5811 compromise

Usually a combination of contrasting values, practices or persons incurring God’s disapproval, but it can also be a positive way to achieve a greater good.

God forbids compromising associations

Israel was not to associate with paganism Ex 20:3 pp Dt 5:7 See also Ex 23:32-33; Ex 34:12-16; Dt 7:2-4; 1Ki 18:21

Christians must not compromise their allegiance Jas 4:4 See also Mt 6:24 pp Lk 16:13; Ro 13:14; 2Co 6:14-16; Gal 1:6-9; Jas 4:8

Israel’s compromises with paganism

In worship 1Ki 12:28-30 The Lord’s action in bringing Israel up out of Egypt is here attributed to the golden calves representing Baal. See also Ex 32:2-6; Jdg 2:11-12; Jdg 8:27; 2Ki 1:2-3; 2Ki 16:10-16; 2Ki 17:32-33,41; 2Ch 28:22; Rev 2:20-23

In foreign alliances Isa 30:1-2 See also 2Ch 19:2; 2Ch 20:35-37; 2Ch 28:16-21; Isa 31:1; Hos 5:13; Hos 7:8-9,11

In marriage 1Ki 11:1-11 See also 1Ki 16:31; 2Ch 18:1; Ezr 9:2; Ne 13:23,25-26

Motives for compromise

Fear Ge 26:7-9 See also Ge 12:11-13,18-19; Ge 19:18-20; Ge 20:2,11; Gal 2:12-13

Lack of faith Ge 16:1-2 See also Ge 15:2-3; 1Ki 12:26-33

Desire for material things Jos 7:21 See also Hag 1:2-4; Mt 13:22 pp Mk 4:18-19 pp Lk 8:14; Ac 5:1-4; 2Ti 4:10

Examples of those who refused to compromise

Est 3:4 See also Ge 39:7-12; 1Ki 22:13-14; Da 3:18; Da 6:7-10; 2Co 4:2

Compromise as a mutually acceptable solution

For the sake of the gospel 1Co 9:19-23 See also Ac 15:19-20,28-29; Ac 21:20-26; Ro 14:19-22; Ro 15:1-2

As an act of wisdom 1Ki 3:24-25; 1Ki 12:6-7 pp 2Ch 10:6-7; Jer 40:9-10

As a means to peace Ge 13:8-9; Ge 26:19-22; Ge 37:26-27; Pr 25:8; Mt 5:25 pp Lk 12:58

See also