Overview
The Bible addresses compromise across 7 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Proverbs, Matthew and Luke. Closely related themes include Lawsuits, Prudence, Adjudication at Law and Strife.
Key Bible verses about compromise
Old Testament
Proverbs
Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.
Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: a secret: or, the secret of
Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.
New Testament
Matthew
Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
Luke
When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.
I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence till thou hast paid the very last mite.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying compromise for yourself
- Begin with Proverbs 25:8, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Proverbs, Matthew and Luke each treat the theme.
- Widen the study to related themes: Lawsuits, Prudence, Adjudication at Law and Strife.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about compromise?
The Bible addresses compromise across 7 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Proverbs, Matthew and Luke. Closely related themes include Lawsuits, Prudence, Adjudication at Law and Strife.
How many Bible verses are about compromise?
The Bible references compromise in 7 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention compromise?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Proverbs 25:8: “Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.”
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