Lord’s Library editors answer the question “What does the Bible say about strife?” with specific Bible references.
Have you ever asked yourself the question, “What does the Bible say about strife?” If you have, you’re definitely not alone! And since the Bible helps Christians form a foundational understanding of important topics, it’s imperative that one know how Scripture describes strife in different contexts.
The Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines strife as “Contention in anger or enmity; contest; struggle for victory; quarrel or war.”
Lord’s Library editors thought it would be a helpful exercise to provide Biblical context. As a result, we compiled this short resource, which captures all notable mentions of the word strife, as well as its other forms. If you’ve been wondering what the King James Bible says about strife, scroll on for additional detail.
Note: If you want to know what the Bible says about strife and 206 other important topics (to be exact), our editors recommend Spencer Smith’s Doctrine Matters: Bible Topic Guidebook.
What Does the Bible Say About Strife?
Proverbs 15:18
“A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.”
Galatians 5:19-21
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Proverbs 16:28
“ A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.”
Proverbs 20:3
“It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.”
Proverbs 17:1
“Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.”
Proverbs 17:14
“The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.”
Proverbs 29:22
“An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.”
James 3:16
“For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”
Proverbs 26:21
“As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.“
1 Timothy 6:4
“He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,”
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