--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Enmity means 'hatred toward, hostility…" description: "\"Enmity means 'hatred toward, hostility to, or a state of opposition.' It is the power by which Satan wishes to reign over us.\" — Ezra Taft Benson" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d8f/ezra-taft-benson-443_enmity_enmity-means-hatred-toward-hostility-to_176051.png" --- # Enmity means 'hatred toward, hostility to, or a state of… ![“Enmity means 'hatred toward, hostility to, or a state of opposition.' It is the power by which Satan wishes to reign over us.” quote by Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d8f/ezra-taft-benson-443_enmity_enmity-means-hatred-toward-hostility-to_176051.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d8f/ezra-taft-benson-443_enmity_enmity-means-hatred-toward-hostility-to_176051.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d8f/ezra-taft-benson-443_enmity_enmity-means-hatred-toward-hostility-to_176051.png) > “Enmity means 'hatred toward, hostility to, or a state of opposition.' It is the power by which Satan wishes to reign over us.” [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Hatred creates opposition and can be used as a tool for negative influence, suggesting the need to overcome hostility. **In simple terms:** Hatred fuels conflict and can be exploited. Key Takeaway Cultivate forgiveness and unity. Themes conflict spirituality ethics human nature Mood tense reflective hopeful Type spiritual ethical When to use this quote - personal relationships - social movements - political discourse Key Concepts moral struggle spiritual warfare psychology of hatred Questions to Reflect On - How do you respond when you feel hostility? - What practices help transform resentment into compassion? A Different Perspective Hatred can also arise from fear or misunderstanding, not just evil intent. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Hatred](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hatred/) [Hostility](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hostility/) [Opposition](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/opposition/) [Power](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/power/) [Reign](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reign/) [Satan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/satan/) [Wishes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wishes/) ## Related quotes > [The world perishes not from bandits and fires, but from hatred, hostility, and all these petty squabbles.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anton-chekhov/the-world-perishes-not-from-bandits-and-fires-but-from-hatred/) [Anton Chekhov](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anton-chekhov/) > [Perhaps the biggest obstacle in destroying white supremacy is the hatred and hostility that Africans have for each other.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/runoko-rashidi/perhaps-the-biggest-obstacle-in-destroying-white-supremacy-is-the/) [Runoko Rashidi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/runoko-rashidi/) > [“Nothing is so awkward as a demonstration of humanity by the enemy.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kobo-abe/nothing-is-so-awkward-as-a-demonstration-of-humanity-by-the-enemy/) [Kōbō Abe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kobo-abe/) > [In your friendships and in your enmities let your confidence and your hostilities have certain bounds; make not the former dangerous, nor the latter…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lord-chesterfield/in-your-friendships-and-in-your-enmities-let-your-confidence-and-your/) [Lord Chesterfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lord-chesterfield/) > [“Revenge is possible only if you spare the enemy.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/raheel-farooq/revenge-is-possible-only-if-you-spare-the-enemy/) [Raheel Farooq](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/raheel-farooq/) > [“When we feel powerless in a hostile world we can at least practice quelling the enmity in our minds.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bryant-mcgill/when-we-feel-powerless-in-a-hostile-world-we-can-at-least-practice/) [Bryant McGill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bryant-mcgill/) > [Prince William's smiling hostility toward the press is his non-negotiable core value. I am told he is so protective of his privacy he has…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tina-brown/prince-william-s-smiling-hostility-toward-the-press-is-his-non/) [Tina Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tina-brown/) > [Hostility toward Iran may not be the silliest of all American foreign policies - that would probably be the continuing trade embargo of Cuba…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-kinzer/hostility-toward-iran-may-not-be-the-silliest-of-all-american-foreign/) [Stephen Kinzer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-kinzer/) > [Magoo's appeal lies in our hostility toward an older generation. But he's not only nearsighted physically. His mind is selective of what it sees,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-backus/magoo-s-appeal-lies-in-our-hostility-toward-an-older-generation-but/) Jim Backus > [Our enmity toward God takes on many labels, such as rebellion, hard-heartedness, stiff-neckedness, unrepentant, puffed up, easily offended, and sign seekers. The proud wish…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/our-enmity-toward-god-takes-on-many-labels-such-as-rebellion-hard/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [We