What does the Bible say about arguing over Scripture? This topic is part of a broader series exploring what Scripture itself teaches about how it should be used. In this article, the focus is specifically on disputes, arguments, and contention surrounding Scripture. The Bible addresses this issue clearly—both in the Old Testament and the New Testament—and additional insight can be found in other ancient scriptural records.
By examining these passages, we can better understand how God expects His word to be discussed, taught, and shared.
How to Handle Disputes and Controversies
The Old Testament establishes an important principle when disagreements arise:
“If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment… being matters of controversy… then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the Lord thy God shall choose.” (Deuteronomy 17:8)
Rather than escalating disputes, this passage teaches that controversies should lead people toward God, not toward contention with one another.
The Danger of Contention
The book of Proverbs repeatedly warns against angry and contentious behavior:
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)
“An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.” (Proverbs 29:22)
These verses suggest that arguing—especially over sacred things—often produces more harm than understanding.
Attributes of the Spirit in Difficult Conversations
When discussing Scripture, the Bible encourages a very specific mindset:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” (Galatians 5:22–23)
If the Spirit is present, conversations about Scripture should reflect peace, patience, and gentleness—not anger or pride.
Scripture Is Not Meant for Argument
The Apostle Paul directly addresses disputes over words:
“That they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.” (2 Timothy 2:14)
In the original Greek, this warning refers to disputing over trivialities—arguments that do not lead to spiritual growth. Paul reinforces this idea:
“But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.” (2 Timothy 2:16)
Scripture is meant to edify, not to be used as a weapon in debate.
Avoiding Contentious Topics
Some arguments are best avoided altogether:
“But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.” (2 Timothy 2:23)
When discussions are likely to produce contention rather than understanding, wisdom sometimes means stepping away.
The Proper Attitude When Teaching Scripture
Paul continues with guidance for those who teach:
“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient.” (2 Timothy 2:24)
Teaching Scripture requires patience, humility, and kindness—not dominance or argument.
A similar warning appears in Titus:
“But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.” (Titus 3:9)
Defending Faith Without Arguing
The Bible does not discourage discussion or explanation of belief—it discourages contentious debate:
“Be ready always to give an answer… with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15)
Truth should be shared with humility, not hostility.
“Speaking the truth in love.” (Ephesians 4:15)
This phrase captures the heart of how Scripture should be discussed.
What the Book of Mormon Teaches About Disputations
Ancient prophets outside the Bible also warned against disputing over doctrine:
“And there shall be no disputations among you.” (3 Nephi 11:22)
Clarity was given specifically to prevent contention.
“Blessed are ye if ye have no disputations among you.” (3 Nephi 18:34)
God values unity and understanding over argument.
Examples of Settling Disputes
When early believers disputed over the name of the church, Christ responded:
“Why is it that the people should murmur and dispute because of this thing?” (3 Nephi 27:3)
The solution was not argument, but a return to Scripture and clear instruction.
Similarly, Mormon wrote to his son to address disagreements:
“I desire that there should be no disputations among you.” (Moroni 8:4)
Contention Comes From Misusing Scripture
Modern revelation reinforces this warning:
“There may not be so much contention… they do wrest the scriptures and do not understand them.” (Doctrine and Covenants 10:63)
Contention often arises not from Scripture itself, but from misunderstanding or misusing it.
Key Takeaways
The Bible consistently teaches that Scripture should not be used to argue, dominate, or provoke contention. Instead, it should be used to teach, uplift, clarify truth, and draw people closer to God. When discussions about Scripture are guided by love, humility, and the Spirit, they fulfill their true purpose.
Arguing over Scripture leads to division, but studying it with patience and understanding leads to unity and spiritual growth.
