The Bible addresses violence in various contexts, condemning it as a destructive force that contradicts God's desire for human flourishing. In Psalms and Proverbs, the wickedness of violence is denounced, with the latter warning against envying the violent. Jesus' teaching in Matthew's Gospel emphasizes the importance of non-retaliation and peaceful response to aggression, as seen in His instruction to turn the other cheek. Isaiah envisions a future where violence is banished, and God's people live in peace, while Matthew records Jesus' own refusal to resort to violence, even when threatened.
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The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked; His soul hates the lover of violence.
“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Are you not aware that I can call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?”
No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders. But you will name your walls Salvation and your gates Praise.
You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also;
to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.
For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.
not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money.
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge His people.”