Strife is a concept that is often discussed in both secular and spiritual contexts, but its biblical meaning carries profound implications for believers and their relationship with God and others. In the Bible, strife typically refers to conflict, struggle, or contention, both within individuals and between groups or nations. However, its meanings and the ways in which it is addressed throughout scripture are multifaceted. Understanding the biblical view of strife can help followers of Christ reflect on their personal relationships, resolve conflicts, and cultivate peace in their spiritual lives. This article will explore 21 in-depth biblical meanings of strife, providing scriptural references and real-world applications to help deepen your understanding.
Table of Contents
1. Conflict Between Individuals
Strife is often used to describe personal conflict between individuals, leading to division and discord. These personal disputes can arise from misunderstandings, jealousy, or unresolved tensions. The Bible speaks to the importance of reconciling these differences to maintain peace and unity.
Scripture: Proverbs 17:14
“The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.”
This verse highlights how even small disagreements can escalate if not addressed early, encouraging believers to avoid strife and seek peaceful resolutions before issues grow.
2. Disagreement Between Nations
In the Bible, strife is also depicted as conflict between nations, often leading to war or other forms of severe disagreement. These conflicts are frequently seen as results of pride, greed, or sin, and the Bible emphasizes the role of God in guiding nations toward peace.
Scripture: Isaiah 2:4
“He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.”
This verse offers a vision of ultimate peace where strife between nations is eradicated, showing the biblical hope for divine intervention to end global conflict.
3. Strife as a Result of Sin
Strife is frequently linked to sin in the Bible. Human selfishness, pride, and the failure to love one’s neighbor often lead to conflict. In this way, strife serves as a warning of the destructive effects of sin in relationships.
Scripture: James 4:1-2
“What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel.”
This passage underscores that internal struggles and sinful desires often lead to external conflict, calling for a self-examination of one’s heart to prevent strife.
4. Strife in the Family
Strife can also appear in familial settings, where disputes between family members disrupt unity and harmony. The Bible stresses the importance of maintaining love, respect, and unity within the family unit, as these relationships reflect God’s love.
Scripture: Colossians 3:19
“Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.”
This verse calls for husbands to avoid strife within marriage by treating their wives with love and care, emphasizing the need for peace in the home.
5. Strife as a Test of Faith
At times, strife is seen as a test of faith, where believers face difficult circumstances that challenge their trust in God. These trials can either draw individuals closer to God or lead them away from Him.
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:6-7
“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
This passage speaks to the role of strife and trials in refining a believer’s faith, suggesting that such challenges can strengthen one’s relationship with God.
6. Strife as a Test of Character
Strife often reveals the true nature of an individual’s character. How someone responds to conflict—whether with patience, wisdom, or anger—can reflect their spiritual maturity and relationship with God.
Scripture: Proverbs 15:18
“A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.”
This verse highlights the importance of self-control and patience in resolving conflicts, showing that a calm demeanor can prevent strife.
7. Strife Between the Righteous and the Wicked
The Bible describes strife as an ongoing battle between the righteous and the wicked. Those who follow God’s commands often face opposition and conflict from those who reject Him, leading to tension and strife.
Scripture: Psalms 37:1-2
“Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb.”
This passage reminds believers not to be troubled by the strife caused by evil people, as God will ultimately bring justice.
8. Strife as a Distraction from God’s Peace
Engaging in unnecessary conflict can serve as a distraction from the peace that God offers. Strife can pull believers away from God’s will, creating unnecessary turmoil and preventing spiritual growth.
Scripture: Philippians 4:7
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
This verse contrasts the peace God gives with the turmoil of strife, urging believers to focus on God’s peace instead of engaging in conflict.
9. Strife as a Consequence of Ignorance
Strife often arises because of a lack of understanding, whether of God’s Word or of each other’s perspectives. When people fail to communicate or fail to understand one another, strife can quickly follow.
Scripture: Hosea 4:6
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me.”
Here, God laments the ignorance of His people, which leads to destruction and strife. This highlights the importance of seeking wisdom and knowledge to prevent unnecessary conflict.
10. Strife as a Tool of the Enemy
The Bible frequently portrays strife as a tool used by the enemy, Satan, to create division and disorder. Satan’s goal is to sow discord among believers, weakening their unity and distracting them from their mission.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:11
“So that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.”
This verse warns believers to be vigilant against Satan’s schemes, which may include sowing strife to disrupt unity in the Church.