can choose to humble ourselves by conquering enmity toward our brothers and sisters, esteeming them as ourselves, and lifting them as high or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/we-can-choose-to-humble-ourselves-by-conquering-enmity-toward-our/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [Some prideful people are not so concerned as to whether their wages meet their needs as they are that their wages are more than…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/some-prideful-people-are-not-so-concerned-as-to-whether-their-wages/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [Most of us think of pride as self-centeredness, conceit, boastfulness, arrogance, or haughtiness. All of these are elements of the sin, but the heart,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/most-of-us-think-of-pride-as-self-centeredness-conceit-boastfulness/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [Do nondoing, strive for nonstriving, savor the flavorless, regard the small as important, make much of little, repay enmity with virtue; plan for difficulty…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/do-nondoing-strive-for-nonstriving-savor-the-flavorless-regard-the/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [The enmity of such a party towards Socialism does not mean that the members are only prejudiced against it because they do not know…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karl-radek/the-enmity-of-such-a-party-towards-socialism-does-not-mean-that-the/) [Karl Radek](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karl-radek/) ## More by Ezra Taft Benson > [What would God have me do with my life?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/what-would-god-have-me-do-with-my-life/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [Records, radio, television, movies, magazines-all are monopolized by the money managers who are guided by one ethic, the words wealth and power.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/records-radio-television-movies-magazines-all-are-monopolized-by-the/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [Every Latter-day Saint should make the study of this book a lifetime pursuit. Otherwise, he is placing his soul in jeopardy and neglecting that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/every-latter-day-saint-should-make-the-study-of-this-book-a-lifetime/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [Do not be caught up in materialism, one of the real plagues of our generation-that is, acquiring things, fast-paced living, and securing career success.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/do-not-be-caught-up-in-materialism-one-of-the-real-plagues-of-our/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [Most of us think of pride as self-centeredness, conceit, boastfulness, arrogance, or haughtiness. All of these are elements of the sin, but the heart,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/most-of-us-think-of-pride-as-self-centeredness-conceit-boastfulness/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [The high cost of low living.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/the-high-cost-of-low-living/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [“We must each of us do our home work. 'My people are destroyed,' said Hosea, 'for lack of knowledge.' We must be wise as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/we-must-each-of-us-do-our-home-work-my-people-are-destroyed-said/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [“Man…need not stand alone. Prayer will open doors; prayer will remove barriers; prayer will ease pressures; prayer will give inner peace and comfort during…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/man-need-not-stand-alone-prayer-will-open-doors-prayer-will-remove/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [Humility does not mean weakness. It does not mean timidity. It does not mean fear. A man can be humble and fearless. A man…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/humility-does-not-mean-weakness-it-does-not-mean-timidity-it-does-not/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [The scriptures record remarkable accounts of men whose lives changed dramatically, in an instant, as it were: Alma the Younger, Paul on the road…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/the-scriptures-record-remarkable-accounts-of-men-whose-lives-changed/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [That government is best which governs the least, so taught the courageous founders of this nation. This simple declaration is diametrically opposed to the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/that-government-is-best-which-governs-the-least-so-taught-the/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [No nation which has kept the commandments of God has ever perished, but I say to you that once freedom is lost, only blood…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/no-nation-which-has-kept-the-commandments-of-god-has-ever-perished/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [Someone has said it is better to appreciate the things you don't own than to own things you don't appreciate. I hope we will…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/someone-has-said-it-is-better-to-appreciate-the-things-you-don-t-own/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [“In framing that great document which Gladstone declared ‘the most wonderful work ever struck off at a given time by the brain and purpose…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/in-framing-that-great-document-which-gladstone-declared-the-most/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [Godly