What does the Bible say about discord?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible condemns discord that springs from sinful hearts and calls God’s people to pursue truth, peace, repentance, and loving unity. Proverbs 6:16-19 especially names sowing strife among brothers as hateful to the Lord, while Galatians 5:19-21 places hostility, quarreling, jealousy, and dissension among the works of the flesh. Believers must guard the church from divisive teaching and conduct, as Romans 16:17 teaches, yet respond to enemies without revenge, overcoming evil with good (Romans 12:17-21). Ephesians 4:1-3 calls Christians to humility, patience, and eager preservation of the Spirit’s unity. Because harmful words arise from the heart, Christ calls us to confession, truthful speech, and reconciliation.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Proverbs 6:16-19
[16] There are six things which Yahweh hates; Yes, seven which are an abomination to him: [17] Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood; [18] A heart that devises wicked schemes, Feet that are swift in running to mischief, [19] A false witness who utters lies, And he who sows discord among brothers.
- Romans 16:17
Now I beg you, brothers, look out for those who are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them.
- Galatians 5:19-21
[19] Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, [20] idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, [21] envyings, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
- Ephesians 4:1-3
[1] I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk worthily of the calling with which you were called, [2] with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love; [3] being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
- Romans 12:17-21
[17] Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. [18] If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. [19] Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord." [20] Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head." [21] Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
- Proverbs 6:19
A false witness who utters lies, And he who sows discord among brothers.
- Matthew 15:18-20
[18] But the things which proceed out of the mouth come out of the heart, and they defile the man. [19] For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual sins, thefts, false testimony, and blasphemies. [20] These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands doesn't defile the man."
- Exodus 20:16
"You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
- Romans 13:9
For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not give false testimony," "You shall not covet," and whatever other commandments there are, are all summed up in this saying, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
- James 5:16
Confess your offenses to one another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effective, earnest prayer of a righteous man is powerfully effective.
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