What does the Bible say about diplomacy?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible commends diplomacy that seeks peace, speaks truth wisely, and trusts God rather than using compromise or deceit to secure safety. Abraham made a covenant with Abimelech in Genesis 21:22-23, and Isaac likewise pursued peaceful settlement in Genesis 26:26-31. Yet Joshua 9:3-16 warns that agreements require discernment and prayer, since Israel was deceived when it did not seek the Lord’s counsel. Jephthah reasoned carefully with Ammon in Judges 11:12-28, while Abigail’s humble appeal in 1 Samuel 25:23-31 turned David from sinful vengeance. Paul modeled missionary wisdom in 1 Corinthians 9:20-23, adapting his manner for others’ good without changing the gospel.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- General scriptures concerning 1 Corinthians 9:20-23
- See TACT
- INSTANCES OF
- Of Abimelech Genesis 21:22; Genesis 21:23; Genesis 26:26-31
- The Gibeonites, in securing a treaty with the Israelites through deception Joshua 9:3-16
- Of Jephthah, with the king of Moab, unsuccessful Judges 11:12-28
- Of Abigail 1 Samuel 25:23-31
- Of Hiram, to secure the good will of David 2 Samuel 5:11
- Of Toi, to promote the friendship of David 2 Samuel 8:10
- David, in sending Hushai Absalom’s court 2 Samuel 15:32-37; 2 Samuel 16:15-19; 2 Samuel 17:1-14
- The wise woman of Abel 2 Samuel 20:16-22
- Absalom winning the people 2 Samuel 15:2-6
- Solomon, in his alliance with Hiram 1 Kings 5:1-12; 1 Kings 9:10-14; 1 Kings 9:26; 1 Kings 9:27; 1 Kings 10:11
- By intermarriage with other nations 1 Kings 1:1-5
- Ambassadors from Ben-hadad to Ahab 1 Kings 20:31-34
- Jehoash purchases peace from Hazael 2 Kings 12:18
- Ahaz purchases assistance from the king of Assyria 2 Kings 16:7-9
- Rab-shakeh, in trying to induce Jerusalem to capitulate by bombastic harangue 2 Kings 18:17-37; 2 Kings 19:1-13; Isaiah 36:11-22
- Sanballat, in prevent the rebuilding of Jerusalem by Nehemiah Nehemiah 6
- The people of Tyre and Sidon, in securing the favor of Herod (Agrippa I) Acts 12:20-22
- Paul, in arraying the Pharisees and Sadducees against each other at his trial Acts 23:6-10
- Paul, in circumcising Timothy Acts 16:3
- Paul, in performing certain temple services to placate Jewish believers Acts 21:20-25; Galatians 6:12
- Corrupt practices in: The officers of Nebuchadnezzars court to secure the destruc- tion of Daniel Daniel 6:4-15
See also
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