Contention: Joseph Smith

[Do not] contend with others on account of their faith, or systems of religion, but pursue a steady course. This I delivered by way of commandment; and all who observe it not, will pull down persecution upon their heads, while those who do, shall always be filled with the Holy Ghost; this I pronounced as a prophecy, and sealed with hosanna and amen. (Joseph Smith, History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7 vols. 2:431)

There are many that creep in unawares, and endeavor to sow discord, strife, and animosity in our midst, and by so doing, bring evil upon the Saints. These things we have to bear with, and these things will prevail either to a greater or less extent until "the floor be thoroughly purged," and "the chaff be burnt up." (Joseph Smith, History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7 vols. 4:272-73)

If we get puffed up by thinking that we have much knowledge, we are apt to get a contentious spirit, and correct knowledge is necessary to cast out that spirit.

The evil of being puffed up with correct (though useless) knowledge is not so great as the evil of contention. (Joseph Smith, History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7 vols. 5:340)