Today we will talk about Bible verses about violence, KJV. Violence is a heavy topic that can bring up many emotions and thoughts. As believers, we sometimes struggle to understand how to balance justice, peace, and our responses to violence in the world around us. But, by turning to the scriptures, we can find wisdom, guidance, and encouragement on how to approach this subject. The Bible offers us clarity on God’s perspective regarding violence and provides us with principles that promote peace, understanding, and ultimately, love. So, let’s embark on this journey together and meditate on God’s Word to gain insights that will shape our hearts and minds.
Bible Verses About Violence KJV
The Nature of Violence
In exploring the nature of violence, we begin to understand that it stems from deeper issues within humanity. As we look through the lens of the Bible, we see that violence can be a product of anger, jealousy, and strife. When we witness violence in our communities, let us not just catalog it as a social concern but pause and reflect on the underlying causes. This introspection is vital for fostering discussions around peace and reconciliation. By recognizing the nature of violence, we can work toward creating solutions rooted in love and respect for one another.
Genesis 6:11
“The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.” – Genesis 6:11
Matthew 5:21-22
“Ye have heard that it was said of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment. But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.” – Matthew 5:21-22
Proverbs 3:31
“Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.” – Proverbs 3:31
Proverbs 13:2
“A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.” – Proverbs 13:2
Jeremiah 22:3
“Thus saith the Lord; Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor; and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place.” – Jeremiah 22:3
God’s Protection Against Violence
Understanding God’s protection against violence reassures us that we are not alone in times of trouble. When faced with violence, we can seek solace in the promise that God stands beside us and provides refuge in our hour of need. The Bible teaches us about God’s desire for us to find strength and safety in Him. Through prayer and seeking God’s presence, we can feel fortified against the onslaught of fear and turmoil that violence often brings into our lives.
Psalms 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” – Psalms 46:1
Psalms 91:15
“He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him.” – Psalms 91:15
Isaiah 54:17
“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.” – Isaiah 54:17
Psalms 37:39
“But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble.” – Psalms 37:39
Proverbs 18:10
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” – Proverbs 18:10
God’s Call to Peacefulness
As we acknowledge the troubling reality of violence, we are reminded of God’s call to peace. The scriptures encourage us to embrace a lifestyle that prioritizes peace and understanding over discord and conflict. We are challenged to be peacemakers in our families, communities, and beyond. God desires for us to be conduits of His love, advancing peace and reconciliation in a world that often seems divided by strife. By shifting our focus from violence to peaceful intentions, we act in harmony with God’s will.
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
Romans 12:18
“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” – Romans 12:18
Psalms 34:14
“Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” – Psalms 34:14
1 Peter 3:11
“Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.” – 1 Peter 3:11
Colossians 3:15
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” – Colossians 3:15
Response to Violence
Responding to violence is a sensitive and nuanced issue. We all experience moments when emotions run high, and the instinct to react can be overwhelming. However, the Bible teaches us to respond with wisdom and love rather than retaliatory aggression. When we face violence, our first response should be to seek understanding, reconciliation, and forgiveness, mirroring the love God has for us. This type of response can be revolutionary and often breaks the cycles of violence that ensnare individuals and communities.
Matthew 5:39
“But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” – Matthew 5:39
Luke 6:27
“But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you.” – Luke 6:27
Romans 12:21
“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21
Ephesians 4:31-32
“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:31-32
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” – Matthew 6:14-15
Justice and Accountability
Justice and accountability are essential themes that run deeply through the Bible. When violence occurs, it should not go unnoticed or unaddressed. God’s Word emphasizes that it is vital to hold those accountable for their actions while also emphasizing grace and redemption. As we reflect on violence in our society, we must advocate for justice, showing love to both the victim and the offender. This balance can lead to healing and restoration, which God calls us to pursue.
Deuteronomy 19:19
“Then shall ye do unto him, as he had thought to have done unto his brother: so shalt thou put the evil away from among you.” – Deuteronomy 19:19
Proverbs 21:15
“It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.” – Proverbs 21:15
Isaiah 1:17
“Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” – Isaiah 1:17
Micah 6:8
“He hath shown thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” – Micah 6:8
Lamentations 3:34
“To crush under his feet all the prisoners of the earth, to turn aside the right of a man before the face of the most High, to subvert a man in his cause, the Lord approveth not.” – Lamentations 3:34
Forgiveness in the Face of Violence
Forgiveness is a powerful theme that transforms pain and hurt into hope and healing. When faced with violence, the idea of forgiveness can be daunting. However, the Bible calls us to embrace forgiveness as a way to release the bitterness and anger that can hold us captive. Forgiveness does not mean condoning the act or ignoring the pain; instead, it’s a commitment to prioritize healing and peace in our hearts. By choosing forgiveness, we reflect the love of Christ and invite others to experience restoration.
Colossians 3:13
“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” – Colossians 3:13
Mark 11:25
“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” – Mark 11:25
Ephesians 4:32
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Matthew 18:21-22
“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” – Matthew 18:21-22
Luke 23:34
“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” – Luke 23:34
The Importance of Restraint
Restraint is a quality that goes hand-in-hand with wisdom. In moments of conflict or violence, our natural instinct may be to retaliate or respond aggressively. However, the absence of restraint can lead us to dangerous choices that result further in harm. The Bible encourages us to exercise self-control, allowing peace and wisdom to guide our actions. In practicing restraint, we unleash the power of love to diffuse anger and create a space for healing and understanding rather than escalating the violence.
Proverbs 15:1
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
Proverbs 29:11
“A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.” – Proverbs 29:11
James 1:19
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” – James 1:19
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23
Proverbs 16:32
“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.” – Proverbs 16:32
Hope and Redemption Following Violence
Even in the aftermath of violence, the Bible reminds us that hope and redemption can emerge from devastation. God is in the business of restoration, and He invites us to trust Him as He rebuilds lives and communities fractured by violence. By embracing the hope He offers, we can work toward creating a brighter future filled with peace and healing rather than despair and division. Our faith calls us to actively participate in the journey of healing for ourselves and others, knowing that profound beauty can arise from the ashes of violence.
Acts 3:19
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” – Acts 3:19
Isaiah 61:3
“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.” – Isaiah 61:3
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Psalms 30:5
“For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favor is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” – Psalms 30:5
Romans 8:28
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on these Bible verses about violence, we gain deeper insights into God’s desires for peace and reconciliation. It is essential for us to approach violence with understanding, seeking to address the root causes while promoting justice and forgiveness. Through God’s protection, we find a refuge and strength to overcome the challenges we face. By embodying restraint, advocating for peace, and nurturing the spirit of forgiveness, we have the potential to be instruments of healing. Let our hearts be open to the transformative power of hope and redemption as we guide ourselves and others on the path to a more peaceful existence.
In our journey together, let’s remember that even in the darkness of violence, God’s light shines brightly. He calls us to be peacemakers, to share His love, and to work toward a future where harmony reigns. By applying these principles in our lives, we can contribute to a world that reflects the values He holds dear. So, let’s continue to seek God’s guidance and strength as we navigate the complexities surrounding violence, ensuring our hearts remain aligned with His will.
With faith, love, and the shared responsibility of upholding peace, we can build a brighter tomorrow for ourselves and generations to come.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
