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Why do we say "He who lives by the sword, dies by the sword"?

Well-Known Expressions

He who lives by the sword, dies by the sword

Meaning:

Those who view war/violence as a solution to their problems will likely die a violent death

Background:

The story of Jesus admonishing one of his followers for attacking a high priest while defending him is found in Mathew's Gospel (26:51-52): "At this, one of Jesus’ companions drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword." (NIV)

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