Arguments in marriage are common, but what does the Bible say about handling them? The Bible encourages couples to resolve conflict with love, patience, and understanding, reminding us to be slow to anger and quick to forgive, just as Christ forgives us.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Disrespectful Children
What Does The Bible Say About Arguments In Marriage
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This verse highlights the importance of responding to arguments in a calm and gentle manner. It emphasizes that a soft and gentle response has the power to diffuse anger and prevent further escalation.
By choosing to respond with gentleness, we can create an atmosphere of understanding and reconciliation in our marriages.
Proverbs 17:14
“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.”
This verse encourages us to let go of petty arguments and avoid unnecessary conflicts. It compares starting a quarrel to breaching a dam, highlighting the potential destructive consequences.
Choosing to drop a matter before it becomes a full-blown dispute can help maintain peace and harmony in our marriages.
Ephesians 4:26
“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.”
This verse acknowledges that disagreements and anger may arise in marriage. However, it warns against allowing anger to lead us into sin and advises us to resolve conflicts before the day ends.
Addressing and resolving conflicts promptly prevents bitterness and resentment from taking root in our marriages.
James 1:19-20
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of active listening and exercising self-control during arguments. It encourages us to avoid hasty or impulsive responses that can escalate conflicts.
By practicing patience and understanding, we can promote a healthier and more loving atmosphere in our marriages.
Proverbs 20:3
“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”
This verse emphasizes the wisdom in avoiding unnecessary conflict and strife. It suggests that those who are quick to argue may lack understanding and discernment.
Choosing to prioritize harmony and peace in our marriages brings honor and demonstrates our commitment to love and unity.
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
This verse calls us to bear with one another and extend forgiveness in our marriages. It reminds us of the forgiveness we have received from God and encourages us to extend the same grace to our spouses.
Practicing forgiveness fosters reconciliation and strengthens the bond between husband and wife.
1 Corinthians 7:3-4
“The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife.”
This verse reminds us of the mutual responsibilities and selflessness required in marriage. It emphasizes the importance of serving one another and meeting each other’s needs.
By prioritizing each other’s well-being and desires, arguments stemming from selfishness can be minimized and a loving partnership can be fostered.
Proverbs 14:29
“Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”
This verse highlights the virtue of patience and its role in fostering understanding. It contrasts patience with quick-temperedness, which is seen as foolish.
Practicing patience allows for better communication and empathy in marriage, leading to the resolution of arguments with wisdom and grace.
Matthew 7:12
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
This verse, often referred to as the “Golden Rule,” encourages us to treat our spouses as we would like to be treated. It reminds us to approach arguments with empathy, understanding, and respect.
By embodying this principle, we can create a healthy and harmonious environment within our marriages.
Proverbs 18:13
“To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.”
This verse cautions against the tendency to respond without truly listening and understanding the other person’s perspective. It warns that such behavior leads to foolishness and shame.
Taking the time to attentively listen to our spouse’s thoughts and feelings can significantly reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings and unnecessary conflicts.
Proverbs 21:9
“Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.”
This verse speaks to the detrimental effects of constant discord within a marriage. It suggests that it is better to live in a less comfortable environment than to endure continuous arguments.
It serves as a reminder to actively work towards peace and unity, as a harmonious home is essential for a thriving marriage.
Proverbs 22:10
“Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.”
This verse encourages us to distance ourselves from those who provoke conflict and division. By deliberately removing ourselves from harmful influences, we can prevent unnecessary arguments and strife.
Choosing a company that promotes love and edification can contribute to the overall health and peace of our marriages.
Proverbs 26:21
“As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.”
This verse highlights the role of a quarrelsome person in igniting conflicts. It likens their influence to the fuel that intensifies a fire.
Avoiding behaviors and attitudes that fuel arguments can help maintain a peaceful and loving atmosphere within our marriages.
Proverbs 17:27
“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of using words wisely and maintaining a composed disposition. It suggests that those who possess knowledge and understanding exercise self-control in their speech.
By practicing restraint and cultivating an even-tempered approach, we can navigate marital arguments in a respectful and constructive manner.
Proverbs 29:22
“An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.”
This verse highlights the destructive nature of anger in relationships. It warns that a hot-tempered individual not only stirs up conflicts but also tends to commit more sins.
Seeking to control our anger and respond with love and grace can help prevent unnecessary arguments and bring healing to our marriages.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”
This verse reminds us of the qualities that the Holy Spirit produces in our lives. It emphasizes love, peace, and self-control as virtues that play a crucial role in dealing with arguments.
By allowing the Spirit to work in us and manifest these fruits, we can approach conflicts in our marriages with wisdom and grace.
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
This verse declares the blessedness of those who actively pursue peace and reconciliation. It designates peacemakers as children of God, suggesting that their actions mirror the character of their heavenly Father.
Striving to be peacemakers in our marriages elevates the quality of our relationships and reflects our identity as children of God.
2 Timothy 2:24
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.”
This verse offers guidance for believers in their interactions with others. It exhorts us to avoid quarrels, display kindness, and maintain a teachable spirit free from resentment.
Applying these principles in our marriages allows us to navigate disagreements with humility and grace, fostering growth and understanding.
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
This verse draws a contrast between the damaging effect of reckless words and the healing power of wise speech. It highlights the impact our words can have on the atmosphere of our marriages.
Choosing our words carefully and speaking with wisdom and love can contribute to the resolution of conflicts and the restoration of harmony.
Proverbs 15:18
“A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.”
This verse reiterates the destructive nature of a hot temper and asserts the calming influence of patience. It recognizes the power of a patient individual to diffuse arguments.
Exercising patience allows us to approach conflicts in a rational and composed manner, promoting understanding and resolution within our marriages.
Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”
This verse underscores the importance of love as an antidote to conflict and strife. It suggests that love has the ability to forgive and overlook offenses.
Choosing love over hatred enables us to address arguments with a compassionate and merciful heart, fostering healing and reconciliation in our marriages.
Matthew 18:15
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”
This verse provides guidance on addressing grievances within relationships. It encourages personal, one-on-one communication as the initial step in resolving conflicts.
Approaching arguments with a desire to understand and restore can lead to resolution and renewed unity in our marriages.
Proverbs 15:31-32
“Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise. Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.”
These verses highlight the importance of heeding correction and discipline. They suggest that a teachable attitude leads to wisdom and understanding.
By being open to constructive criticism and willing to learn from our mistakes, we can grow individually and enhance the health of our marriages.
1 Peter 3:8-9
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
This passage encourages believers to cultivate unity and empathy in their relationships. It emphasizes the importance of responding to conflict with love, compassion, and humility.
Choosing to bless and show grace in the face of arguments allows us to embody the calling we have received and paves the way for God’s blessings to flow into our marriages.
Psalm 34:14
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
This verse urges us to actively pursue peace and righteousness. It calls us to reject harmful behavior and instead prioritize actions that promote harmony and reconciliation.
By intentionally seeking peace and embracing virtuous conduct, we demonstrate our commitment to building a strong and loving relationship in our marriages.