Snarling, as a term, is not directly mentioned in the Bible; however, the concept of aggressive or hostile speech can be found throughout the Scriptures. Snarling can be understood as a form of communication that is harsh, angry, or threatening, often associated with the behavior of wild animals. In a biblical context, it can be related to the broader themes of anger, malice, and the destructive power of the tongue.

Biblical Context

The Bible frequently addresses the power of words and the importance of controlling one's speech. In James 3:6-8 , the tongue is described as a "fire, a world of unrighteousness," capable of corrupting the whole body and setting the course of one's life on fire. This passage highlights the potential for speech to cause great harm, akin to the destructive nature of snarling.

Proverbs 15:1 offers wisdom on the matter, stating, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." This proverb contrasts gentle speech with harsh words, implying that snarling or aggressive speech can provoke further conflict and discord.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

From a moral and spiritual perspective, snarling can be seen as a manifestation of inner turmoil or sin. Ephesians 4:31 instructs believers to "get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice." This verse encourages Christians to rid themselves of negative emotions and behaviors, including those that might lead to snarling or hostile speech.

The teachings of Jesus also emphasize the importance of purity in speech. In Matthew 12:34-37 , Jesus warns that "out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks," and that individuals will be held accountable for every careless word they utter. This underscores the belief that snarling, as a form of harmful speech, reflects the condition of one's heart and can have spiritual consequences.

Practical Application

Believers are called to emulate Christ in their interactions with others, which includes speaking with kindness and love. Colossians 4:6 advises, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." This guidance encourages Christians to avoid snarling and instead engage in conversations that are edifying and respectful.

In dealing with situations that might provoke a snarling response, Christians are encouraged to practice self-control and patience, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23 , which lists the fruits of the Spirit, including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. By cultivating these virtues, believers can resist the temptation to respond with hostility and instead reflect the character of Christ in their speech.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Snarl.

2. (a. & n.) from Snarl.

5100. nehamah -- a growling, groaning
... snarling, roaring. Feminine of naham; snarling -- disquietness, roaring. see HEBREW
naham. 5099, 5100. nehamah. 5101 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/5100.htm - 6k

But Now, Since My Pleading Has Steered Its Course Out of These ...
... me. The first is that I am a scurrilous person, a detractor of every one;
that I am always snarling and biting at my predecessors. ...
/.../30 but now since my.htm

The Dove and the Lamb
... in the same chapter. It is the contrast of the snarling wolf with the gentle
dove! The Disposition of the Lamb. How clear, then, that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hession/the calvary road/chapter 5 the dove and.htm

Christian Unity.
... friendly with each other so long as no little bone comes in the way"some little
money matter"and then there is no end to the snarling and snapping and ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/xxxvii christian unity.htm

In Danger of Death
... "In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost!" he cried aloud. Instantly the huge,
snarling dog fell to the floor with a thud as if struck by a sword. ...
/.../chapter viii in danger of.htm

The Exile --Continued.
... ways in the story, the rough mirth of the shearers, the hint of the kind of black
mail by which David's little force was provided, the snarling humour and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/viii the exilecontinued.htm

The Heir Intervenes
... heir. Amon-meses and Siptah, snarling and malevolent, had left the court
abruptly on the morning of its departure for Tanis. The ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxvii the heir intervenes.htm

Preface to the Book of Hebrew Questions.
... It is not my purpose, as snarling ill-will pretends, to convict the LXX. of error,
nor do I look upon my own labour as a disparagement of theirs. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/preface to the book of.htm

Whether Strife is Always a Sin?
... x) that the word "rixosus [quarrelsome] is derived from the snarling [rictu] of
a dog, because the quarrelsome man is ever ready to contradict; he delights in ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether strife is always a.htm

On the Glory of Martyrdom.
... the increase of its glory, when the terror of the populace that howls around is
giving to suffering, fearless minds, and by the threats of snarling hatred is ...
/.../on the glory of martyrdom.htm

St. Justin Martyr (Ad 166)
... new laws against the Christians came out, one Crescens, a philosopher of the kind
called "Cynics", or "doggish" (on account of their snarling, currish ways ...
/.../chapter iii st justin martyr.htm

Snarling (5 Occurrences)
...Snarling (5 Occurrences). Galatians 5:15 But if you are perpetually snarling and
snapping at one another, beware lest you are destroyed by one another. (WEY). ...
/s/snarling.htm - 7k

Snatch (14 Occurrences)

/s/snatch.htm - 10k

Perpetually (10 Occurrences)
... (DBY YLT). Galatians 5:15 But if you are perpetually snarling and snapping at one
another, beware lest you are destroyed by one another. (WEY). ...
/p/perpetually.htm - 13k

Beware (51 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Galatians 5:15 But if you are perpetually snarling and snapping at one
another, beware lest you are destroyed by one another. (WEY). ...
/b/beware.htm - 21k

Belch (1 Occurrence)
... The imprecations of his enemies are like the snarling, howling, barking of dogs
which in an eastern city makes the night hideous with the noise, and is ...
/b/belch.htm - 7k

Snarlest (1 Occurrence)

/s/snarlest.htm - 6k

Snapping (1 Occurrence)
... Snapping (1 Occurrence). Galatians 5:15 But if you are perpetually snarling and
snapping at one another, beware lest you are destroyed by one another. (WEY). ...
/s/snapping.htm - 6k

Destroyed (377 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV WBS NAS NIV). Galatians 5:15 But if you are perpetually snarling and
snapping at one another, beware lest you are destroyed by one another. ...
/d/destroyed.htm - 37k

Lest (282 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT). Galatians 5:15 But if you are perpetually snarling and snapping
at one another, beware lest you are destroyed by one another. (WEY). ...
/l/lest.htm - 37k

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