Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, "strife" often refers to conflict, contention, or discord among individuals or groups. The Scriptures provide numerous admonitions against engaging in strife, particularly through the misuse of the tongue. For the saints, or believers, there is a divine calling to be kept from the destructive power of the tongue, which can be a source of strife.Biblical Warnings Against Strife The Bible frequently warns against the dangers of strife and the role of the tongue in fostering it. Proverbs 18:21 states, "Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." This verse underscores the significant impact words can have, either promoting life and peace or causing death and discord. James 3:5-6 further elaborates on the potential for the tongue to incite strife: "In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell." Here, the tongue is depicted as a powerful force capable of great harm, emphasizing the need for control and restraint. Saints' Call to Avoid Strife Believers are called to a higher standard, one that involves avoiding strife and the misuse of the tongue. Ephesians 4:29 instructs, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." This directive encourages speech that edifies and promotes peace rather than strife. Moreover, 2 Timothy 2:24 advises, "And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing." This passage highlights the importance of patience and kindness, virtues that help prevent strife and promote harmony among believers. Divine Protection from Strife The Scriptures also affirm that God provides protection for His saints from the tongues of strife. Psalm 31:20 declares, "You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the schemes of men. You conceal them in Your shelter from accusing tongues." This verse offers assurance that God shields His people from the harmful effects of malicious speech and strife. Additionally, Psalm 34:13-14 exhorts believers to actively pursue peace: "Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech. Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." This call to action emphasizes the responsibility of the saints to seek peace and avoid the pitfalls of strife. Conclusion The biblical teachings on strife and the tongue serve as a reminder of the power of words and the responsibility of believers to use their speech wisely. By adhering to these principles, saints can be kept from the tongues of strife and live in a manner that reflects the peace and love of Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 31:20You shall hide them in the secret of your presence from the pride of man: you shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Beatific vision. "But if Ye have Bitter Envying and Strife in Your Hearts, Glory ... On the Exaltation of the Holy Cross We Shall not be Curious in the Ranking of the Duties in which ... The Church of God. God's Law Immutable. Hymns of Hope and Consolation. God's Law Immutable The Apocalypse of the Holy Mother of God Concerning the ... Commendation for the Steadfast Resources What is the pride of life? | GotQuestions.orgWhy will the nations need healing in the New Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org What is the New World Order? | GotQuestions.org Strife: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Strife: An Evidence of a Carnal Spirit Strife: Appeased by Slowness to Anger Strife: Between Abraham and Lot's Herdsmen Strife: Christ, an Example of Avoiding Strife: Christians at Antioch (In Syria), About Circumcision Strife: Danger of Joining In--Illustrated Strife: Difficulty of Stopping, a Reason for Avoiding It Strife: Disciples, Over Who Could be the Greatest Strife: Evidences a Love of Transgression Strife: Excited by a Contentious Disposition Strife: Excited by Curious Questions Strife: Excited by Drunkenness Strife: Excited by Frowardness Strife: Excited by Tale-Bearing Strife: General Scriptures Concerning Strife: Herdmen of Abram and of Lot Strife: Herdmen of Gerar and of Isaac Strife: Hypocrites Make Religion a Pretence For Strife: Isaac's and Those of Gerar Strife: Israel and Judah, About David Strife: It is Honorable to Cease From Strife: Jephthah and his Brothers Strife: Jephthah and the Ephraimites Strife: Jews, Concerning Jesus Strife: Leads to Confusion and Every Evil Work Strife: Leads to Mutual Destruction Strife: Ministers should Avoid Strife: Ministers should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Ministers should not Preach Through Strife: Ministers should Reprove Strife: Ministers should Warn Against Strife: Paul and Barnabas, About Mark Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees, Concerning the General Resurrection Strife: Promoters of, should be Expelled Strife: Saints Kept from Tongues of Strife: Saints should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Saints should do all Things Without Strife: Saints should not Act From Strife: Saints should not Walk In Strife: Saints should Praise God for Protection From Strife: Saints should Seek God's Protection From Strife: Saints should Submit to Wrong Rather than Engage In Strife: Strength and Violence of--Illustrated Strife: Temporal Blessing Embittered By Strife: The Corinthian Christians Related Terms |