Topical Encyclopedia Strife, characterized by conflict, discord, and contention, is a recurring theme in the Bible, often depicted as a destructive force that can lead to further sin, including blasphemy. The Scriptures provide numerous warnings against strife, emphasizing its potential to disrupt peace and lead individuals away from godly living.Biblical Warnings Against Strife The Bible frequently admonishes believers to avoid strife and pursue peace. Proverbs 17:14 states, "To start a quarrel is to release a flood; so abandon the dispute before it breaks out." This verse highlights the destructive nature of strife, likening it to a flood that can cause widespread damage once unleashed. The call to abandon disputes underscores the importance of seeking reconciliation and peace. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of strife in his letters to the early churches. In Galatians 5:19-21 , he lists "strife" among the works of the flesh, warning that "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." This passage underscores the seriousness of strife as a sin that can hinder one's spiritual inheritance. Strife Leading to Blasphemy Strife not only disrupts relationships but can also lead to blasphemy, which is the act of speaking sacrilegiously about God or sacred things. In the heat of conflict, individuals may be tempted to speak irreverently or falsely about God, His character, or His works. This is particularly evident in the account of the Israelites in the wilderness. In Numbers 20:2-13, the Israelites quarreled with Moses and Aaron due to a lack of water, leading Moses to strike the rock in anger rather than speaking to it as God commanded. This act of disobedience was a result of strife and led to God's judgment. In verse 12 , the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not trust Me to show My holiness in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land I have given them." The strife among the people contributed to a moment of blasphemy against God's holiness and authority. The Role of the Tongue in Strife and Blasphemy James 3:5-6 provides insight into how the tongue can be a catalyst for strife and blasphemy: "So too the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body." The passage warns of the tongue's potential to cause great harm, including the spread of strife and the utterance of blasphemous words. Pursuing Peace and Avoiding Strife Believers are called to pursue peace and avoid strife as a means of honoring God and maintaining unity within the body of Christ. Romans 12:18 exhorts, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This call to peace is a proactive stance against the divisive nature of strife. Furthermore, Ephesians 4:31-32 encourages believers to "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." By cultivating kindness and forgiveness, believers can prevent strife from taking root and leading to further sin, including blasphemy. In summary, the Bible presents strife as a dangerous force that can lead to blasphemy and other sins. Through the teachings of Scripture, believers are urged to seek peace, guard their tongues, and foster unity within the community of faith. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 24:10,11And the son of an Israelitish woman, whose father was an Egyptian, went out among the children of Israel: and this son of the Israelitish woman and a man of Israel strove together in the camp; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, Commonly Called the Didache The Great Council The Servant's Triumph Galatians Chapter V. Love's Labours To Pammachius against John of Jerusalem. Directions to Sinners. I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also- The Unity of the Divine Essence in Three Persons Taught, in ... Second Instruction. Resources What does the Bible say about strife? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit (Philippians 2:3)? | GotQuestions.org Who was Jacob in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Strife: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Strife: An Evidence of a Carnal Spirit Strife: Appeased by Slowness to Anger Strife: Between Abraham and Lot's Herdsmen Strife: Christ, an Example of Avoiding Strife: Christians at Antioch (In Syria), About Circumcision Strife: Danger of Joining In--Illustrated Strife: Difficulty of Stopping, a Reason for Avoiding It Strife: Disciples, Over Who Could be the Greatest Strife: Evidences a Love of Transgression Strife: Excited by a Contentious Disposition Strife: Excited by Curious Questions Strife: Excited by Drunkenness Strife: Excited by Frowardness Strife: Excited by Tale-Bearing Strife: General Scriptures Concerning Strife: Herdmen of Abram and of Lot Strife: Herdmen of Gerar and of Isaac Strife: Hypocrites Make Religion a Pretence For Strife: Isaac's and Those of Gerar Strife: Israel and Judah, About David Strife: It is Honorable to Cease From Strife: Jephthah and his Brothers Strife: Jephthah and the Ephraimites Strife: Jews, Concerning Jesus Strife: Leads to Confusion and Every Evil Work Strife: Leads to Mutual Destruction Strife: Ministers should Avoid Strife: Ministers should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Ministers should not Preach Through Strife: Ministers should Reprove Strife: Ministers should Warn Against Strife: Paul and Barnabas, About Mark Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees, Concerning the General Resurrection Strife: Promoters of, should be Expelled Strife: Saints Kept from Tongues of Strife: Saints should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Saints should do all Things Without Strife: Saints should not Act From Strife: Saints should not Walk In Strife: Saints should Praise God for Protection From Strife: Saints should Seek God's Protection From Strife: Saints should Submit to Wrong Rather than Engage In Strife: Strength and Violence of--Illustrated Strife: Temporal Blessing Embittered By Strife: The Corinthian Christians Related Terms |
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