As I was memorizing 1 Timothy 6:4 the Holy Spirit showed me several things. In context, the verse was referencing bondservants who despised their masters, then folks who did not consent to wholesome words.

Verse 4 says, “He is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words…” Pride is the root, now catch what the fruit is. The verse goes on, “…from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions.”

Arguing, contentious, quarrelsome are the pride of self-defense. James 3:14 says, “But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.” Verse 15 says it is earthly, sensual, and demonic. Verse 16 says, “For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.”

Verse 18 says, “The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” Matthew 5:9 says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”