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Biblical Verses on Avoiding or Minimizing Suffering

Biblical texts offer various perspectives on avoiding or minimizing suffering, often linking it to ethical conduct, trust in God, and the nature of human relationships. One common theme is the avoidance of actions that lead to strife and negative consequences. For instance, Proverbs advises against contention, stating that "strife" is forbidden and can be excited by pride, wrath, and a contentious disposition [2]. Similarly, Psalm 37:8 admonishes, "Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil" [1]. Rashi interprets this verse as a call to desist from wickedness to prevent anger from befalling oneself [10].

The New Testament also emphasizes avoiding behaviors that cause suffering. Paul, in his letters, identifies "strife" as a "work of the flesh" and an evidence of a carnal spirit [2]. He also instructs believers to "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them" (Ephesians 5:11 KJV) [7]. This suggests that disassociating from evil practices can prevent entanglement in their negative outcomes.

Another significant aspect of minimizing suffering involves managing one's own anxieties and cares. Jesus explicitly forbids "overmuch care about earthly things," urging followers not to worry about what they will eat or wear (Matthew 6:25; Luke 12:22, 29) [3]. This teaching is rooted in the belief that God's providential goodness should alleviate such anxieties (Matthew 6:26, 28, 30) and that trust in God should free individuals from excessive worry (Jeremiah 17:7-8) [3]. The Apostle Peter echoes this sentiment, advising believers to "cast all your care upon him; for he careth for you" (1 Peter 5:7 KJV) [3]. Such overmuch care is seen as an obstruction to the Gospel and unbecoming for saints [3].

The Bible also addresses how to minimize suffering caused by others, particularly enemies. Instead of retaliating, believers are encouraged to love their enemies, pray for them, and assist them [4]. Christ himself serves as an example, praying for his enemies (Luke 23:34) [4]. The principle is to overcome evil with kindness, as seen in Proverbs 25:21 and Romans 12:20, which suggest feeding a hungry enemy [4]. Furthermore, rejoicing at the misfortunes or failings of enemies is discouraged (Job 31:29; Proverbs 24:17) [4].

While the Bible offers guidance on avoiding self-inflicted suffering and mitigating suffering from others, it also acknowledges that suffering is an inevitable part of the Christian life. Peter instructs Christians not to be surprised by trials, noting that those who live godly lives can expect hostility from a sinful world (John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Romans 8:17; Philippians 1:29) [9]. In such contexts, the focus shifts from avoiding suffering to enduring it with faith. James 5:13 encourages prayer during affliction and singing praises during cheerfulness [8]. The long-suffering of God, which is part of His character (Exodus 34:6; Numbers 14:18), serves as a model and should lead to repentance, thereby averting divine anger [5, 6]. Confession of sin and repentance are presented as means to avert God's anger (Job 33:27-28; Jeremiah 3:12-13) [6].

