Where does the Bible advise avoiding contentious people ?
The Bible advises avoiding contentious, quarrelsome, or divisive people in several passages, emphasizing the importance of pursuing peace and godliness. Below are key verses that address this guidance, primarily from the New King James Version (NKJV), with brief explanations:
Proverbs 22:10
Verse: “Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; Yes, strife and reproach will cease.”
Context: This proverb suggests removing a scoffer (a contentious or mocking person) from a group to restore peace. Scoffers stir up strife, and avoiding or separating from them reduces conflict.
Proverbs 26:21
Verse: “As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife.”
Context: This compares a contentious person to fuel for conflict. The implied advice is to steer clear of such individuals to avoid being drawn into their disputes.
Proverbs 17:14
Verse: “The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.”
Context: While not explicitly about avoiding people, this verse encourages stopping contention early, which can include distancing oneself from those prone to starting quarrels.
Romans 16:17-18
Verse: “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.”
Context: Paul instructs believers to avoid those who create divisions and promote false teachings within the church. This emphasizes spiritual and communal harmony by shunning divisive individuals.
Titus 3:10-11
Verse: “Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.”
Context: Paul advises church leaders to warn a divisive person twice, then reject or avoid them if they persist. This applies to those who persistently cause strife within the Christian community.
2 Timothy 2:23-24
Verse: “But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient.”
Context: Timothy is urged to avoid pointless arguments that lead to strife, implicitly suggesting avoidance of people who habitually engage in such disputes.
Broader Biblical Principle
These verses align with the broader biblical call to pursue peace (e.g., Hebrews 12:14, “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord”) and to guard one’s heart and community from influences that disrupt unity or godliness. The advice often focuses on:
Protecting personal peace: Avoiding contentious people prevents being drawn into unnecessary conflict.
Preserving community harmony: Especially in church settings, divisive individuals threaten unity and must be addressed or avoided.
Focusing on godliness: Time spent on quarrels detracts from spiritual growth and service.
Application
While the Bible encourages believers to love and seek reconciliation (e.g., Matthew 18:15-17), it also recognizes that some individuals persistently cause strife. In such cases, after attempts at correction (as in Titus 3:10), avoidance or separation may be necessary to maintain peace and focus on God’s purposes.
If you’d like specific translations, additional verses, or a deeper study of any passage, let me know!
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In other words I have been wrong, many times in not just simply walking away from contention, or by not just censoring my input more promptly.
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