It’s a debate that has been raging for centuries; What does the Bible say about defending yourself? In a world of chaos and unrest, we all want to look to some source of wisdom and clarity in times of adversity. And the Bible is seen as a place of clarity when it comes to matters of defense.
Much of what the Bible says about defending yourself can be equated to self-defense. In Leviticus 19:16, the Bible states that “you shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” This passage is often interpreted to mean that self-defense is acceptable if it’s in line with protecting and loving your neighbor.
Jesus also advocates self-defense in a number of instances. In Luke 22:35-36, Jesus is given a sword and tells his disciples to “sell your cloak and buy one”. Historically, swords were kept reserved only for defense and so by telling them to buy a sword, Jesus is instructing them to arm themselves in order to defend themselves.
The Bible appears to be in favor of self defense, but it does not condone violence. In fact, the Bible has many passages which are against violence and fight. Most notably, Proverbs 25:26, which states “like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.” In this passage, it’s clear that the Bible doesn’t encourage giving way to the wicked–but rather that it advises you to stand up to them and fight for what is right.
The Old Testament also tells of some examples regarding self-defense including the story of David and Goliath. Here, a young shepherd defends his people against a giant enemy by slaying him with a single stone. This story has been seen as a tale of courage in the face of adversity, proving that self-defense is acceptable in certain circumstances.
When it comes to self-defense, the Bible makes it clear that it is meant to protect you, your family and your property. It is not meant to be used as a means to start a fight or to pass judgement on another person. When it comes to defending yourself, the Bible calls for you to use wisdom and discernment, to only fight when absolutely necessary, and to protect yourself from any harm.
Family Defense
In Exodus 22, the Bible outlines a range of situations and what it calls for in terms of self-defense and protection of property rights. For example, it states that if someone attempts to take another person from their family, they are allowed to fight back, “You shall not wrong a stranger or oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” This makes it clear that the Bible is in favor of protecting one’s family and taking whatever action is necessary to defend their right to be safe.
The Bible also mentions the importance of loving your family and looking after them. In Deuteronomy 5:16, it states that you should “Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, that your days may be prolonged and that it may go well with you on the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” This passage shows that the Bible puts high value on defending one’s family and provides a clear instruction to do so.
In the New Testament, Jesus reminds us to keep loving our families. In his famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters – yes, even his own life – he cannot be my disciple.” This passage reminds us that while self-defense is important, it should only be done in the name of love and protection of family.
The Bible is full of examples of family protection and defense. Rahab was willing to put her life in danger to protect her family in the story of Jericho, and God blessed her for her bravery. Similarly, Esther risked her own life to save her people from an evil plan by postponing her wedding and begging the king for mercy. This goes to show us that it is important to protect our families and that God looks favorably upon those who do.
Physical Defense In Context
The Bible is also clear that physical defense can be used in limited contexts. For example, in Exodus 22:2, it states that it is acceptable for someone to use force when their property is taken unlawfully. Here, it is clear that the Bible supports defending one’s property if it is taken unlawfully. This is a key point because it shows that it is acceptable to use physical defense in order to protect one’s property. However, it is important to note that the Bible isn’t encouraging physical defense in all situations.
Similarly, Matthew 5:39 advocates using physical defense to protect oneself. Here, Jesus tells his followers to turn the other cheek when they are struck, but he is also clear that they have the right to defend themselves. He states “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” This passage shows that it’s okay to use physical defense when necessary, but only if it is used in the right context.
The Bible also shows that physical defense can sometimes be excessive. In the case of David and Goliath, David was able to slayed the giant with a single stone, but in some versions of the story, David drew his sword and killed the giant outright. While this is an example of physical defense, it also shows that going too far can be problematic. Thus, while physical defense is acceptable in some cases, it is important to proceed with caution and to not be excessive.
Self Defense in Words
The Bible also highlights the importance of using words to defend oneself. Proverbs 25:16 says “If you argue with your neighbor, don’t betray another person’s secret”. This passage highlights the importance of defending yourself with words rather than resorting to physical defense.
In his famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus also encourages his disciples to use words when they are wronged. He says “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.” Here, Jesus is urging us to use words to defend ourselves rather than resorting to physical violence or retaliation.
Moreover, the Bible also instructs us on how to conduct ourselves when using words to defend ourselves. In Proverbs 12:18, it states “Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit.” This passage shows that when defending oneself it is important to speak the truth and tell only honest evidence. By doing so, we are demonstrating self control and wisdom when in difficult situations, and this is seen as a noble trait by God.
Defense And Peaceful Resolutions
The Bible is clear that it is acceptable to use physical and verbal defense when need be. However, it also shows us that turning to peace and resolution is often preferable to fighting. In Matthew 5:9, Jesus is clear that peace is to be sought after when disputes arise, and that violence should be avoided when possible. He says “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
Paul is also clear in his instructions to the Corinthians to avoid quarrels and to seek out peaceful resolution. In 1 Corinthians 6:7, he states “To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong?” This passage shows that while it is acceptable to defend oneself, it should also be sought to avoid disputes and turn to peaceful resolutions rather than resorting to violence of any kind.
The Bible is clear that we should use defense when necessary in order to protect ourselves, our family and our property, but it is also clear that the preferred option is to avoid disputes and turn to peaceful resolutions. Generally speaking, the Bible is in favor of using defense in certain cases and it shows that this approach is accepted by God.
Animal Defense
The Bible also highlights that defending animals is important. Proverbs 12:10 reads “A righteous man has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.” This verse is instructing us to be merciful and protect animals against cruelty. In the book of Genesis, God also creates a covenant with Noah and all the animals, stating that every living creature should be protected. This shows that God is passionate about animal defense and that we should be, too.
In the gospels, Jesus is equally passionate about animal defense. He famously said in Matthew 25:45, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” It is clear that Jesus is telling us to look after and defend animals as if they are our own brothers and sisters. Jesus’ teaching also implies that if we don’t defend animals, we are missing a chance to defend our Lord.
The Bible is passionate about animal defense and encourages us to show mercy and compassion to animals who are in danger. The Bible also regularly mentions a righteous man who has regard for the life of his beast, thus highlighting the importance of animal defense.
Defense Of The Oppressed
The Bible is clear that defense can be used to protect the oppressed. In fact, it often highlights how important it is to protect those who are abused, neglected or discriminated against. In the book of Amos, it states “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24). This passage is urging us to protect the oppressed and to use justice to protect them from any harm.
The Bible is also full of examples of people standing up for the oppressed and using defense to fight against evil. Moses defended the Israelites after they were enslaved by Pharaoh, and Esther defended her people in front of the king. Jesus was known to defend the poor, the sick and the marginalized, showing us that defense can be used to protect those who are less fortunate.
All in all, the Bible is clear that defense is acceptable in certain instances, such as protecting oneself, one’s family and one’s property. It is also clear that one should use words to defend themselves whenever possible, and to use physical defense in limited contexts, and that peace and resolution is often preferable to fighting. Moreover, the Bible is also passionate about animal defense and standing up for the oppressed, encouraging us all to act mercifully and fight for justice.
