The Bible doesn’t explicitly mention “walking away from an argument,” but it does provide wisdom and principles that can be applied to interpersonal conflicts and disagreements. Several key themes in the Bible promote healthy communication, humility, and reconciliation, which can inform our approach to handling arguments.
God’s holy word emphasizes the importance of self-control and avoiding unproductive quarrels. The book of Proverbs advises that it is wise to leave a contentious situation before it escalates into a full-blown argument. Walking away can prevent further harm and allow tempers to cool.
The Bible also encourages believers to be slow to anger and quick to listen. Believers should be swift to hear and slow to speak or become angry. By actively listening to the other person’s perspective and calmly expressing our own views, we can promote understanding and empathy, reducing the likelihood of arguments.
We the children of God must promote humility as a key virtue. The book of Philippians teaches us to consider others better than ourselves and to look out for their interests. By humbly acknowledging that we may not always have all the answers and that others have valid viewpoints, we can foster more constructive discussions and avoid unnecessary conflicts.
We must seek peace and reconciliation as Jesus blesses the peacemakers. We should live at peace with others as much as possible. If an argument arises, we should strive for resolution and understanding rather than clinging to pride and winning the debate.
Proverbs 15:1
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger”
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God”
Romans 12:18
“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men”
Proverbs 20:3
“It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling”
Proverbs 17:14
“The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with”
James 1:19
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath”
Proverbs 14:29
“He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly”
Titus 3:9
“But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain”
Ecclesiastes 7:9
“Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools”
Proverbs 19:11
“The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression”
Proverbs 15:18
“A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife”
Proverbs 29:22
“An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression”
Colossians 3:8
“But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth”
1 Peter 3:9
“Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing”
Proverbs 25:28
“He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls”
Ephesians 4:2
“With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love”
Romans 14:19
“Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another”
James 4:1
“From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?”
1 Thessalonians 5:15
“See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men”
2 Timothy 2:14
“Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers”
Ephesians 4:31
“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice”
Romans 12:19
“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord”
Proverbs 18:6
“A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes”
Romans 16:17
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them”
Proverbs 16:32
“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city”
Psalm 34:14
“Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it”
1 Peter 2:23
“Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously”
Proverbs 12:16
“A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame”
Proverbs 14:17
“He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated”
Proverbs 26:17
“He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears”
Romans 12:21
“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good”
Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins”
Ecclesiastes 10:4
“If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences”
Proverbs 26:20
“Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth”
Romans 14:13
“Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way”
Proverbs 21:23
“Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles”
