Brutality goes against the kindness and love that God desires for humanity. The Bible warns us against violence and calls for peace. Today, we’ll examine how scripture addresses the issue of brutality.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Brown
What Does The Bible Say About Brutality
Psalms 10:17-18
“You, LORD, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror.”
This verse reminds us that God is the defender of the afflicted and oppressed. He hears their cry and will bring justice, ensuring that brutality will be abolished and those who inflict terror will be held accountable.
In a world filled with brutality, this verse provides comfort and hope, assuring us that God is actively involved in upholding justice and protecting the vulnerable.
Isaiah 59:15-16
“Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey. The LORD looked and was displeased that there was no justice. He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm achieved salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him.”
This verse depicts a society devoid of truth and justice, where evil prevails and the righteous become targets. However, it also shows that God is deeply disturbed by this state of affairs and takes action to provide salvation and righteousness.
Even in the face of brutality, we can trust in God’s intervention and ultimate triumph over evil. He is the source of justice and will bring about a day when brutality will be eradicated.
Proverbs 21:7
“The violence of the wicked will drag them away, for they refuse to do what is right.”
This verse highlights the consequences that await the wicked who perpetrate violence. Their refusal to do what is right leads to their downfall and eventual punishment.
It serves as a cautionary reminder that brutality ultimately leads to destruction. Those who choose the path of violence will not escape the repercussions of their actions.
Proverbs 11:17
“Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.”
This verse emphasizes the power of kindness and warns against the destructive nature of cruelty. Choosing to be kind not only blesses others but also brings benefit to oneself.
In contrast, brutality and cruelty only result in personal ruin. It is a reminder to prioritize compassion and empathy in our interactions with others.
Psalms 34:17-18
“The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
In the face of brutality, the righteous can take solace in knowing that God hears their cries and delivers them from their troubles. He is intimately close to those who are brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
These verses assure us that even in the darkest moments, God is present and provides comfort and deliverance for those affected by brutality.
Jeremiah 22:3
“This is what the LORD says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.”
God’s commandments are clear in this verse. He calls for justice, compassion, and the protection of the vulnerable. It is a directive to actively oppose and resist brutality in all its forms.
This verse reminds us of our responsibility to stand up against injustice and work towards a world where brutality is eradicated.
Ezekiel 45:9
“This is what the Sovereign LORD says: You have gone far enough, princes of Israel! Give up your violence and oppression and do what is just and right. Stop dispossessing my people, declares the Sovereign LORD.”
In this verse, God confronts the leaders who perpetrate violence and oppression. He calls for an end to their wicked ways and demands that justice and righteousness prevail.
It serves as a reminder that those in positions of power must use their authority to protect and uphold the rights of the people, rather than promoting or enabling brutality.
Proverbs 3:31-32
“Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways. For the LORD detests the perverse but takes the upright into his confidence.”
Envy and admiration of the violent is strongly discouraged in this verse. God detests the perverse actions of the brutal, but He extends His confidence and favor to the upright.
This verse reminds us of the importance of aligning ourselves with righteousness and rejecting the ways of brutality. God’s approval and guidance are found in choosing a path of integrity.
Matthew 5:38-39
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”
Jesus challenges the prevailing notion of retaliation and teaches a radical response to brutality. Instead of seeking vengeance, He calls for non-resistance and turning the other cheek.
This verse prompts us to break the cycle of violence and respond with love and forgiveness. It provides a counter-cultural approach to dealing with brutality.
Isaiah 1:17
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
In this verse, God instructs us to actively pursue justice and defend the oppressed. It is a call to action against brutality and to champion the cause of the vulnerable.
We are reminded of our duty to stand up for those who suffer under the weight of brutality and work towards a society where justice prevails.
James 1:27
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
This verse highlights the importance of extending care and compassion to those affected by brutality. True religion, according to God, involves looking after orphans, widows, and all who suffer.
It serves as a reminder that our faith should lead us to actively combat brutality and offer support and love to those who have been victimized.
