Strong Faith vs Weak Faith: Understanding Polygamy in the Bible

Michael Hopkins
3 days ago
3 min read

Today we're looking at a fascinating topic: polygamy (a man having multiple wives) in the Bible and how it seems to contradict itself, but really doesn't.

God's Acceptance vs. Human Law

In the Old Testament, the prophet Nathan tells David that God gave him everything, including his former master's wives:

"I (God) gave you your master’s house and your master’s wives into your keeping... And if that had been too little, I would have given you much more!" (2 Samuel 12:8, NKJV)

This action by God clearly shows that polygamy was acceptable in God’s eyes for David at that time.

Now, fast-forward to the New Testament. The Apostle Paul, a Roman citizen who was very familiar with Roman Law (which only allowed one wife), suggests that church leaders should only have one wife (1 Timothy 3:2).

Some people see this as a big contradiction—how can God give David multiple wives, but Paul tell men to stick to one?

The Key: Strong Faith vs. Weak Faith

The Bible itself explains this difference perfectly. It's not a contradiction; it’s about different levels of faith and understanding, a topic Paul explains in Romans Chapter 14.

Paul divides believers into two groups:

Weaker Faith: They believe certain things (like eating meat or drinking wine) are wrong, even though the Bible doesn't forbid them. They feel they have sinned if they do these things.
Stronger Faith: They have a better, more complete understanding of God's rules. They know they can eat meat and drink wine because they know it's acceptable to God.

In the same way, we can see King David as having the Stronger Faith—he understood what was acceptable, which is why God actually gave him multiple women. Paul, on the other hand, had a Weaker Faith on this issue. He was following Roman cultural ideas without fully grasping the Old Testament standard that God had set for David. This doesn't make Paul a bad person at all; it just means he didn't have a complete understanding of everything God accepted.

Do Not Stumble Your Brother

The big lesson from Romans 14 is that the Stronger Faith (like David's understanding) must never tempt the Weaker Faith (like Paul's belief in one wife).

If a person with a weaker faith believes something is wrong, and you pressure them to do it (like drink wine), the Bible warns it will hurt them spiritually:

"But if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died." (Romans 14:15, NKJV)

Spiritual Pain Becomes Physical Pain

When you tempt someone with a weaker faith, and they do what they think is wrong, it breaks their spirit and their soul. This is very serious because our spiritual health affects our physical health:

"A merry heart/soul does good like a medicine, but a broken spirit/soul dries the bones/body." (Proverbs 17:22, KJV)

A broken spirit hurts your body; it can actually make you sick or ill.

The take-away is simple: People with a strong faith should not bother or judge those with a weaker faith. You should let them follow their conscience. You know what's acceptable to God, but your job is to show love and make sure your freedom doesn't hurt their spiritual walk.

Psalm 37:4

Delight yourself in the Lord,

and he will give you the desires of your heart.

God bless you all, and I'll see you next time.