Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the term "sue" is not directly mentioned as a legal action in the modern sense. However, the concept of legal disputes and the resolution of conflicts is addressed in various passages, providing guidance on how believers should handle such matters.
Biblical Principles on Legal Disputes1.
Resolution within the Church: The Apostle Paul advises believers to resolve disputes among themselves rather than taking legal action in secular courts. In
1 Corinthians 6:1-6, Paul questions, "If any of you has a grievance against another, how dare he go to law before the unrighteous instead of before the saints?" . This passage emphasizes the importance of seeking resolution within the Christian community, highlighting the wisdom and discernment that should characterize the body of Christ.
2.
Avoiding Lawsuits Among Believers: Paul further admonishes the Corinthians for their willingness to sue one another, suggesting that it is better to suffer wrong than to damage the witness of the church through public legal battles. In
1 Corinthians 6:7, he states, "The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?" . This teaching underscores the value of humility and forgiveness over personal vindication.
3.
Justice and Fairness: The Bible upholds the principles of justice and fairness, as seen in the Old Testament laws given to Israel. For example, in
Deuteronomy 16:18-20, the Israelites are instructed to appoint judges and officials who will judge the people fairly, without partiality or corruption. "Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you" . This reflects God's desire for His people to live in a society where justice prevails.
4.
Reconciliation and Forgiveness: Jesus teaches the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness in personal relationships. In
Matthew 5:23-24, He instructs, "Therefore if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift" . This passage highlights the priority of mending relationships over religious rituals.
5.
The Role of Government: While believers are encouraged to resolve disputes within the church, the Bible also acknowledges the role of government and legal systems in maintaining order and justice.
Romans 13:1-4 explains that governing authorities are established by God to punish wrongdoers and commend those who do right. "For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason" . This passage recognizes the legitimacy of civil authorities in executing justice.
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not explicitly address the act of suing in the modern legal sense, it provides a framework for handling disputes that prioritizes reconciliation, justice, and the integrity of the Christian witness. Believers are encouraged to seek resolution within the church community and to embody the principles of forgiveness and fairness in all interactions.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. t.) To follow up; to chase; to seek after; to endeavor to win; to woo.
2. (v. t.) To seek justice or right from, by legal process; to institute process in law against; to bring an action against; to prosecute judicially.
3. (v. t.) To proceed with, as an action, and follow it up to its proper termination; to gain by legal process.
4. (v. t.) To clean, as the beak; -- said of a hawk.
5. (v. t.) To leave high and dry on shore; as, to sue a ship.
6. (v. i.) To seek by request; to make application; to petition; to entreat; to plead.
7. (v. i.) To prosecute; to make legal claim; to seek (for something) in law; as, to sue for damages.
8. (v. i.) To woo; to pay addresses as a lover.
9. (v. i.) To be left high and dry on the shore, as a ship.
Greek
2919. krino -- to judge, decide... 10), judging (5), judgment (1), pass judgment (1), passes judgment (1), passing
judgment (1), pronounced (1), regards (2), stand trial (2),
sue (1), trial (3
...Library
Matt. v. 38, 39, 40
... him the other also. And if any man willsue thee at the law, and take away
thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.". Seest thou that...
Chapter xix.
... also. And if any man willsue thee at the law, and take away thy coat
[tunic, undergarment], let him have thy cloak [168] also....
Here Followeth a Discourse Between My Wife and the Judges, with...
... notwithstanding, yet, forasmuch as the coronation proclamation did give liberty,
from the day the King was crowned, to that day twelvemonth, tosue them out...
Bad Ecclesiastics and Base Plots
... none evil can come upon us."Micah 3:11. E furon lesue opere e lesue colpe.
Non creder leonine ma di volpe. Pulci, Morg. Magg. xix....
"Disputatio Pro Declaratione virtutis Indulgentiarum. "
... factum narratur. 5. [30] Nullus securus est de veritatesue contritionis,
multominus de consecutione plenarie remissionis. 6. [31...
Non-Resistants.
... have the right to take the life of man as a penalty for transgression; that no one,
who professes to have the Spirit of Christ, can consistentlysue a man at...
The Entreaties of God
... Tosue for love, to beg that an enemy will put away his enmity is the part of the
inferior rather than of the superior; is the part of the offender rather than...
To the Reader.
... It hath now in these our dayes been brought so neere unto the people, that they
also have begunne to pleade &sue for a portion, & legacy bequeathed them in it...
God Just as Well as Merciful; Accordingly, Mercy must not be...
... request not that they may obtain mercy, and approach not on their behalf unto me,
since I will not listen to (them)" [733] "of course when theysue for mercy...
To Begin with the Real Ground of the Military Crown...
... perish by the sword? And shall the son of peace take part in the battle when
it does not become him even tosue at law? And shall he...
Thesaurus
Sue (2 Occurrences)... 5. (vt) To leave high and dry on shore; as, to
sue a ship.
... 7. (vi) To prosecute;
to make legal claim; to seek (for something) in law; as, to
sue for damages.
...Implead (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (vt) To institute and prosecute a suit against, in court; tosue or prosecute
at law; hence, to accuse; to impeach. 2. (vi) Tosue at law. Int....
Manoah (14 Occurrences)
... Manoah and his wife appear twice in the narrative of Samson's early life-once as
they protestingly accompanied him tosue for the hand of a Philistine woman of...
Cloke (7 Occurrences)
... Cloke (7 Occurrences). Matthew 5:40 And if any man willsue thee at the law,
and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. (WBS)....
Ahab (85 Occurrences)
... But when Benhadad in the garb of a suppliant was compelled tosue for his life,
Ahab received into kindly as his brother, and although denounced by the...
Sudias
Sew (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Juice; gravy; a seasoned dish; a delicacy.
2. (vt) To follow; to pursue; tosue. 3. (vt) To unite...
Sues (2 Occurrences)
Assyria (124 Occurrences)
... Meanwhile Tyre, which had rebelled, was forced tosue for peace, and ambassadors
arrived from Gyges of Lydia asking for help against the Cimmerians....
Law (670 Occurrences)
... (BBE NAS). Matthew 5:40 And if any man willsue thee at the law, and take away thy
coat, let him have thy cloak also. (KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT)....
Resources
What does the Bible say about dependability? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about lawsuits / suing? | GotQuestions.orgHow can a Christian woman avoid being a diva? | GotQuestions.orgSue: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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