom, Though Wisdom is God's Gift.
... why did the preaching of this grace not deter the Apostle James from rebuking restless
souls, and saying, "If ye have bitter envying, and contentions are in ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 44 exhortation to wisdom though.htm

Whether Likeness is a Cause of Love?
... But likeness is the cause of hatred; for it is written (Prov.13:10) that "among
the proud there are always contentions"; and the Philosopher says (Ethic. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether likeness is a cause.htm

The Supposed Effects of Christianity.
... for what is public history but register of the successes and disappointments, the
vices, the follies, and the quarrels, of those who engage in contentions power ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/chapter vii the supposed effects.htm

To the Reader.
... with the due bounds and limits of either: And the like hath fallen out in Churches,
and is continued to this day in the sharpest contentions (though now the ...
/.../cotton/the keyes of the kingdom of heaven and power thereof/to the reader.htm

"But if Ye have Bitter Envying," &C.
... I can give no instance more pregnant, and even common, than this which is given
here, viz., contentions and strivings among brethren, bitter envying, maligning ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon v but if ye.htm

Contentions (20 Occurrences)
...Contentions (20 Occurrences). ... Galatians 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strifes,
jealousies, angers, contentions, disputes, schools of opinion, (DBY). ...
/c/contentions.htm - 11k

Contentious (13 Occurrences)
... all men. (WEB WEY ASV DBY). Proverbs 18:18 The lot causeth contentions to
cease, And parteth between the mighty. (See JPS). Proverbs ...
/c/contentious.htm - 10k

Contention (24 Occurrences)
... "By pride cometh only contention" (Proverbs 13:10). The contentions at Corinth
(1 Corinthians 1:11) called forth the rebukes of Paul. ...
/c/contention.htm - 15k

Roof (55 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS NAS RSV NIV). Proverbs 21:9 Better to sit on a corner of
the roof, Than 'with' a woman of contentions and a house of company. ...
/r/roof.htm - 24k

Corinthians (3 Occurrences)
... He had heard of the abuses and contentions that had arisen among them, first from
Apollos (Acts 19:1), and then from a letter they had written him on the ...
/c/corinthians.htm - 77k

Quarrels (10 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 1:11 For it has been reported to me concerning you, my brothers, by
those who are from Chloe's household, that there are contentions among you. ...
/q/quarrels.htm - 9k

Quarreling (17 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 1:11 For it has been reported to me concerning you, my brothers, by
those who are from Chloe's household, that there are contentions among you. ...
/q/quarreling.htm - 11k

Keys (2 Occurrences)
... Compare Mason in Hastings, Dictionary of the Bible (five volumes), IV, 30.) 3. How
Peter Is Related to These Powers: Ecclesiastical contentions turn especially ...
/k/keys.htm - 32k

Raving (4 Occurrences)
... Proverbs 23:29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? Who hath
complaining? who hath wounds without cause? Who hath redness of eyes? (See JPS). ...
/r/raving.htm - 7k

Redness (2 Occurrences)
... Redness (2 Occurrences). Proverbs 23:29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath
contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? ...
/r/redness.htm - 7k

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