Sources

  1. King James Version “[KJV] Psalms 37:8 — Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Strife — Christ, an example of avoiding -- Isa 42:2; Mt 12:15-19; Lu 9:52-56; 1Pe 2:23. Forbidden -- Pr 3:30; 25:8. A work of the flesh -- Ga 5:20. An evidence of a carnal spirit -- 1Co 3:3. Existed in the church -- 1Co 1:11. Excited by Hatred. -- Pr 10:12. Pride. -- Pr 13:10; 28:25. Wrath. -- Pr 15:18; 30:33. Frowardness. -- Pr 16:28. A contentious disposition. -- Pr 26:21. Tale-bearing. -- Pr 26:20. Drunkenness. -- Pr 23:29,30. Lusts. -- Jas 4:1. Curious questions. -- 1Ti 6:4; 2Ti 2:23. Scorning. -- Pr 22:10. Difficulty of stopping, a reason for avoiding it -- Pr 1”
  3. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Care, Overmuch — About earthly things, forbidden -- Mt 6:25; Lu 12:22,29; Joh 6:27. God's providential goodness should keep us from -- Mt 6:26,28,30; Lu 22:35. God's promises should keep us from -- Heb 13:5. Trust in God should free us from -- Jer 17:7,8; Da 3:16. Should be cast on God -- Ps 37:5; 55:22; Pr 16:3; 1Pe 5:7. An obstruction to the Gospel -- Mt 13:22; Lu 8:14; 14:18-20. Be without -- 1Co 7:32; Php 4:6. Unbecoming in saints -- 2Ti 2:4. Uselessness of -- Mt 6:27; Lu 12:25,26. Vanity of -- Ps 39:6; Ec 4:8. Warning against -- Lu 21:34. Sent as a punishment to”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Enemies — Christ prayed for his -- Lu 23:34. The lives of, to be spared -- 1Sa 24:10; 2Sa 16:10,11. The goods of, to be taken care of -- Ex 23:4,5. Should be Loved. -- Mt 5:44. Prayed for. -- Ac 7:60. Assisted. -- Pr 25:21; Ro 12:20. Overcome by kindness. -- 1Sa 26:21. Rejoice not at the misfortunes of -- Job 31:29. Rejoice not at the failings of -- Pr 24:17. Desire not the death of -- 1Ki 3:11. Curse them not -- Job 31:30. Be affectionately concerned for -- Ps 35:13. The friendship of, deceitful -- 2Sa 20:9,10; Pr 26:26; 27:6; Mt 26:48,49. God defends against -- Ps ”
  5. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Long-Suffering of God, The — Is part of his character -- Ex 34:6; Nu 14:18; Ps 86:15. Salvation, the object of -- 2Pe 3:15. Through Christ's intercession -- Lu 13:8. Should lead to repentance -- Ro 2:4; 2Pe 3:9. An encouragement to repent -- Joe 2:13. Exhibited in forgiving sins -- Ro 3:25. Exercised toward His people. -- Isa 30:18; Eze 20:17. The wicked. -- Ro 9:22; 1Pe 3:20. Plead in prayer -- Jer 15:15. Limits set to -- Ge 6:3; Jer 44:22. The wicked Abuse. -- Ec 8:11; Mt 24:48,49. Despise. -- Ro 2:4. Punished for despising. -- Ne 9:30; Mt 24:48-51; Ro 2:5. Illustr”
  6. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Anger of God, The — Averted by Christ -- Lu 2:11,14; Ro 5:9; 2Co 5:18,19; Eph 2:14,17; Col 1:20; 1Th 1:10. Is averted from them that believe -- Joh 3:14-18; Ro 3:25; 5:1. Is averted upon confession of sin and repentance -- Job 33:27,28; Ps 106:43-45; Jer 3:12,13; 18:7,8; 31:18-20; Joe 2:12-14; Lu 15:18-20. Is slow -- Ps 103:8; Isa 48:9; Jon 4:2; Na 1:3. Is righteous -- Ps 58:10,11; La 1:18; Ro 2:6,8; 3:5,6; Re 16:6,7. The justice of, not to be questioned -- Ro 9:18,20,22. Manifested in terrors -- Ex 14:24; Ps 76:6-8; Jer 10:10; La 2:20-22. Manifested in judgments and”
  7. Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Ephesians 5:11 cross-references: Genesis 20:16, Genesis 49:5, Leviticus 19:17, Job 24:13, Job 24:16, Psalms 1:1, Psalms 26:4, Psalms 94:20, Psalms 141:5, Proverbs 1:31, Proverbs 4:14, Proverbs 9:6, Proverbs 13:18, Proverbs 15:12, Proverbs 19:25, Proverbs 25:12, Proverbs 29:1, Isaiah 3:10, Isaiah 29:21, Jeremiah 15:17, Matthew 18:15, Luke 3:19, John 3:19, Romans 1:22, Romans 6:21, Romans 13:12, Romans 16:17, 1 Corinthians 5:9, 1 Corinthians 10:20, 2 Corinthians 6:14, Galatians 6:8, Ephesians 4:22, Ephesians 5:7, 1 Thessalonians 5:7, 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 2 Thessalonians 3:14, 1 Timothy 5:20, 1 T”
  8. Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “James 5:13 cross-references: Judges 16:23, 1 Chronicles 16:9, 2 Chronicles 33:12, Job 33:26, Psalms 18:6, Psalms 50:15, Psalms 91:15, Psalms 95:2, Psalms 105:2, Psalms 116:3, Psalms 118:5, Psalms 142:1, Lamentations 3:55, Daniel 5:4, Hosea 6:1, Jonah 2:2, Jonah 2:7, Micah 4:5, Matthew 26:30, Luke 22:44, Luke 23:42, Acts 16:24, 1 Corinthians 14:26, 2 Corinthians 12:7, Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 5:7, Revelation 5:9, Revelation 7:10, Revelation 14:3, Revelation 19:1”
  9. 1 Peter (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Peter 4:12: 4:12-19 Peter instructs Christians one last time about the way to face the trials that will inevitably come. 4:12 don’t be surprised: Christians, especially those seeking to lead godly lives, can expect to face the hostility of a sinful world (see John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Rom 8:17; Phil 1:29).”
  10. Sefaria (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) on Psalms 37:8: Desist from anger Desist from being wicked so that anger does not come upon you.”
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