Is It Wrong for Christians to "Debate" or "Argue" About God's Word?

I have heard people say it is wrong to "debate" or "argue" about God's word, that it is somehow a sin to "debate" about the Bible.

Is this true? No, the Scriptures say we should contend for the truth of God's word.

According to the Apostle Paul, persuading, arguing and contending for the truth is exactly what spiritual warfare is:

"I beg of you that when I am present I may not have to show boldness with such confidence as I count on showing against some who suspect us of walking according to the flesh. For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ." - 2 Corinthians 10:2-6, English Standard Version

Paul said he may have to "show boldness with such confidence" in the Corinthians’ presence by “waging war” in a spiritual way –  by "destroying arguments" and "every lofty opinion" raise against the knowledge of God. Paul is talking about contending, persuading and arguing (in a good way) for God’s truth.

Paul instructed his protégé Timothy to do the same:

"Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching." - 2 Timothy 4:2, ESV

Furthermore, notice the examples set by Paul, Apollos and others in Acts:

“From dawn to dusk he [Paul] expounded and witnessed about the kingdom of God. He tried to persuade them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets.” – Acts 28:23, Holman

“Then he [Paul] entered the synagogue and spoke boldly over a period of three months, engaging in discussion and trying to persuade them about the things of the kingdom of God.” – Acts 19:8, Holman

“After he [Apollos] arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace. For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating through the Scriptures that Jesus is the Messiah.” – Acts 18:27-28, Holman

There are some qualifications about preaching and contending for the truth. We should avoid heated debates about pointless topics:

"Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels." - 2 Timothy 2:23, ESV

There also comes a point when further talking and preaching of no use because the listener has hardened their heart, and we risk backlash if we continue:

"Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you." - Matthew 7:6, ESV