Causing offense can have serious consequences, as noted in Proverbs, where it is warned that a brother offended is harder to win back than a fortified city. The book of Proverbs also lists "sowing discord among brothers" as one of the seven detestable things to God, highlighting the importance of maintaining harmony. According to 1 Corinthians, believers are called to avoid giving offense to others, while Matthew's Gospel acknowledges that offenses will inevitably come, but warns against being the cause of them. By following these principles, Christians can promote unity and understanding.
Relevance Score
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An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city, and disputes are like the bars of a castle.
There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, a false witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up discord among brothers.
Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God—
Woe to the world for the causes of sin. These stumbling blocks must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them.