Reply Obj. 3: The passage quoted refers to the man who flatters another treacherously, in order to deceive him. _______________________
QUESTION 116
OF QUARRELING
(In Two Articles)
We must now consider quarreling; concerning which there are two points of inquiry:
(1) Whether it is opposed to the virtue of friendship?
(2) Of its comparison with flattery? _______________________
FIRST ARTICLE [II-II, Q. 116, Art. 1]
Whether Quarreling Is Opposed to the Virtue of Friendship or
Affability?
Objection 1: It seems that quarreling is not opposed to the virtue of friendship or affability. For quarreling seems to pertain to discord, just as contention does. But discord is opposed to charity, as stated above (Q. 37, A. 1). Therefore quarreling is also.
Obj. 2: Further, it is written (Prov. 26:21): "An angry man stirreth up strife." Now anger is opposed to meekness. Therefore strife or quarreling is also.