What does the Bible say about argumentative people?

The subject of arguing is well covered in the Bible. Arguments, we know, lead to quarrels and cause disaffection among people, yet some arguments can be healthy and productive.

But nothing ever good will come from engaging in arguments just for the sake of arguing. Thus, Christians are enjoined, “Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.

And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful..” (2 Timothy 2:23-24) Even the disciples of Christ were at one time arguing over an irrelevant issue about whom would be the greatest in the Kingdom (Mark 9:33-35).

Unfortunately, most arguments, quarrels, and fights are motivated by covetousness. The apostle James states: What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.. (James 4:1-3)

Arguments arise between people for many reasons which include but not limited to: insufficient resources (Genesis 13:6-8), insolence and intolerance (Proverbs 13:10), doctrinal differences (Mark 9:14; 1 Timothy 6:3-5), carnality (1 Corinthians 3:3). However, argumentative people are scoffers (Proverbs 22:10) and contentious people (Proverbs 26:21) who may be identified with the following characteristics :

Irritability and impatience – Proverbs 15:18; 29:22

Foolishness – Proverbs 18:2; 20:3

Pride and unteachable spirit – Proverbs 13:10; 1 Timothy 6:4

Because God’s people must defend the faith against false teachers, critics and others, they can engage in constrictive arguments with appropriate Biblical response (2 Corinthians 10:4-5; 2 Timothy 4:2; 1 Peter 3:15).

But the Bible warns, “Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly” (2 Timothy 2:16).

Moreover, Jesus shows how arguing the Bible with people is pointless. As a general rule, God’s people are implored to do all things “without complaining and arguing” (Philippians 2:14).

But if they must argue, they should think first (Proverbs 15:28). They are to avoid using harsh words. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).

The Bible further counsels, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29).