The Bible is the main source of faith for many religious people all over the world. It is full of wisdom and spiritual guidance, covering many topics and addressing many issues that occur in everyday life. But what does the Bible say about arguing over Scriptures? Does it condone or discourage such behavior?
From a biblical standpoint, it is said that one should be gentle and kind when debating scripture. Proverbs 15:1 states “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” This verse tells us that we should answer people with a gentle and gracious spirit, not with a harsh and angry one. Furthermore, Proverbs 17:14 also states “Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.” This verse warns us of the consequences of arguing, and reminds us that it is better to avoid disagreements than to bring one’s temper into the debate.
Famous Biblical scholars agree that arguing over Bible Scriptures is not the right course of action. For instance, commentary writer Matthew Henry warns “Avoidance of disputes about religion is necessary for us, for true peace; for no man ever conquered in such disputes, but men of piety and gravity, meekness, and patience, and knowledge, were the fittest men to be sent to maintain and propagate the truths of the Bible.” Similarly, theologian John Calvin notes “In religious discussions the great point we ought to keep in view is, that those whom we oppose may be vanquished by kindness, not by acts of dry wrangling.”
In addition, it is important to remember that it is not our job to change people’s minds. It is God’s job to change their hearts, as stated in Proverbs 21:1: “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.” This verse reminds of the power of the will of God, and how He can change people’s minds without our interference.
What we must remember is that our job is to share the wisdom of the Bible with others and provide a listening ear, not an argumentative one. As outlined in 1 Peter 3:15, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
At the end of the day, it is important to remember that we are called to be ambassadors of peace and understanding, not of discord and disagreement. We can learn a great deal from studying the Bible, but the most important lesson is to always keep our conversations civil and respectful, and remember that our job is to articulate the gospel message, not to pick a fight.
The Bible encourages us to share our faith with others, but to do so with gentleness and respect. This does not mean that we should avoid discussing controversial topics if we are asked, but it does mean that we should take into account the feelings of the other person and remember that our job is to share the gospel message and bring glory to God, not to prove our own point.
Proverbs 15:2 reminds us of this, stating “The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.” This verse encourages us to think before we speak and to always aim to bring glory to God with our words. Similarly, 1 Timothy 6:11 warns us “But as for you, man of God, shun all this; aim at righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” This verse promotes the qualities that are necessary for a God-honoring conversation.
We should never be afraid to share our faith with other people, but we must remember to do so with love and respect. We need to be mindful that scripture is a sensitive topic, and be gentle in our conversations. We should also avoid impulsive judgments based on our own opinions, and instead seek to understand the beliefs of others, allowing God’s Word to speak for itself.
Avoiding Disagreements Through Understanding
The best way to handle arguments and disagreements over Scripture is to strive for understanding rather than to fight for our own agenda. Proverbs 18:13 tells us “He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him.” This verse encourages us to listen before we speak, and to understand before we disagree. Furthermore, Proverbs 11:9 urges us “With his mouth the godless destroy his neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape.” This verse reminds us that knowledge is the key to finding consensus and avoiding arguments.
The greatest gift a person can possess is the ability to remind open-minded and prepared to learn from one another. No one should be afraid to question and debate scripture, but it should be done with respect and caution. Furthermore, disagreements over scripture should never be taken personally, but instead should be approached as shared spiritual experiences.
Ultimately, it is important to remember the words of 1 Corinthians 13:2, which states “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” This verse reminds us of the importance of love and respect when debating scripture, and it is something that all believers should keep in mind.
Resist Urge to Shout
It is natural for us humans to become frustrated when we feel that someone is not seeing our point of view. This feeling can lead to us becoming angry and aggressive, causing us to raise our voices in order to gain the upper hand in the conversation. This can quickly escalate the conversation into an argument, and it is not honoring to God.
The Bible urges us not to respond in a negative fashion. Proverbs 15:1 warns us “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” This verse reminds us that a gentle and well-mannered response can be far more effective than an aggressive one. Similarly, Proverbs 15:18 declares “A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.” This verse reminds us that it is important to remain in control of our emotions, and to remember to speak with love and kindness.
In addition, it is important to remember that we are to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12: 31). We should never treat people with disrespect, and we should always strive to cultivate an atmosphere of peace and understanding. We should remember the words of Colossians 4:6, which states “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” This verse encourages us to be mindful of our tone, and to speak in a way that is respectful and dignified.
Be Aware of Ego and Pride
Another factor to consider when discussing scripture is egos. It can be very easy to slip into a conversation with a dose of pride and arrogance. And although we may think that we are knowledgeable about scripture, it is important to remember that we all have limited knowledge, and that our opinions are just that – opinions. As such, it is important to remember the words of James 4:7-8, which states “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” These verses remind us to be humble and to remain open-minded when discussing scripture.
We also need to remember that our goal should never be to “win” an argument when discussing scripture. We should never aim to be the one with the last word, but instead strive to create an atmosphere of understanding and respect, regardless of our differences. Furthermore, it is important to remember that it is not our job to judge, but to be an example of God’s love and compassion.
Ultimately, it is important to remember that our goal should be to glorify God and to share His love with others, not to stir up arguments. As such, we should always strive to be respectful, mindful, and loving when debating scripture.
Treat Others With Compassion
When discussing and debating scripture, it is also important to remember that we should never attack the character of another person. During a disagreement, it can be easy to personalize an argument, but this should never be the case. Proverbs 27:4 warns us “Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?” This verse reminds us to be cautious when speaking, and to never allow our emotions to cloud our judgments.
It can likewise be tempting to form snap judgments on a person or their beliefs, but this is also a mistake. Instead, it is much better to be open-minded and to approach the situation with empathy and compassion. That being said, it is also important to remember that we should never compromise our beliefs, and should always defend them in a respectful manner.
In conclusion, we should strive to remain respectful and open-minded when discussing scripture. We should be willing to listen to the opinions of others and be prepared to defend our beliefs in an appropriate manner. Ultimately, it is our job to proclaim the gospel message, not to argue over scripture.
