Definition and Characteristics:
Spiteful people are individuals who harbor malice and ill will towards others, often seeking to harm or upset them out of a sense of resentment or vindictiveness. This behavior is characterized by a deliberate intention to cause distress or discomfort, often without any provocation or justification. In the biblical context, spitefulness is seen as a manifestation of a sinful nature, contrary to the virtues of love, kindness, and forgiveness that are central to Christian teachings.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 24:29 · "Do not say, 'I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work.'" This verse warns against the natural human inclination to retaliate or act out of spite. Instead, it encourages believers to refrain from seeking revenge, which is often motivated by spite.

2. Romans 12:19 · "Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.'" Here, the Apostle Paul admonishes Christians to avoid taking revenge, a common expression of spitefulness, and to trust in God's justice.

3. 1 Peter 3:9 · "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." This passage encourages believers to respond to spiteful actions with kindness and blessings, reflecting the transformative power of Christian love.

4. Ephesians 4:31-32 · "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." The Apostle Paul instructs the Ephesians to eliminate all forms of malice, including spite, and to cultivate a spirit of forgiveness and compassion.

Theological Implications:

Spitefulness is antithetical to the teachings of Jesus Christ, who emphasized love, mercy, and forgiveness. The presence of spite in one's heart is indicative of a deeper spiritual issue that requires repentance and transformation through the Holy Spirit. Christians are called to emulate Christ's example, who, despite being wronged, did not retaliate with spite but instead offered forgiveness and grace.

Practical Application:

Believers are encouraged to examine their hearts for any traces of spite and to seek God's help in overcoming these tendencies. Through prayer, reflection on Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Christians can cultivate a heart that mirrors the love and forgiveness of Christ. Engaging in acts of kindness and seeking reconciliation with those who have wronged us are practical steps in overcoming spitefulness.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern culture, where the Bible was written, acts of revenge and spite were common responses to personal offenses. The biblical injunctions against spiteful behavior were countercultural, promoting a radical ethic of love and forgiveness that distinguished the early Christian community from the surrounding society.

Conclusion:

Spiteful behavior is a destructive force that undermines relationships and community. The Bible provides clear guidance for believers to reject spite and embrace a life marked by love, forgiveness, and reconciliation, reflecting the character of Christ in all interactions.1 Peter 2:1-25
Why laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, all evil speakings,
Topicalbible.org

1 John 2:1-29
My little children, these things write I to you, that you sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
Topicalbible.org

A Few Days Later the Fashionable World of Europe was Startled by ...
... Of course spiteful people will say she ceased to be Countess Hermenstein in order
not to be recognized too soon as the 'renegade from the Roman Church,' but ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/corelli/the master-christian/xxxvii a few days later.htm

St. Benedict
... Great multitudes of people flocked to see him, and even persons of high rank sent ...
But there was a spiteful monk, named Florentius, who would not allow him any ...
/.../chapter xxix st benedict.htm

Hebrew Craft
... powers of Egypt, we shall have uprising and serious trouble among our bond-people?". ...
Had the spiteful Seven, the Hathors, used him as a tool whereby mischief ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xi hebrew craft.htm

The Power of Sorrow.
... ourselves hardly treated, as if we had been defrauded of a right; rebellious hard
feelings come; then it is you see people become bitter, spiteful, discontented ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/viii the power of sorrow.htm

Letter iv. --To Cynegius .
... I write thus much by way of preface, because of the sad tragedy which some spiteful
power has been playing among people of long-standing nobility. ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/letter iv to cynegius.htm

Agree with Thine Adversary
... Thou shalt love all men; and you are cruel and spiteful, hating each other, and ... that
God belongs only to you; that because you are His chosen people, He will ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxvii agree with thine.htm

The Wall Rebuilt.
... to speak; but at last she told the king that she and her people were sold ... they killed
800 of their enemies at Susa, and 75,000 of the spiteful Samaritans and ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xiv the wall rebuilt.htm

Obadiah
... and to eat at Jezebel's table, while all the rest of the people were perishing ... tyrant,
who might murder him any moment, and of a wicked and spiteful queen, who ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon ix obadiah.htm

Preface of Dr. Martin Luther.
... writing, preaching, and lecturing daily; [and] yet there are found such spiteful
men, not ... my labor, and under my name to [deceive and] mislead the poor people. ...
/.../luther/the smalcald articles/preface of dr martin luther.htm

Christ Teaching by Parables
... and forbearance are found running through all our words and actions, we shall have
the best shield to protect us from the spiteful stings of wicked people. ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/christ teaching by parables.htm

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Spiteful: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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