Topical Encyclopedia Strife, characterized by conflict, discord, and contention, is frequently addressed in the Bible as a behavior that is contrary to the will of God. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that highlight the consequences and divine punishment associated with strife.Old Testament Insights In the Old Testament, strife is often linked with sin and rebellion against God. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists things that the Lord hates, including "a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community." The stirring up of conflict, or strife, is thus seen as detestable to God and deserving of His judgment. The account of Korah's rebellion in Numbers 16 serves as a vivid illustration of the punishment for strife. Korah, along with Dathan and Abiram, incited strife against Moses and Aaron, challenging their God-given authority. As a result, the earth opened up and swallowed them and their households, demonstrating God's severe judgment on those who sow discord among His people. New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues to warn against strife and its consequences. In Galatians 5:19-21, strife is listed among the "acts of the flesh," which include "hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions." The passage warns that "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God," indicating eternal consequences for those who persist in such behavior. James 3:16 further elaborates on the destructive nature of strife: "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice." This passage underscores the chaos and moral decay that accompany strife, suggesting that divine punishment is both a natural consequence and a direct response from God. Apostolic Warnings The Apostle Paul frequently admonished early Christian communities to avoid strife. In 1 Corinthians 3:3, he rebukes the Corinthian church for their jealousy and quarreling, which he equates with worldliness and spiritual immaturity. Paul warns that such behavior can lead to division and hinder the growth of the church, inviting God's discipline. In Romans 13:13, Paul exhorts believers to "behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy." The call to avoid dissension, or strife, is part of a broader appeal to live in a manner worthy of the gospel, avoiding behaviors that would incur God's displeasure. Divine Justice and Restoration While the Bible clearly outlines the punishment for strife, it also offers a path to restoration. Repentance and reconciliation are key themes throughout Scripture. In Matthew 5:9, Jesus pronounces a blessing on peacemakers, "for they will be called sons of God." This beatitude highlights the value God places on peace and the promise of divine favor for those who actively seek to resolve strife. In summary, the Bible presents strife as a serious offense that incurs divine punishment. Through both Old and New Testament teachings, believers are warned of the spiritual and communal consequences of strife, while also being encouraged to pursue peace and reconciliation as a reflection of God's kingdom. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 55:9Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library What was the First Punishment of the Transgression of Our First ... That the Sin is Caused not by the Flesh, but by the Soul, and that ... Whether those who Received Heretical Baptism, and have Afterwards ... Let them Perish from Thy Presence, O God, as Perish Vain Talkers ... Hebrews vi. 13-16 Epistle viii. To the Martyrs and Confessors. Epistle xv. To Moyses and Maximus, and the Rest of the Confessors. Of the Two Kinds of Trials, which Come Upon us in a Three-Fold Way ... Third Sunday after Epiphany Peace in the Soul 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 |
    |