Fomenting, in a biblical context, refers to the act of instigating or stirring up trouble, discord, or rebellion. This concept is often associated with actions or attitudes that lead to division, strife, or conflict among individuals or groups. The Bible addresses the dangers and consequences of fomenting discord, emphasizing the importance of unity, peace, and harmony within the community of believers.

Biblical References and Context

1. Proverbs 6:16-19: This passage lists seven things that are detestable to the Lord, including "a heart that devises wicked schemes" and "a person who stirs up conflict in the community" . Fomenting discord is seen as an abomination, highlighting the severity with which God views such actions.

2. Proverbs 16:28: "A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip separates close friends" . This verse underscores the destructive power of words and actions that sow discord, warning against the behavior of those who incite division.

3. Galatians 5:19-21: The Apostle Paul lists the "acts of the flesh," which include "hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions" . These behaviors are contrary to the fruit of the Spirit and are indicative of a life not led by the Spirit.

4. James 3:14-16: James warns against harboring "bitter envy and selfish ambition" in one's heart, stating that such wisdom "does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic" . Fomenting strife is linked to disorder and every evil practice.

5. Romans 16:17-18: Paul advises the Roman church to "watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned" . He warns that such individuals serve their own appetites and deceive the hearts of the naive.

Theological Implications

Fomenting discord is fundamentally opposed to the biblical call for unity and peace among believers. The New Testament frequently emphasizes the importance of maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3). Believers are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) and to live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16).

The act of fomenting is often rooted in pride, selfish ambition, and a lack of love for others. It reflects a heart that is not aligned with the teachings of Christ, who prayed for the unity of His followers (John 17:21). The early church faced challenges of division and strife, and the apostles consistently addressed these issues, urging believers to pursue love, humility, and reconciliation.

Practical Considerations

In practical terms, Christians are encouraged to examine their own hearts and actions to ensure they are not contributing to discord within their communities. This involves being mindful of speech, avoiding gossip, and seeking to resolve conflicts in a manner that honors God. Church leaders are tasked with promoting unity and addressing any sources of division promptly and biblically.

Fomenting, as a concept, serves as a reminder of the destructive potential of unchecked sin within the body of Christ. It calls believers to a higher standard of conduct, one that reflects the love and unity that are central to the Christian faith.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Foment.

Synodical Letter of the Council of Gangra.
... They were found, moreover, fomenting separations from the houses of God and of the
Church; treating the Church and its members with disdain, and establishing ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/synodical letter of the council.htm

The Introduction.
... horrid head; the assiduity of Austin and his disciples in England, was attended
with melancholy consequences to Scotland, by fomenting divisions, corrupting ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the introduction.htm

The Reconnoitering of Greece.
... He made fomenting and emollient applications, which soothed the pain, subdued
the inflammation, and allayed the restlessness and the fever. ...
/.../abbott/darius the great/chapter vi the reconnoitering of.htm

To Pammachius against John of Jerusalem.
... Suppose we do, as you pretend, seek occasion, and that, under the pretext of zeal
for the faith, we are sowing strife, framing a schism, and fomenting quarrels ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/to pammachius against john of.htm

Upon the Love of Our Neighbour.
... because it can scarce be expected that the generality of men should see that those
things which are made the occasions of dissension and fomenting the party ...
//christianbookshelf.org/butler/human nature/sermon xii upon the love.htm

The Progress of Prelacy.
... "Some," said he, "who were reputed our pastors, contemning the law of piety, were,
under the excitement of mutual animosities, fomenting nothing else but ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter x the progress of.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... The general insurrection dreaded by Sargon, and which Eusas had for five years been
fomenting, had, despite all the efforts of the Assyrian government, at last ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

Introduction. Chapter i. --Life of S. Cyril.
... xxiii.: "The impartial Ammianus has ascribed this affected clemency to the desire
of fomenting the intestine divisions of the Church.". [57] Theodoret, HE iii. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction chapter i life of s.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... Athens was in danger of exhausting her resources in the performance of this ungrateful
task, unless she could succeed in fomenting some revolution in the vast ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8. <. ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

Fomenting (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Foment. Multi-Version Concordance
Fomenting (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 59:13 We have gone ...
/f/fomenting.htm - 6k

Fond (6 Occurrences)

/f/fond.htm - 8k

Folly (68 Occurrences)

/f/folly.htm - 39k

Fomenting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus