The term "approvest" is an archaic form of the verb "approve," which appears in older English translations of the Bible. In the context of Scripture, to "approve" generally means to regard something as good, acceptable, or worthy of commendation. The concept of approval is significant in biblical theology, as it often relates to God's judgment, human conduct, and the discernment of truth.

Biblical Usage and Context

In the Bible, the idea of approval is frequently associated with God's evaluation of human actions and intentions. It is a theme that underscores the importance of aligning one's life with divine standards. The Berean Standard Bible provides insight into this concept through various passages.

Divine Approval

God's approval is a central theme in Scripture, reflecting His righteous standards and expectations for His people. In Romans 14:18 , the Apostle Paul writes, "For whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men." This verse highlights the dual aspect of divine and human approval, emphasizing that living a life of service to Christ garners God's favor and often the respect of others.

Human Approval

While divine approval is paramount, the Bible also acknowledges the role of human approval. In 2 Corinthians 10:18 , Paul states, "For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends." This passage warns against self-commendation and underscores the importance of seeking God's approval above all.

Testing and Discernment

The concept of approval is also linked to the process of testing and discernment. In 1 Thessalonians 5:21 , believers are instructed to "Test all things. Hold fast to what is good." This directive implies a process of evaluation to determine what aligns with God's will, thereby receiving His approval.

Moral and Ethical Conduct

Approval in the biblical sense often pertains to moral and ethical conduct. In Philippians 1:10 , Paul prays for the believers "so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ." Here, discernment and purity are linked to being approved by God, especially in anticipation of Christ's return.

Conclusion

The concept of "approvest" in the Bible encompasses divine judgment, human conduct, and the discernment of truth. It calls believers to live in a manner that is pleasing to God, seeking His approval above all else. Through testing and discernment, Christians are encouraged to align their lives with God's righteous standards, ensuring that their actions and intentions are worthy of commendation.

Rom. Ii. 17, 18
... Rom. II.17, 18 "Behold, [1246] thou art called a Jew, and restest in the Law, and
makest thy boast of God, and knowest His will, and approvest the things that ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily vi rom ii 17.htm

The Approbation of Goodness is not the Love of It.
... "Behold thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,
and knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, and ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/the approbation of goodness is.htm

The Law, Even in Correcting and Punishing, Aims at the Good of Men ...
... Jews, writing thus: "Behold, thou art called a Jew and restest in the law, and makest
thy boast in God, and knowest the will of God, and approvest the things ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxvii the law even in.htm

Epistle cxxvii. From S. Columbanus to Pope Gregory .
... It is for thee, therefore, either to excuse or to condemn Victorius, knowing that,
if thou approvest him, it will be a question of faith between thee and the ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle cxxvii from s columbanus.htm

On the Arian Symbol "Unoriginate. " this Term Afterwards Adopted ...
... Thou however, beloved, on receiving this, read it by thyself; and if thou approvest
of it, read it also to the brethren who happen to be present, that they too ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter vii on the arian symbol.htm

All Mankind Guilty; Or, Every Man Knows More than He Practises.
... "Behold thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,
and knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/all mankind guilty or every.htm

Psalm L.
... For this is, brethren, to consent with a thief, and to make with an adulterer thy
portion: for even if thou committest not, and approvest what is committed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm l.htm

Approvest (1 Occurrence)
...Approvest (1 Occurrence). Romans 2:18 And knowest his will, and approvest the things
that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; (KJV ASV DBY WBS) ...
/a/approvest.htm - 6k

Discerningly (1 Occurrence)
... Romans 2:18 and knowest the will, and discerningly approvest the things that
are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; (DBY). ...
/d/discerningly.htm - 6k

Approveth (2 Occurrences)

/a/approveth.htm - 6k

Approves (3 Occurrences)

/a/approves.htm - 7k

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