True Peace - Don't be Petty, Don't be Picky - September 14, 2025

Reverend Michael Mwangi

Senior Pastor, Fedha Church, Kenya Assemblies of God 

The Bible doesn't directly use the term "pettiness," it strongly condemns the attitudes and behaviors associated with it, such as quarreling, bitterness, and a lack of forgiveness. Instead, the scriptures emphasize love, humility, and forgiveness, which are diametrically opposed to pettiness. 

2 Timothy 2:23-24 (New International Version)

23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

2 Timothy 2:23-24 advises against engaging in foolish arguments and disputes, emphasizing the need for kindness and patience. 

Proverbs 29:11 (New International Version)

11 Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.

Proverbs 29:11 suggests that a wise person restrains their spirit and doesn't make a big deal out of every little thing. This contrasts with pettiness, which often blows small issues out of proportion. 

Ephesians 4:31-32 (New International Version)

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:31-32 urges believers to forgive each other as Christ forgave them. Pettiness can manifest as bitterness and malice, hindering forgiveness. 

Philippians 2:3-4 (New International Version)

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Philippians 2:3-4 encourages considering others as more important than oneself. Pettiness often stems from pride and a focus on personal interests, which are antithetical to humility. 

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (New International Version)

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 highlights love's characteristics: patience, kindness, humility, and a refusal to keep records of wrongs. Pettiness, in contrast, often involves holding grudges and being easily angered. 

Ignore things that don't matter.
Maitho ma ciura matgiragia ng'ombe inyue mai (The eyes of frogs don't stop cows from drinking water).