Contentions
In Proverbs, Solomon lamented a “contentious woman.” His descriptions are humorous and blunt.
For example, in Proverbs 21:19 he claims that dwelling “in the wilderness” would be better than living with a contentious woman. In 27:15 he compares a “contentious” person to the constant drip of a leaky faucet.
As Paul describes “contentions” as a “work of the flesh” the issue takes us from annoying to abominable. A “contentious” person cannot go to heaven without repentance.
According to Thayer, ERIS, can be translated as, “contention, strife, wrangling.”
It may be the habit of starting fights and dividing families, friends or co-workers (Rom. 1:29). Or, it may be the practice of dividing the Lord’s church into sects or parties (1 Cor. 1:11). In any case, we must learn that such strife is a sin. God demands we work to unite, not divide.
February 2007