Is there any way I can avoid trouble and adversity?

James 1:2-3When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

2 Corinthians 4:8, 16-18We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. . . . we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

Avoiding adversity may not be best for us. Though adversity may bruise us, it can also build us up and strengthen our faith.

Proverbs 13:21Trouble chases sinners, while blessings reward the righteous.

Proverbs 14:16The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.

Proverbs 16:6Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin. By fearing the Lord, people avoid evil.

Proverbs 16:17The path of the virtuous leads away from evil; whoever follows that path is safe.

Proverbs 28:14Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.

Romans 13:14Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.

Colossians 3:5So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

The consequences of sin often bring unneeded adversity into our lives. By obeying God’s Word, we can avoid many kinds of self-inflicted adversity.

Proverbs 12:13The wicked are trapped by their own words, but the godly escape such trouble.

Proverbs 14:3A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that beats him, but the words of the wise keep them safe.

Proverbs 17:20The crooked heart will not prosper; the lying tongue tumbles into trouble.

Proverbs 21:23Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.

Proverbs 24:2Their hearts plot violence, and their words always stir up trouble.

James 3:5-6The tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.

Controlling our tongues can help us avoid adversity. Much trouble can be avoided by measuring our words and speaking kindly.

Proverbs 15:6There is treasure in the house of the godly, but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble.

Proverbs 15:19A lazy person’s way is blocked with briers, but the path of the upright is an open highway.

Proverbs 15:27Greed brings grief to the whole family, but those who hate bribes will live.

Proverbs 28:20The trustworthy person will get a rich reward, but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble.

1 Timothy 6:9-10People who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

Enjoying honest work and a heart filled with gratitude can help us avoid the adversity that follows out of greed.

Proverbs 11:14Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.

Proverbs 13:13People who despise advice are asking for trouble; those who respect a command will succeed.

Seeking godly counsel will help us avoid trouble. We must not hesitate to ask the wise people in our lives for good advice.

Psalm 4:1Answer me when I call to you, O God who declares me innocent. Free me from my troubles. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

Ephesians 6:18Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Philippians 4:6Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

Hebrews 4:16So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Hebrews 5:7While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God.

James 1:5If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.

James 5:13Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises.

Prayer is a powerful defense against any adversity that comes our way. When we share our struggles with God in prayer, we grow in love for God, discernment, and wisdom. Prayer enables us not only to avoid adversity, but also to gain help and strength in the midst of it.