Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Nature:Strife refers to conflict, discord, or contention between individuals or groups. It is often characterized by quarreling, disputes, and a lack of harmony. In the biblical context, strife is frequently associated with sinful behavior and is seen as contrary to the peace and unity that God desires for His people.
Biblical References and Teachings:The Bible addresses the issue of strife in various contexts, emphasizing its destructive nature and the importance of avoiding it. In the Old Testament, strife is often linked with other forms of wickedness.
Proverbs 6:16-19 lists things the Lord hates, including "a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community" . This highlights the seriousness with which God views strife.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently warns against strife among believers. In
Galatians 5:19-21, strife is listed among the "acts of the flesh," which are in opposition to the fruit of the Spirit. Paul writes, "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God" .
James, the brother of Jesus, also addresses the issue of strife in his epistle.
James 3:14-16 warns, "But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such 'wisdom' does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice" . This passage underscores the spiritual roots of strife and its association with disorder and evil.
Causes of Strife:The Bible identifies several causes of strife, including pride, selfish ambition, and envy.
Proverbs 13:10 states, "Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice" . Pride leads individuals to prioritize their own desires and opinions over others, resulting in conflict. Similarly, selfish ambition and envy, as noted in
James 3:14-16, drive individuals to compete and quarrel with one another.
Avoiding and Resolving Strife:Scripture provides guidance on how to avoid and resolve strife. Believers are encouraged to pursue peace and unity.
Romans 12:18 advises, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone" . This call to peace requires humility, patience, and a willingness to forgive.
The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of love in overcoming strife. In
1 Corinthians 13:4-5, he writes, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs" . Love, as described here, is the antidote to strife, promoting harmony and understanding among individuals.
The Role of the Church:The church is called to be a community of peace and unity, reflecting the character of Christ.
Ephesians 4:3 urges believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" . Church leaders are tasked with addressing strife within the congregation, promoting reconciliation and fostering an environment where love and peace prevail.
In summary, strife is a significant concern in the biblical narrative, representing a departure from God's design for human relationships. Through the teachings of Scripture, believers are called to reject strife and embrace peace, unity, and love as hallmarks of their faith.
Library
How Sowers ofStrifes and Peacemakers are to be Admonished.
... How sowers ofstrifes and peacemakers are to be admonished. (Admonition 24.)
Differently to be admonished are sowers ofstrifes and peacemakers....
1 Timothy vi. 7-Feb
... of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he
is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions andstrifes of words...
Since Then, in Reference to Our Hope of the Resurrection, Christ...
... Who is the head of all, the first born from the dead, that in all things he might
have the preeminence;" how is it that we stir up these vainstrifes of words...
Whether Strife is a Daughter of Anger?
... Objection 4: Further, it is written (Prov.10:12): "Hatred stirreth upstrifes."
But hatred arises from envy, according to Gregory (Moral. xxxi, 17)....
Whether Strife is Always a Sin?
... On the contrary,Strifes [*The Douay version has 'quarrels'] are reckoned among
the works of the flesh (Gal.5:20), and "they who do such things shall not...
"But if Ye have Bitter Envying," &C.
... Glory not, if you cherish suchstrifes and contentions, to the breach of Christian
peace and concord. You are liars against the truth, which you profess....
The Old Faiths and the New
... It was also to be expected that parties and divisions would arise. The immediate
cause of this Epistle was thatstrifes and divisions had arisen in the church....
How the Silent and the Talkative are to be Admonished.
... extinguished. Whence it is well said through Solomon, He that letteth out
water is a well-spring ofstrifes (Proverbs 17:14). For...
Directions How to Lead a Heavenly Life Upon Earth.
... Foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do genderstrifes.
And the servant of the Lord must not strive." "Avoid...
"But if Ye have Bitter Envying and Strife in Your Hearts, Glory...
... authority over them? James 3:1, "My brethren, be not ye many masters." Truly
this is the root of all contentions andstrifes. It is this...
Thesaurus
Strifes (5 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Strifes (5 Occurrences).
... 2 Timothy 2:23 But foolish and
unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender
strifes. (KJV ASV).
...Gender (2 Occurrences)
... Version (British and American) "bearing children unto bondage" (like Hagar, Abraham's
bondwoman), and in 2 Timothy 2:23, which "genderstrifes," ie beget them....
Questions (76 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions andstrifes
of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, (KJV DBY...
Unlearned (7 Occurrences)
... things to you. (YLT). 2 Timothy 2:23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid,
knowing that they do genderstrifes. (KJV WBS). 2 Peter...
Fightings (5 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV BBE WBS YLT). Titus 3:9 but shun foolish questionings, and genealogies,
andstrifes, and fightings about law; for they are unprofitable and vain....
Railings (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions andstrifes
of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, (KJV ASV...
Discord (7 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Galatians 5:20 idolatry, witchcraft, hatred,strifes, emulations,
wraths, rivalries, dissensions, sects, (See NIV). Esther...
Doting (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions andstrifes
of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, (KJV ASV...
Disputes (18 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Galatians 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred,strifes, jealousies, angers,
contentions, disputes, schools of opinion, (DBY NAS)....
Proud (96 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions andstrifes
of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, (KJV WBS...
Resources
Bible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
