Yes this verse speaks of the wrong kind of attitude in debates but this is what I have warned against many times in this forum, however to say that debates are what the devil wants is a pretty big stretch. If one goes into debates with a learning heart able to not hold their own view and understanding so firmly that they are unable to learn from others and admit they could be wroong then debates can be very good for such a person but this verse doesn't say debates in of themselves are bad it says that constant bickering is and he would be right.Really. What does God say about debates then.
2Co_12:20 For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:
All of these in this verse, debates, envying, wraths, strifes, backbiting, whisperings, swellings, tumults, Is sinning, and not pleasing God.
2Co 2:10 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;
2Co 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
You can say that the devil wants debates but I have found that my patience and my ability to learn and grow in Christ has greatly increased since being in debates iron sharpens iron and I have found this to be true. People teach me all the time they just don't realize it even people who attack me on here have taught me albeit unintentionally.
The way I have seen it go is there are debates where verse after verse is thrown back and forth, nothing but constant back and forths bickering and arguing slander and mockery but then there are those civil debates between believers and the fruit of the spirit is seen in those debates and even if in the end the oposing people still disagree I have some become friends from the debate.