In the context of the Bible, assessments can be understood as evaluations or judgments made by individuals or God regarding people, actions, or situations. The concept of assessments is woven throughout Scripture, where both divine and human evaluations play significant roles in the unfolding narrative of God's relationship with humanity.

Divine Assessments

God's assessments are central to the biblical narrative, as He evaluates the hearts, actions, and faithfulness of individuals and nations. In Genesis 6:5, God assesses the wickedness of humanity before the flood: "Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time." This divine assessment leads to the decision to cleanse the earth through the flood, sparing only Noah and his family due to Noah's righteousness (Genesis 6:8-9).

Similarly, God's assessment of Sodom and Gomorrah's sinfulness results in their destruction, as seen in Genesis 18:20-21: "Then the LORD said, 'The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great. Their sin is so grievous that I will go down and see if their actions fully justify the outcry that has reached Me. If not, I will find out.'"

God's assessments are not limited to judgment but also include recognition of faith and righteousness. In 1 Samuel 16:7, when Samuel is sent to anoint a new king, God instructs him, "Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart." This highlights God's ability to assess the true nature of individuals beyond external appearances.

Human Assessments

Human assessments in the Bible often reflect the limitations and biases of human understanding. In the account of David and Goliath, the Israelites assess David's ability to fight the giant based on his youth and inexperience (1 Samuel 17:33). However, David's faith in God leads to a different outcome than expected, demonstrating the fallibility of human judgment.

The New Testament also addresses the issue of human assessments, particularly in the context of the early church. In James 2:1-4, believers are warned against showing favoritism based on external factors: "My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, 'Here is a seat of honor,' but say to the poor man, 'You must stand,' or, 'Sit at my feet,' have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?"

Assessments in Wisdom Literature

The wisdom literature of the Bible, particularly Proverbs, offers guidance on making sound assessments. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This underscores the importance of relying on divine wisdom rather than solely on human judgment.

Proverbs 21:2 further emphasizes the need for divine insight: "All a man's ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart." This suggests that while humans may believe their assessments are correct, ultimate judgment belongs to God, who discerns the true intentions and motivations of the heart.

Conclusion

The Bible presents assessments as a significant theme, illustrating the contrast between divine and human evaluations. While human assessments are often flawed and limited, God's assessments are perfect and just, providing a model for believers to seek His wisdom and guidance in their judgments.

The Parables of the Importunate Widow, and of the Pharisee and the ...
... into tribes and clans, and families and houses, that no man could very well have
been ignorant of his descent"even from the recent assessments of Augustus ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xxxvi the parables of the.htm

The Abrogation of the Saybrook Platform
... churches, representing about a thousand members, united in an appeal wherein they
complained of the distraining of their goods to meet assessments and taxes ...
/.../chapter xi the abrogation of.htm

The Subsequent Wickedness of Licinius, and his Death.
... [2979] ie for the purpose of making new assessments, which is always apt to be looked
upon as an oppressive act, whether unjust or not. [2980] eschatogeros. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter viii the subsequent wickedness of.htm

Easter Wednesday Also Suited to Easter Tuesday.
... Those having position and power think they have the right to acquire by violence
as much as they can, daily making assessments and imposts, and new oppressions ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/easter wednesday also suited to.htm

Egypt and Greece.
... people to pay tribute depended upon their crops, the Nilometer furnished the government
with a criterion by which they regulated the annual assessments of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter ii egypt and greece.htm

The Fifth Book
... The sum is openly published only when the rich fall out with one another, and some
of them feel slighted because they learn that assessments have been passed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the fifth book.htm

The First Apology of Justin, the Martyr
... 17. More even than others we try to pay the taxes and assessments to those
whom you appoint, as we have been taught by him. For ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the first apology of justin.htm

What Carey did for Science --Founder of the Agricultural and ...
... Carey never ceased to point out, but which the very perfection of our judicial
procedure and the temporary character of our land assessments have intensified ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xii what carey did.htm

Assessments (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Assessments (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings 23:35 Jehoiakim
gave the silver and the gold to Pharaoh; but he taxed ...
/a/assessments.htm - 6k

Assessor

/a/assessor.htm - 9k

Club (7 Occurrences)
... politics, good fellowship, etc.; esp. an association supported by equal
assessments or contributions of the members. 4. (n.) A joint ...
/c/club.htm - 9k

Assessment (1 Occurrence)

/a/assessment.htm - 7k

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