Why the Bible Teaches Us to Avoid Violence?
The Bible has many teachings on peace. God wants us to live peacefully with others. Violence only brings harm, and God calls us to avoid it. These scriptures guide us in living a life full of love, kindness, and gentleness. Let’s explore 40 Bible verses that speak against violence and encourage peaceful living.
40 Bible Verses Against Violence
1. Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
This verse tells us that God values peace. Those who make peace are called His children.
2. Romans 12:17-19
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath.”
God does not want us to repay violence with more violence. We should live in peace with everyone, leaving revenge to God.
3. Proverbs 3:31
“Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways.”
We should not follow the ways of violent people. God’s word calls us to avoid their behavior.
4. 1 Peter 3:9
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
This verse teaches us not to react with violence but to respond with kindness and blessings.
5. Isaiah 60:18
“No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders, but you will call your walls salvation and your gates praise.”
God promises a peaceful land where violence does not exist. We should strive for peace in our homes and communities.
6. Galatians 5:19-21
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Violence is one of the sins listed here, and God warns us to stay away from such behaviors.
7. Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Speaking kindly can stop anger and violence. Gentle words bring peace and calm.
8. Ephesians 4:31-32
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Anger and violence should be put away. Instead, we should be kind, forgiving, and compassionate like Christ.
9. Psalm 11:5
“The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion.”
God hates violence. He examines the hearts of the righteous, those who choose peace.
10. Matthew 26:52
“Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.”
Jesus teaches that violence only leads to more violence. It’s a cycle we should avoid.
11. John 18:36
“Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.’”
Jesus teaches that His kingdom is not about violence. We should not fight with others, but seek peace.
12. 2 Corinthians 10:4
“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.”
Our strength does not come from violence, but from God’s power. We must trust in His strength to overcome evil.
13. Micah 4:3
“He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.”
This prophecy shows a future where there is no war. God desires peace between nations and people.
14. Luke 6:27-28
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
We are called to love and bless even those who hate or harm us. Responding with kindness stops violence.
15. Proverbs 29:22
“An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.”
Anger leads to conflict and sin. Choosing calmness instead of anger helps prevent violence.
16. 1 John 3:15
“Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.”
This verse teaches us that hatred is as serious as violence. We must love our brothers and sisters instead of harboring hate.
17. Colossians 3:8
“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
We are urged to get rid of negative behaviors like anger and rage, which can lead to violence and harm.
18. Exodus 20:13
“You shall not murder.”
This is one of the Ten Commandments, reminding us that taking life through violence is a grave sin.
19. James 1:19-20
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
Anger can lead to violence, so we must be slow to anger and patient with others.
20. 2 Timothy 2:24-25
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.”
As followers of Christ, we should not engage in quarrels but approach others with kindness and patience.
21. Matthew 7:12
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
This verse teaches us the Golden Rule: treat others as you want to be treated, promoting peaceful and respectful relationships.
22. Romans 14:19
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
We are called to seek peace and work together for the building up of others.
23. Psalm 34:14
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
God encourages us to turn away from evil actions and actively pursue peace in all aspects of our lives.
24. Philippians 4:7
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
God’s peace is powerful and beyond understanding. It guards our hearts and minds, protecting us from violent thoughts and actions.
25. Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Jesus calls us to love even those who oppose or harm us. This response disarms violence and brings healing.
26. Luke 3:14
“Then some soldiers asked him, ‘And what should we do?’ He replied, ‘Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.’”
This passage shows that people in positions of power, like soldiers, should avoid using violence and oppression.
27. Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
Love is the opposite of violence. When we love others, we will not harm them.
28. Hebrews 12:14
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
God calls us to live in peace and holiness, striving for peaceful relationships with everyone.
29. Proverbs 16:32
“Better a patient person than a warrior, those with self-control than those who take a city.”
Patience and self-control are more valuable than violence or war. This teaches us that peaceful behavior is stronger than aggression.
30. Zechariah 9:10
“I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the war-horses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations.”
God desires peace for all nations, breaking down instruments of war and bringing peace through His power.
31. 1 Corinthians 10:24
“No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.”
Selfishness can lead to violence, but we should seek the good of others, promoting peace and harmony.
32. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
True love, as described here, is the opposite of violence. It is patient, kind, and protective.
33. Proverbs 12:20
“Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.”
Violence stems from evil plotting, but those who promote peace experience joy in their hearts.
34. Psalm 37:8
“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.”
Anger leads to evil actions, including violence. Choosing calmness over wrath is important for peaceful living.
35. Matthew 26:52
“Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.”
This passage encourages us to avoid violence, as it only brings destruction. Peaceful solutions are the way forward.
36. Psalm 73:6
“Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence.”
Violence often comes from pride. We should avoid prideful attitudes that lead to aggression and harm.
37. Micah 3:3
“Who eat the flesh of my people and strip off their skin, who break their bones and chop them up like meat for the pan, like flesh for the pot.”
Violence dehumanizes others, but God calls us to treat all people with dignity and respect, not with harm.
38. Isaiah 9:5
“Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.”
In God’s kingdom, war and violence will be eliminated. His peace will reign forever.
39. 1 Thessalonians 5:15
“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”
We should never repay violence with more violence. Instead, we are called to do good for others and promote peace.
40. Revelation 21:4
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
God promises a future with no violence, pain, or death. His peace will rule forever.
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FAQs on Bible Verses Against Violence
1. What does Matthew 5:9 teach about violence?
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
This verse encourages peaceful living and emphasizes that peacemakers, not those who use violence, are recognized as children of God.
2. What does Proverbs 3:31 say about violence?
“Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways.”
The Bible advises against admiring or adopting violent behaviors, suggesting that violence should not be a model for others to follow.
3. How does Romans 12:17-19 address the idea of responding to violence?
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
This passage teaches that we should respond to evil with good and strive for peace, even in difficult situations, rather than using violence.
4. What does Ephesians 4:31-32 say about anger and violence?
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
This verse encourages Christians to avoid anger and violence, promoting kindness, compassion, and forgiveness instead.
5. What is the message of James 1:19-20 regarding anger?
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of controlling anger, as uncontrolled anger leads to actions that are not aligned with God’s will.
Conclusion: Choose Peace Over Violence
The Bible is full of wisdom that calls us to avoid violence. God’s desire for us is to live in peace, kindness, and love. When we choose peace over violence, we align ourselves with God’s will. These 40 Bible verses against violence help us remember that violence brings harm, but peace brings healing. Let us strive to follow God’s teachings and live peacefully with all people.
Bible Verses Against Violence
