A bully is a person who starts fights without cause, teasing, shoving, raising voices when there is no other reason except to elevate themselves, and then becomes angry when the person they torment fights back and wins.
This is a tactic of the devil to pick at a believer until they lose their control, then point the finger as though the victim were the whole problem.
I know about this because I spent the first 18 years of my life under this sort of tyranny. What is a person to do when they encounter this?
As an adult it is best not to engage in the foolishness through conversation, but to just walk away. Sometimes the fool will continue to follow you, keep walking as far from him/her as you can.
Usually an adult bully will give up if they do not get satisfaction in upsetting you.
Proverbs 26:4 "Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Or you will also be like him."
Proverbs 22:24 "Do not associate with a man given to anger; Or go with a hot-tempered man,"
Bullies are people who are angry on the inside, they must continually demean others to keep their high opinion of themselves. God tells us to avoid these people, that they may not bring strife into our lives.
Proverbs 16:28 "A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends."
Proverbs 29:22 "A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression."
The bully will talk about people behind their backs if they feel they cannot control them through manipulation, they will try to control them through gossip, speaking ill of their victim to elevate self though turning others against their target.
It is best to avoid all those people who align themselves with the bully. The Lord wants us to walk in peace, there can be no peace when a bully and his friends are present.
When we choose our friends wisely we will be able to grow in grace, enjoy loving friendships and godly conversation without drama or hate.
May those who have trusted Christ learn that they can walk away and avoid those who cause trouble, it is alright to remove them from our lives, even if this includes family members.
