Quarrels or kindness?

Quarrels or kindness? A New Testament reminder for today

Every so often you read a verse that feels like it was written last night.

This week it was 2 Timothy 2:23 in the KJV: “But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.”

Oof. Timely, right?

I looked it up in a few other translations just to sit with it a little longer.

• The NIV says, “Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.”

• The NLT adds, “Don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights.”

• The ESV: “Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.”

Different wording, same point: the Lord isn’t calling us to win every argument on the internet. He’s inviting us to step out of the mud.

And then Paul turns the light on our response:
KJV, vv. 24–25 — “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient; in meekness instructing…”

NLT — “A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth.”

I love that pairing—avoid the foolish fight, choose the gentle way. Not silence. Not passivity.

Gentleness.

The kind of presence that keeps its footing when the temperature rises. The kind that remembers people are rarely argued into the kingdom, but they are often loved there.

So here’s the picture I’m carrying this week: before I jump into a thread or fire off a snappy reply (and trust me...start a Christian sock company and the haters come out to play), I’m going to breathe, ask, “Is this helpful or just heat?” and aim for patience. If there’s truth to share, I want it to land with kindness, not an elbow.

And because I’m me, I can’t help thinking about the small, quiet ways we reflect our faith in everyday life.

That’s part of why we make BibleSocks. They’re not necessarily LOUD billboards; they’re gentle reminders—to ourselves first, and sometimes to others. 

Our Good Samaritan pair nudges me toward “Love God. Love People.”

Our Faith Verses pair gives me something simple to point to instead of ramping up the volume. Little prompts. Open doors. Fewer quarrels.

If this verse met you today like it met me, maybe carry it in your pocket this week. Whether it's frustrations at work, a tense comment online, that one conversation you’re dreading—remember: you’re not called to win every debate.

You’re called to walk with Jesus in how you speak, how you teach, and how you treat people.

Thanks for walking with us!