Proverbs 22:22-23
“Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the LORD will take up their case and will exact life for life.”
This verse warns against exploiting the poor and crushing the needy in legal settings. God promises to act as their defender and bring justice, holding the oppressors accountable.
It serves as a reminder that brutality towards the vulnerable will not go unnoticed or unpunished. God stands on the side of the oppressed and will ensure justice prevails.
Deuteronomy 16:20
“Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you.”
God’s charge to the Israelites in this verse is clear: pursue justice exclusively. By doing so, they will experience life and the blessings of the land God is providing.
It reminds us that the eradication of brutality begins with a commitment to justice and righteousness in our personal lives and in society as a whole.
Proverbs 28:5
“Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.”
This verse highlights the contrast between evildoers who engage in brutality and those who seek the Lord. The latter possess a deep understanding of what is right and just.
It serves as a reminder that seeking God’s wisdom and guidance enables us to discern between right and wrong, equipping us to combat brutality and promote justice.
Proverbs 14:31
“Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”
This verse underscores the connection between how we treat the poor and our relationship with God. Oppressing the poor is considered contemptuous towards their Maker, while kindness towards the needy is an act of honoring God.
It brings to light the spiritual implications of brutality and compels us to align our actions with God’s heart for justice and compassion.
Romans 12:21
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
This verse encourages us not to succumb to the influence of evil, including brutality and violence. Instead, we are called to respond with goodness and love, triumphing over evil.
It offers a powerful reminder that our response to brutality should mirror the character of Christ, who conquered evil through His sacrificial love.
Proverbs 25:21-22
“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.”
This verse presents a challenging response to brutality by instructing us to show kindness even to our enemies. By doing so, we prompt feelings of conviction and potentially lead them to transformation.
It reminds us that responding to brutality with love and compassion can have a profound impact and aligns us with God’s heart for redemption.
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
This verse speaks directly to those who actively work towards peace. Peacemakers are blessed and identified as children of God, reflecting His nature and character.
It serves as an encouragement for us to be agents of peace in a world plagued by brutality, striving to heal and reconcile rather than perpetuate violence.
Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
This verse provides a concise summary of God’s requirements for His people. We are called to act justly, love mercy, and maintain a humble walk with God.
It guides us in our response to brutality by urging us to pursue justice, extend mercy, and cultivate a close relationship with God, who empowers us to make a difference.
Psalms 140:1-2
“Rescue me, LORD, from evildoers; protect me from the violent, who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day.”
Drawing from the reality of evildoers and the violent, the Psalmist cries out for God’s rescue and protection. These individuals plot evil and incite conflict continually.
This verse echoes the plea of those affected by brutality, seeking God’s intervention and safeguarding in the face of relentless violence and aggression.
Proverbs 1:3-4
“for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young—”
Instruction in prudent behavior, righteousness, justice, and fairness is highlighted in this verse. It emphasizes the importance of imparting wisdom, especially to the young and inexperienced.
By equipping others with knowledge and discretion, we contribute to the prevention and reduction of brutality by fostering an environment of understanding and wise decision-making.
Matthew 5:44-45
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
Jesus challenges us to embrace love for our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us. By doing so, we model ourselves as children of our heavenly Father.
This verse challenges our instinctive response to brutality and invites us to demonstrate love and grace, mirroring the impartiality of God’s blessings upon both the wicked and the righteous.
Proverbs 6:16-19
“There are six things 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 are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
This verse presents a list of things that the Lord hates and finds detestable, including the shedding of innocent blood and stirring up conflict. It emphasizes the severity of brutality and its consequences.
It serves as a stern warning against engaging in or supporting actions that promote violence and highlights the importance of cultivating peace within our communities.
Ecclesiastes 3:8
“a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.”
This verse acknowledges that there are seasons and instances where hate and conflict may arise, even war. However, it also recognizes the necessity and value of times dedicated to love and peace.
While brutality may find its place in certain contexts, this verse reminds us that the pursuit of love and peace should always remain at the forefront of our actions and choices.