In what ways can we identify "violent men" in our current society? Key Passage Proverbs 16:29: “A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is no good.” Other Scriptural Snapshots of Violent Men • Proverbs 1:11-12,15 – they lure the unsuspecting, shed blood for gain • Proverbs 3:31 – they have distinctive “ways” God tells us to avoid • Proverbs 4:16-17 – they lose sleep unless they make someone stumble • Proverbs 24:2 – hearts plot violence, lips talk trouble • Psalm 140:1-2 – they devise plans in their hearts and stir up wars continually • 2 Timothy 3:1-4 – “brutal, not loving good” marks the last-days crowd • Galatians 5:19-21 – outbursts of anger and fits of rage flow from the flesh Core Traits Scripture Repeats • An appetite for physical harm or intimidation • A manipulative tongue that “entices” (Proverbs 16:29) • Greedy, get-rich-quick schemes fueled by violence (Proverbs 1:13-14) • Restless energy until someone else is hurt (Proverbs 4:16) • Speech saturated with threats, mockery, or coarse anger (Proverbs 24:2) • A pattern, not a momentary lapse—“their ways” (Proverbs 3:31) How Those Traits Show Up in Today’s World • Street-level aggression: gang activity, random assaults, intimidation for money or territory • Domestic spheres: verbal tirades that slip into pushing, choking, or forced control • Political or ideological arenas: rallying followers with threats, doxxing, or “punch them in the face” rhetoric • Entertainment platforms: glorifying beat-downs, revenge fantasies, violent gaming clans recruiting teens • Business and online scams: powerful personalities pressuring clients or employees, ready to destroy reputations to keep power • Extremist movements: open calls for armed insurrection, bomb plots, or civil unrest • Social media: influencers who frame every disagreement as a battle, encouraging “swarm” attacks on opponents Everyday Indicators to Watch • Words: repeated violent jokes, threats, delight in gore (Luke 6:45) • Eyes: a predatory gaze sizing people up, looking for weakness (Proverbs 6:13-14) • Company: friendships formed around fighting, vandalism, or hate (1 Corinthians 15:33) • Digital footprint: memes, videos, or playlists celebrating brutality • Decision trail: wherever they go, broken relationships, medical bills, or lawsuits follow (Matthew 7:16) Practical Discernment Checkpoints • Does this person consistently seek peace, or do they thrive on conflict? (Romans 12:18) • Are their gains linked to harming others—physically, financially, reputationally? (Proverbs 21:7) • Do they invite me to join in mocking, threatening, or forceful acts? (Proverbs 1:10) • Is repentance evident when confronted, or do they double down and justify violence? (1 John 3:15) • Does their presence push me closer to Christlike love, or harden my heart? (Hebrews 3:13) Guarding Ourselves and Others • Stay clear of their “path” (Proverbs 16:29); physical distance often buys spiritual clarity. • Refuse to envy their apparent power or success (Proverbs 3:31). • Expose the works of darkness rather than partnering with them (Ephesians 5:11). • Report genuine threats to proper authorities (Romans 13:3-4). • Model and cultivate gentleness and self-control as the Spirit’s alternative to violence (Galatians 5:22-23). |
    |