“They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips,” (Romans 1:29 ESV).
“Strife” is the next trait that appears on this list of negative attributes from Romans 1:29. This characteristic refers to the contention, rivalry, and discord we sometimes experience with others. The New Testament epistle of 1 Timothy tells us that the qualities of pride and ignorance may sometimes lead to strife with others (see 1 Timothy 6:3-5).
The Old Testament book of Proverbs contains over a dozen references to strife and its associated characteristics. Those references offer many valuable insights for personal reflection…
“Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins” (Proverbs 10:12).
“By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised is wisdom” (Proverbs 13:10).
“An evil man sows strife; gossip separates the best of friends” (Proverbs 16:28).
“Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; Yes, strife and reproach will cease” (Proverbs 22:10).
“As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife” (Proverbs 26:21).
“He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the LORD will be prospered” (Proverbs 28:25).
“An angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds in transgression” (Proverbs 29:22).
The following commentary also offers several helpful observations concerning this subject…
“Its meaning is the contention which is born of envy, ambition, the desire for prestige, and place and prominence. It comes from the heart in which there is jealousy. If a man is cleansed of jealousy, he has gone far to being cleansed of all that arouses contention and strife. It is a God-given gift to be able to take as much pleasure in the successes of others as in one’s own.” (1)
This reference to strife is then followed by another ungodly attribute: deceit. “Deceit” involves an effort to manipulate or fool others in a dishonest manner. The type of deceit mentioned here refers to “a bait or contrivance for entrapping.” (2) Other descriptive terms that characterize this idea include guile, treachery, and cunning (in a bad way).
From a person who “shades the truth” to gain a personal advantage, to the unscrupulous merchant who dishonestly markets a defective product to an unsuspecting consumer, this quality describes those who trick or mislead others. Much like the quality of maliciousness mentioned earlier in this verse, this form of deceit involves the intent to injure someone, and should not be found among those who profess to follow Christ.
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(1) Barclay, William. “Commentary on Romans 1”. “William Barclay’s Daily Study Bible“. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/dsb/romans-1.html. 1956-1959.
(2) dolos (n.d.). billmounce.com. https://www.billmounce.com/greek-dictionary/dolos