11. Strife in the Church
Strife can also arise within the Church, dividing congregations and causing disharmony among believers. Paul frequently addresses this issue in his letters, urging believers to avoid division and to work together for the sake of the gospel.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:10
“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”
Paul emphasizes unity in the Church, urging believers to avoid strife and to maintain harmony in their relationships with one another.
12. Strife as a Result of Pride
Strife is often fueled by pride, as individuals assert their own importance over others. The Bible teaches that pride leads to contention, and humility is the key to avoiding such strife.
Scripture: Proverbs 13:10
“By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.”
This verse connects pride (insolence) with strife, urging believers to be humble and seek wisdom rather than pushing their own agenda.
13. Strife and Selfish Ambition
Selfish ambition is another source of strife in the Bible. When individuals or groups act out of selfish motives, they often create conflict with others. The Bible calls for selflessness and cooperation to prevent such strife.
Scripture: Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
This passage highlights how selfish motives create strife and emphasizes the importance of humility and selflessness in maintaining peace.
14. Strife as a Hindrance to Spiritual Growth
Engaging in strife can hinder spiritual growth, as conflict consumes energy and attention that could otherwise be spent on developing one’s relationship with God. The Bible calls believers to focus on spiritual maturity and peace.
Scripture: Romans 12:18
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
This verse encourages believers to pursue peace as a priority, avoiding strife that might hinder their spiritual growth.
15. Strife and Disobedience to God’s Word
Strife can result from disobedience to God’s commands. When individuals or groups fail to live according to God’s Word, it leads to conflict, disunity, and separation from God’s peace.
Scripture: 1 John 1:6
“If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.”
This verse reminds believers that walking in disobedience causes separation from God, often manifesting as strife in relationships.
16. Strife and Unforgiveness
Strife often stems from unresolved anger or unforgiveness. When individuals hold grudges, conflict arises, which disrupts peace and hinders spiritual growth. The Bible urges believers to forgive as they have been forgiven by God.
Scripture: Ephesians 4:31-32
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
This passage teaches that forgiveness is the key to ending strife and maintaining peace.
17. Strife and Lack of Trust in God
Strife can also result from a lack of trust in God. When people fail to trust in God’s sovereignty, they often engage in unnecessary conflict to control situations. The Bible calls believers to trust in God’s providence and peace.
Scripture: Isaiah 26:3
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
This verse underscores that trust in God brings peace, preventing the strife that arises from anxiety and distrust.
18. Strife and the Need for Discipline
Sometimes strife is a result of a lack of discipline in one’s life. The Bible encourages self-control and discipline as tools for avoiding conflict and maintaining peace.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:27
“But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”
This verse reflects how discipline in one’s life, particularly in controlling emotions, can help avoid strife.
19. Strife and the Role of Wisdom
Wisdom plays a crucial role in resolving strife. The Bible encourages believers to seek wisdom from God to handle conflicts and disputes with grace and understanding.
Scripture: James 3:17
“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”
This verse describes how God’s wisdom promotes peace and prevents strife, urging believers to seek divine wisdom in their relationships.
20. Strife as a Call to Reconciliation
Strife often signals the need for reconciliation. The Bible encourages believers to pursue peace and reconciliation, particularly in relationships that have been damaged by conflict.
Scripture: Matthew 5:23-24
“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
This passage underscores the importance of reconciliation in resolving strife and maintaining harmony with others.
21. Strife and the Final Victory of Peace
Ultimately, the Bible assures believers that strife will end, and peace will reign when God’s kingdom is fully realized. The final victory over strife is part of God’s promise of eternal peace.
Scripture: Revelation 21:4
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
This verse provides hope that strife and suffering will be eradicated in the new heaven and new earth, where God’s peace will reign forever.
Conclusion
Throughout the Bible, strife is presented in various forms—personal, familial, national, and spiritual. The recurring theme is that strife arises from sin, selfishness, and disobedience, and that peace is a central goal for believers. Understanding the biblical meanings of strife encourages us to seek reconciliation, practice forgiveness, and trust in God’s sovereignty over our lives and the world. These insights offer a strong foundation for reflecting on how we handle conflict in our own lives and how we can work toward peaceful relationships. To deepen your understanding of strife and peace in the Bible, continued study of related scriptures and themes such as reconciliation, forgiveness, and the character of God will offer further insight into living a life that reflects His peace.