sorrow is a gift of the Spirit. It is a deep realization that our actions have offended our Father and our God. It…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/godly-sorrow-is-a-gift-of-the-spirit-it-is-a-deep-realization-that/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) [Explore all 556 Ezra Taft Benson quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) ## More Enmity quotes > [Most of us think of pride as self-centeredness, conceit, boastfulness, arrogance, or haughtiness. All of these are elements of the sin, but the heart,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/most-of-us-think-of-pride-as-self-centeredness-conceit-boastfulness/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [Do nondoing, strive for nonstriving, savor the flavorless, regard the small as important, make much of little, repay enmity with virtue; plan for difficulty…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/do-nondoing-strive-for-nonstriving-savor-the-flavorless-regard-the/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [The enmity of such a party towards Socialism does not mean that the members are only prejudiced against it because they do not know…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karl-radek/the-enmity-of-such-a-party-towards-socialism-does-not-mean-that-the/) [Karl Radek](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karl-radek/) > [Do nondoing, strive for non-stiving, savor the flavourless, make much of little, repay enmity with virture; plan for difficulty when it is still easy,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/do-nondoing-strive-for-non-stiving-savor-the-flavourless-make-much-of/) [Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/) > [As far back as she could remember, a phantom life had mocked her with its impenetrable “something else,” but now it was the opposite.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laini-taylor/as-far-back-as-she-could-remember-a-phantom-life-had-mocked-her-with/) [Laini Taylor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laini-taylor/) > [“Sufis are those who have expunged from their minds the human tendencies of envy and enmity.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/idries-shah/sufis-are-those-who-have-expunged-from-their-minds-the-human/) [Idries Shah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/idries-shah/) > [There is an old saying which, from its truth, has become proverbial, that friendships should be immortal, enmities mortal.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/livy/there-is-an-old-saying-which-from-its-truth-has-become-proverbial/) [Livy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/livy/) > [“It's important that these people think of their adversaries specifically as assholes. That's what gives the modern rhetoric of polarization its singular stamp and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/geoffrey-nunberg/it-s-important-that-these-people-think-of-their-adversaries/) [Geoffrey Nunberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/geoffrey-nunberg/) > [I am not interested to know whether vivisection produces results that are profitable to the human race or doesn't...The pain which it inflicts upon…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-twain/i-am-not-interested-to-know-whether-vivisection-produces-results-that/) [Mark Twain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-twain/) > [But if you should take the bond of goodwill out of the universe no house or city could stand, nor would even the tillage…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/but-if-you-should-take-the-bond-of-goodwill-out-of-the-universe-no/) [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) > [We had fed the heart on fantasies, The heart's grown brutal from the fare, More substance in our enmities Than in our love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/we-had-fed-the-heart-on-fantasies-the-heart-s-grown-brutal-from-the/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [If there be any who nurture in their hearts the poisonous brew of enmity toward another, I plead with you to ask the Lord…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gordon-b-hinckley/if-there-be-any-who-nurture-in-their-hearts-the-poisonous-brew-of/) [Gordon B. Hinckley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gordon-b-hinckley/) > [The memories which peaceful country scenes call up, are not of this world, nor of its thoughts and hopes. Their gentle influence may teach…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-dickens/the-memories-which-peaceful-country-scenes-call-up-are-not-of-this/) [Charles Dickens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-dickens/) > [To be nonviolent to human beings and to be a killer or enemy of the poor animals is Satan's philosophy. In this age there…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/to-be-nonviolent-to-human-beings-and-to-be-a-killer-or-enemy-of-the/) [A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-c-bhaktivedanta-swami-prabhupada/) > [We must love one another, yes, yes, that's all true enough, but nothing says we have to like each other. It may be the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-de-vries/we-must-love-one-another-yes-yes-that-s-all-true-enough-but-nothing/) [Peter De Vries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-de-vries/) Browse all 213 Enmity quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Enmity means 'hatred toward, hostility to, or a state of opposition.' 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