Question:
Is there a scripture that talks about suicide? I didn't see one, but I wasn't sure where to look.
Answer:
Yes, there are some passages that deal with the
issue. You might first just look at the Ten Commandments and "You
shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13). The word "suicide" means "murder
of self." Thus, it is still breaking this command, even though one kills
himself. There are two major characters in the Bible who committed
suicide: King Saul and Judas. King Saul committed suicide, along with
his armor bearer, because he was too proud to be captured by his enemies
and fell on his own sword (1 Samuel 28:16-18; 31:1-5). This was after he
had disobeyed God and was rejected as being king. All of his actions
that followed were a rebellion against God’s decree. Judas committed
suicide because of the guilt he had for betraying the Lord (Matthew
27:3-10). Both Saul and Judas were guilty of sin, both killed themselves
because they were too proud to change and both show an unwillingness to
suffer.
In addition, suicide breaks one of the most basic rules of Christ—the
Golden Rule. Jesus says in Luke 6:31, “And just as you want men to do
to you, you also do to them likewise.” Who would want a family
member, friend or associate to take their own lives? It deeply hurts us.
The act of suicide is devastating. It leaves the living with feelings of
guilt, confusion and great sadness. In many cases, suicide is done as an
act for selfish reasons. Some do it as a matter of pride—they are too
proud to admit failure, like King Saul. Some do it as a matter of
vengeance—as an opportunity to make those around us feel bad for their
actions. Others commit suicide for lack of hope. Hope is one of the
basic, abiding staples of the Christian (1 Corinthians 13:13).
Christians are "called" to suffer as Christ did in this world (1
Peter 2). So, to refuse to suffer is to refuse to do something God
commanded we be willing to do. Our eternal reward comes later (Matthew
5:11, 12). Job offers two encouraging statements to those who are
suffering. He says, "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away;
blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21). We should make sure it
is the Lord who takes our life and not ourselves. Later, he says,
"Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept
adversity?" (Job 2:10). His attitude is exemplary for those who
might think about taking their lives by themselves, instead of allowing
God to determine the time. Adversity will come in our lives, but we are
“saved by hope” (Romans 8:24,25). In fact, our difficulties in
life make our hope even brighter. “…but we also glory in
tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and
perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3,4).