Abuse of authority

Warnings against the abuse of authority

By employers over employees

Ephesians 6:9 ESV

Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.

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By fathers over children

Ephesians 6:4 ESV

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

By husbands over wives

Colossians 3:19 ESV

Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.

By elders over the church

1 Peter 5:2–3 ESV

shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

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By those mistreating foreigners

Exodus 22:21 ESV

“You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.

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By leaders over those who are led

Matthew 20:25–27 ESV

But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave,

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By those taking advantage of the helpless or poor

Exodus 22:22 ESV

You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child.

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By those who oppress others

Jeremiah 22:17 ESV

But you have eyes and heart only for your dishonest gain, for shedding innocent blood, and for practicing oppression and violence.”

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Examples of the abuse of authority

Genesis 16:6 ESV

But Abram said to Sarai, “Behold, your servant is in your power; do to her as you please.” Then Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she fled from her.

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