• Galatians 5:20
    idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,
     
  • Proverbs 13:10
    By pride comes nothing but strife,
    But with the well-advised is wisdom.

     
  • James 3:14-16
    But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.
     
  • 1 Corinthians 1:10-13
    Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe's household, that there are contentions among you. Now I say this, that each of you says, "I am of Paul," or "I am of Apollos," or "I am of Cephas," or "I am of Christ." Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
     
  • Proverbs 15:1
    A soft answer turns away wrath,
    But a harsh word stirs up anger.

     
  • Romans 12:19
    Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.
     
  • 1 Corinthians 13:5
    does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;
     
For more scripture references, please see Bible verses for Contention


Resources

Pride, Contention, and Unity

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The sin of pride underlies many of our other sins, and it is often the reason for the contentions we get into as brethren.


A Peaceful Spirit

CGG Weekly by Gary Montgomery

If we consider our relationship with God of small value, our conduct, especially toward our brethren, will show it and produce contention and disunity.


Hidden Anger (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Anger can be outwardly visible, but it can also show up in ways that are subtle, indirect, and deceptive. Proverbs 26:24-26 provides an example of this.


Fruit of the Flesh - On Conflict

Sermonette by Bill Onisick

As God's chosen saints, we must not let our keyboard or mouth defile us. Godly conversation includes stifling the urge to win the argument at all costs.


'Sons of God?'

Sermonette by Bill Onisick

God gave Jesus Christ to us to restore peace, reconciliation, and harmony with God. In the Beatitudes, the peacemakers are called 'sons of God.'


Satan, Division, and Humility

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Competition is the root cause of war, business takeovers, and marital discord. Solomon describes man's rivalry with one another as a striving after wind.


Everybody's Protesting

Commentary by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Americans have a high regard for free speech. God, on the other hand, shows little tolerance for incessant grumbling, complaining, murmuring, or rebellion.


Harmony with God and the Brethren

Sermonette by Ted E. Bowling

God's people are like a musical ensemble, each having unique pitches and timbre. As we yield to our Conductor, we also blend with one another, creating harmony.



For more resources, please see the library topic for Contention