The Bible offers guidance on how to resolve disputes and advance virtue, and it makes explicit statements on violence, peace, and justice. Scripture offers direction on how to deal with aggression, pursue justice, and embrace peace, from the Old Testament’s cautions against oppression to Jesus’ teachings on love and forgiveness.
We examine what God has to say about avoiding injury, believing in His judgment, and defeating evil with good in this compilation of the top 30 Bible verses about violence. These scriptures will inspire faith, wisdom, and peace, whether you’re looking for biblical guidance on dealing with violence or encouragement in a world full of strife.
Understanding Violence in the Bible
From historical conflicts to interpersonal disputes, the Bible discusses violence in a variety of settings. In addition to describing violent deeds, several verses highlight God’s mercy, justice, and call for peace. Scripture constantly urges believers to pursue righteousness and love rather than violence and cautions against needless harm.
In the Old Testament, God forbids brutality and injustice while simultaneously dictating justice. “Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways,” reads Proverbs 3:31. In Matthew 5:9, Jesus exhorts His disciples to practice love and nonviolence, saying, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
God’s Call for Peace and Righteousness
Instead of using violence, God calls His people to seek righteousness and peace. Scripture makes a clear contrast between God’s divine justice and human hostility. Despite acknowledging the existence of violence, the Bible constantly exhorts believers to pursue self-control, wisdom, and peace in all circumstances.
Paul states in Romans 12:17–18, “Do not repay evil for evil.” Take care to act in a way that everyone will find acceptable. To the extent that it is within your power, try to live in harmony with everyone. This verse emphasizes the value of patience, forgiveness, and faith in God’s justice.
30 Best Bible Verses about Violence
Proverbs 3:31
“Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways.”
Message: Avoid violent people and do not follow their example.
Romans 12:17
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.”
Message: Seek justice, not revenge.
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
Message: Be a person who spreads peace.
Psalm 11:5
“The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion.”
Message: God despises violence and calls us to righteousness.
2 Timothy 2:24
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.”
Message: A true follower of Christ avoids conflict and promotes kindness.
Psalm 140:4
“Keep me safe, Lord, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from the violent, who devise ways to trip my feet.”
Message: Pray for God’s protection from harm.
Proverbs 10:6
“Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.”
Message: Righteousness brings blessings, but violence destroys.
Matthew 26:52
“Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.”
Message: Violence only leads to more violence.
Isaiah 60:18
“Violence shall no more be heard in your land, devastation or destruction within your borders; you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise.”
Message: God promises peace and protection.
Proverbs 16:29
“A violent person entices their neighbor and leads them down a path that is not good.”
Message: Do not follow those who encourage violence.
Romans 14:19
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
Message: Work towards peace and build each other up.
1 Peter 3:11
“They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.”
Message: Actively seek and choose peace.
Isaiah 2:4
“They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.”
Message: God desires a world without war and violence.
Leviticus 19:18
“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”
Message: Love, not vengeance, should guide our actions.
James 1:19-20
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
Message: Control your anger and seek peace.
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.”
Message: Justice, mercy, and humility are key to a godly life.
Ephesians 4:31
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”
Message: Remove all forms of hatred and violence from your life.
Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Message: Respond to hate with love and prayer.
Zechariah 8:16
“These are the things you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace.”
Message: Honest and fair actions promote peace.
Proverbs 29:8
“Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger.”
Message: Wise people choose peace over conflict.
Isaiah 32:17
“The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.”
Message: Righteousness leads to true peace.
Psalm 34:14
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
Message: Actively reject violence and choose peace.
Colossians 3:15
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.”
Message: Let God’s peace guide your life.
Philippians 4:7
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Message: True peace comes from God.
Nahum 1:7
“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.”
Message: God is our shelter in violent times.
Psalm 46:9
“He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.”
Message: God has the power to end violence.
Hebrews 12:14
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
Message: Living in peace reflects a life of holiness.
Proverbs 20:3
“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”
Message: Avoiding conflict is a sign of wisdom.
1 Thessalonians 5:15
“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”
Message: Respond to evil with goodness.
Revelation 21:4
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Message: God’s ultimate plan is a world without violence.
Summary
The Bible forbids violence and exhorts followers to pursue justice, love, and peace in all circumstances. These 30 violent Bible verses highlight how God hates aggression, exhorts His people to shun war, and assures those who believe in Him of justice and safety.
Scripture exhorts us to act wisely, encourage peace, and rely on God’s guidance rather than reacting with rage or retaliation. We may defeat violence and live in accordance with God’s will for justice and harmony by adhering to these teachings.
