Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context:Brawling, in the biblical sense, refers to loud, contentious, and often violent quarreling or fighting. It is characterized by a lack of self-control and a spirit of discord, which is contrary to the peace and unity that Scripture encourages among believers. Brawling is often associated with anger, strife, and a divisive spirit, which are condemned throughout the Bible.
Biblical References:The Bible addresses the issue of brawling in several passages, highlighting its destructive nature and the importance of avoiding such behavior. In
Proverbs 21:9, the wisdom literature states, "Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife." This verse underscores the disruptive impact of brawling within the household, suggesting that peace is preferable to living with constant contention.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul admonishes believers to avoid brawling and to pursue peace. In
Ephesians 4:31, Paul writes, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice." Here, brawling is grouped with other negative behaviors that are to be put away by those who follow Christ.
Theological Implications:Brawling is seen as a manifestation of the sinful nature that believers are called to overcome. It is often linked with other sins of the tongue and heart, such as anger, malice, and slander. The presence of brawling within a community or relationship indicates a departure from the fruit of the Spirit, which includes peace, patience, and self-control (
Galatians 5:22-23).
The Bible encourages believers to pursue peace and unity, as seen in
Romans 12:18: "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This pursuit of peace is a reflection of the character of God, who is described as the "God of peace" (
Philippians 4:9).
Practical Application:Christians are called to be peacemakers, as Jesus taught in the Beatitudes: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (
Matthew 5:9). This involves actively seeking to resolve conflicts, promoting understanding, and fostering an environment where love and harmony can flourish.
To avoid brawling, believers are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of humility and gentleness, as advised in
Colossians 3:12-13: "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Conclusion:While brawling is a natural inclination of the human heart, the transformative power of the Holy Spirit enables believers to overcome such tendencies. By embracing the teachings of Scripture and the example of Christ, Christians can live in a manner that reflects the peace and unity of God's kingdom.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Brawl.
2. (a.) Quarreling; quarrelsome; noisy.
3. (a.) Making a loud confused noise. See Brawl.
Strong's Hebrew
4079. midyan --brawling, contention... 4078, 4079. midyan. 4080 .
brawling, contention. Transliteration: midyan Phonetic
Spelling: (mid-yawn') Short Definition:
brawling.
...brawling, contention
...4066. madon -- strife, contention
...brawling, contention, discord, strife. From diyn; a contest or quarrel --brawling,
contention(-ous), discord, strife. Compare midyan, mdan. see HEBREW diyn....
769. Arnon -- "a roaring stream," a wadi and stream in Moab
... Arnon. Or Arnon {ar-nohn'}; from ranan; abrawling stream; the Arnon, a river east
of the Jordan, also its territory -- Arnon. see HEBREW ranan. 768, 769....
Library
Whether Strife is Always a Sin?
... quarrelsome] is derived from the snarling [rictu] of a dog, because the quarrelsome
man is ever ready to contradict; he delights inbrawling, and provokes...
First Part of the Book.
... Three manners of occupations there are: as, various and muchbrawling; raking
about; and much caring about earthly things. Against...
The Pursuit
... much as slacking speed. Stanislaus ran up the lane until he came to where
it ended at a rough,brawling stream. Without a moment's...
In the House of Kimberker
... There were dinners at which the wine went round very freely, plenty of cards and
dice, now and thenbrawling quarrels. It did not suit Stanislaus at all....
Germanus of Auxerre (Antistodorum).
... Amongst them was a lame old man, whose strength failed him when he had to follow
the rest in wading through abrawling torrent with his heavy burden....
The Heathen, who have not a Full Revelation of the Truth...
... himself, exposing her to all its vile words and attitudes; he, again, who in the
streets lays hands on or covers with reproaches thebrawling pugilist, in the...
The Schoolboy of Madaura
... At the foot of the precipitous slopes, the river can be heardbrawling in a torrent
over its stony bed, and there are sharp descents among thickets of juniper...
Argument: Tortures Most Unjustly Inflicted for the Confession of...
... For in the chariot games who does not shudder at the madness of the peoplebrawling
among themselves? or at the teaching of murder in the gladiatorial games?...
Wesley Writes to the London Chronicle
... sweet as a gentleman's house; it being now a rule that every prisoner wash and clean
his apartment thoroughly twice a week.2) Here is no fighting orbrawling....
Here Next Followeth the History of Moses
... And another day he went out and found two of the Hebrewsbrawling and fighting together;
then he said to him that did wrong: Why smitest thou thy neighbor?...
Thesaurus
Brawling (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Brawling (3 Occurrences).
... Proverbs 21:9 It is better to
dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a
brawling woman in a wide house.
...Bray (3 Occurrences)
Drunkenness (10 Occurrences)
... and spiritual effects: it leads to a maladministration of justice (Proverbs 31:5
Isaiah 5:23), provokes anger and a contentious,brawling spirit (Proverbs 20:1...
Brawlers (2 Occurrences)
Brawler (3 Occurrences)
... midhwanim, "quarrelsomeness"; amachos, "not fighting"): Spoken of the quarrelsome
woman; "a contentious (the King James Version "brawling") woman" (Proverbs 21...
Resources
What does the Bible say about bitterness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are some encouraging Bible verses? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to guard your heart? | GotQuestions.orgBrawling: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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