Topical Bible: Family: Infelicity In

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Infelicity within the family is a theme that appears throughout the Bible, illustrating the challenges and consequences of discord and strife among family members. The Scriptures provide numerous examples of familial conflict, offering both cautionary tales and insights into the human condition.

Cain and Abel
The first recorded instance of family infelicity is found in the account of Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam and Eve. In Genesis 4:8 , "Cain said to his brother Abel, 'Let us go out to the field.' And while they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him." This tragic event highlights the destructive power of jealousy and anger within the family unit.

Jacob and Esau
The relationship between Jacob and Esau is another example of sibling rivalry leading to infelicity. Genesis 27 recounts how Jacob deceived his father Isaac to receive the blessing meant for Esau. This act of deception led to a prolonged estrangement between the brothers. Genesis 27:41 states, "Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him, and he said to himself, 'The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.'"

Joseph and His Brothers
Joseph's account in Genesis 37-50 illustrates the severe consequences of favoritism and envy. Joseph's brothers, envious of their father's affection for him, sold him into slavery. Genesis 37:4 notes, "When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him." Despite the initial infelicity, this narrative also demonstrates the potential for reconciliation and forgiveness within a family.

David's Family
King David's family experienced significant turmoil, as seen in the conflict between his sons Amnon and Absalom. In 2 Samuel 13, Amnon's violation of his sister Tamar led to Absalom's revenge and eventual rebellion against David. This series of events underscores the destructive impact of sin and the failure to address wrongdoing within the family.

Eli's Sons
The account of Eli and his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, in 1 Samuel 2-4, serves as a warning about the consequences of parental neglect and the failure to discipline. 1 Samuel 2:12 describes them as "wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD." Their actions brought disgrace upon their family and led to their downfall.

New Testament Teachings
The New Testament also addresses family infelicity, emphasizing the importance of love, forgiveness, and unity. Ephesians 4:31-32 advises, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." These teachings encourage believers to strive for harmony and reconciliation within their families.

Conclusion
The Bible provides numerous examples of family infelicity, offering lessons on the consequences of sin, the importance of forgiveness, and the need for love and unity. These accounts serve as reminders of the challenges families face and the biblical principles that can guide them toward healing and restoration.

Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 11:22
As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
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Proverbs 12:4
A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that makes ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
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Proverbs 14:1
Every wise woman builds her house: but the foolish plucks it down with her hands.
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Proverbs 15:17
Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
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Proverbs 18:19
A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
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Proverbs 19:13
A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.
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Proverbs 21:9,19
It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
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Proverbs 25:24
It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.
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Proverbs 27:15,16
A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.
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Proverbs 30:21,23
For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear:
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Library

The Life.
... Palestine, the old Philistine region, Alaphion and his family were distinguished ...
a genuine polyhistor; but their inaccuracy and frequent infelicity make them ...
/.../sozomen/the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/part i the life.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... (iii) Adoption consists in a legal investitute into the rights and royalties of
the family into which ... This word illegitimate' also imports infelicity and misery ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

Other Self-Asserting Augustae --Verina, Ariadne, Sophia, Martina ...
... and memorable reign, from 610 to 641, was characterized by much domestic infelicity. ...
determined iconoclast than his father; but into his own family circle he ...
/.../women of early christianity/xii other self-asserting augustaeverina ariadne.htm