Topical Encyclopedia Strife, a term denoting conflict, discord, or contention, is a recurring theme in the Bible, often illustrating the destructive impact it has on relationships and communities. While temporal blessings such as wealth, power, and status are gifts from God, strife can embitter these blessings, turning them into sources of division and turmoil.The Bible provides numerous examples where strife arises from the pursuit or possession of temporal blessings. In Genesis 13:7-8, the herdsmen of Abram and Lot quarreled due to the abundance of their possessions, which the land could not support. Abram, seeking peace, proposed a separation to prevent further conflict: "So Abram said to Lot, 'Please let there be no strife between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are brothers.'" (Genesis 13:8). This passage highlights how material wealth, though a blessing, can lead to strife if not managed with wisdom and humility. In the narrative of Jacob and Esau, strife is evident as a result of the blessing of birthright and inheritance. Jacob's deceit in obtaining Esau's blessing led to a deep-seated enmity between the brothers (Genesis 27:41). The temporal blessing of the birthright, intended to be a source of honor and responsibility, became a catalyst for familial discord and separation. The New Testament also addresses the issue of strife in the context of temporal blessings. In James 4:1-2, the apostle James identifies the root of strife as the desires that battle within individuals: "What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you? You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight." (James 4:1-2). Here, the pursuit of worldly desires and blessings leads to strife, highlighting the need for spiritual contentment and reliance on God's provision. Proverbs offers wisdom on avoiding strife, emphasizing the value of peace over material gain. Proverbs 17:1 states, "Better a dry morsel with quietness than a house full of feasting with strife." . This proverb underscores the principle that peace and harmony are more valuable than abundant possessions accompanied by conflict. The apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently admonishes believers to avoid strife and pursue unity. In Philippians 2:3, he writes, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves." . Paul’s exhortation reflects the Christian ideal of selflessness and humility as antidotes to strife, encouraging believers to prioritize spiritual blessings over temporal ones. In summary, while temporal blessings are gifts from God, they can become sources of strife if not approached with a heart of gratitude, humility, and a focus on eternal values. The Bible consistently calls believers to seek peace, pursue unity, and prioritize spiritual over material wealth, recognizing that true contentment and blessing come from a life aligned with God's will. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 17:1Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Sunday after Ascension Day Significant Phrases Justinian. Memoir of John Bunyan Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ... Resources What does the Bible say about strife? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit (Philippians 2:3)? | GotQuestions.org Who was Jacob in the Bible? | 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 |
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