Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terms, a "brawler" refers to an individual who is prone to fighting, quarreling, or engaging in physical or verbal altercations. The concept of a brawler is addressed in various passages of the Bible, often highlighting the negative attributes and consequences associated with such behavior. The Bible consistently encourages believers to pursue peace and avoid strife, making the role of a brawler antithetical to Christian virtues.Old Testament Context The Old Testament provides foundational teachings on the importance of peace and the dangers of contentious behavior. Proverbs, a book known for its wisdom literature, frequently addresses the folly of strife and the value of peace. Proverbs 20:3 states, "It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel." This verse underscores the wisdom in avoiding unnecessary conflict and the foolishness inherent in being a brawler. New Testament Context The New Testament further elaborates on the characteristics and consequences of being a brawler. In the pastoral epistles, the Apostle Paul provides guidance on the qualifications for church leaders, emphasizing the need for them to be peaceable and not given to brawling. In 1 Timothy 3:3 , Paul instructs that an overseer must be "not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free from the love of money." Similarly, Titus 1:7 reiterates that an overseer must not be "arrogant or quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, violence, or dishonest gain." These qualifications highlight the expectation that leaders within the Christian community should exemplify self-control and a peaceful demeanor, avoiding the contentiousness associated with brawlers. The emphasis on peace and gentleness reflects the broader Christian teaching that believers are called to live in harmony with one another. Moral and Spiritual Implications The Bible's admonitions against brawling are rooted in the moral and spiritual implications of such behavior. Brawling is often associated with a lack of self-control, pride, and a quick temper, all of which are contrary to the fruit of the Spirit as described in Galatians 5:22-23 : "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." Furthermore, brawling can lead to division and discord within the community, undermining the unity that believers are called to maintain. Ephesians 4:3 urges Christians to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." This call to unity and peace is central to the Christian life, and brawling stands in direct opposition to this ideal. Practical Application In practical terms, Christians are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of gentleness and to seek reconciliation rather than conflict. James 1:19-20 advises, "My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man's anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires." This passage highlights the importance of controlling one's temper and avoiding the impulsive reactions that can lead to brawling. By striving to embody the virtues of peace, patience, and self-control, believers can avoid the pitfalls of brawling and instead contribute to a harmonious and loving community. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) One that brawls; wrangler.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BRAWLERbrol'-er (Qere midhyanim; Kethibh midhwanim, "quarrelsomeness"; amachos, "not fighting"): Spoken of the quarrelsome woman; "a contentious (the King James Version "brawling") woman" (Proverbs 21:9). He who seeks the office of a bishop should be "no brawler" (paroinos the King James Version "given to wine," Titus 1:7); "not contentious" (the King James Version "not a brawler," 1 Timothy 3:3 Titus 3:2). Greek 269. amachos -- abstaining from fighting ... uncontentious, peaceable. From a (as a negative particle) and mache; peaceable -- not a brawler. see GREEK a. see GREEK mache. (amachon) -- 1 Occurrence. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/269.htm - 6k 4131. plektes -- a striker Strong's Hebrew 1993. hamah -- to murmur, growl, roar, be boisterous... root Definition to murmur, growl, roar, be boisterous NASB Word Usage aroused (1), become disturbed (2), boisterous (4), brawler (1), disturbed (2), growl (1 ... /hebrew/1993.htm - 6k Library 1 Timothy iii. 4-Jan Homilies on S. Ignatius and S. Babylas. The Date of the Beginning of Noonday. On Examining Candidates for the Episcopal Office. That the Eyes of the Soul must be Purged Ere God Can be Seen. A String of Pearls The Almost Christian On the Character and Teaching of the Bishop. The Levites Ought to be Utterly Free from all Earthly Desires. ... Letter Lxix. To Oceanus. Thesaurus Brawler (3 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One that brawls; wrangler. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BRAWLER. ... Multi-Version Concordance Brawler (3 Occurrences). ... /b/brawler.htm - 8k Lover (55 Occurrences) Lucre (5 Occurrences) Filthy (22 Occurrences) Riotous (10 Occurrences) Reeleth (2 Occurrences) Erreth (5 Occurrences) Mocker (11 Occurrences) Patient (34 Occurrences) Bravest (2 Occurrences) Resources How should a Christian view alcoholics? What does the Bible say about drunkards? | GotQuestions.orgBrawler: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Brawler (3 Occurrences)1 Timothy 3:3 Titus 1:7 Proverbs 20:1 Subtopics Related Terms |