Definition and Meaning:
The term "astute" refers to the ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage. It implies shrewdness, discernment, and keen insight. In a biblical context, astuteness is often associated with wisdom and prudence, qualities that are highly valued in Scripture.

Biblical Context:
Astuteness, while not explicitly mentioned by the term itself in the Bible, is a quality that can be seen in various biblical figures who demonstrate wisdom and discernment. The Bible often highlights the importance of being wise and prudent, which aligns closely with the concept of being astute.

Old Testament Examples:
1. Joseph: Joseph, the son of Jacob, is a prime example of astuteness. His ability to interpret Pharaoh's dreams and propose a plan to save Egypt from famine demonstrates his keen insight and practical wisdom (Genesis 41:33-40). Joseph's astuteness not only saved Egypt but also elevated him to a position of great authority.

2. Solomon: King Solomon is renowned for his wisdom, which is a form of astuteness. When God offered him anything he desired, Solomon asked for wisdom to govern the people effectively (1 Kings 3:9-12). His astute judgment is famously illustrated in the case of the two women claiming to be the mother of a child (1 Kings 3:16-28).

New Testament Examples:
1. Jesus Christ: Jesus often demonstrated astuteness in His interactions with the Pharisees and other religious leaders. His ability to perceive their intentions and respond with wisdom is evident in passages such as Matthew 22:15-22 , where He skillfully answers the question about paying taxes to Caesar.

2. Paul the Apostle: The Apostle Paul exhibited astuteness in his missionary journeys and writings. His ability to adapt his message to different audiences, as seen in Acts 17:22-34 , where he addresses the Athenians at the Areopagus, shows his discernment and strategic thinking.

Proverbs and Wisdom Literature:
The Book of Proverbs frequently extols the virtues of wisdom and understanding, which are closely related to astuteness. Proverbs 1:5 states, "Let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel." This highlights the importance of being astute in acquiring knowledge and making sound decisions.

Theological Implications:
Astuteness, when aligned with godly wisdom, is a valuable trait for believers. It involves not only intellectual acumen but also moral and spiritual discernment. The Bible encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, who grants it generously (James 1:5). Astuteness should be exercised with humility and integrity, reflecting the character of Christ.

Practical Application:
In practical terms, being astute involves being observant, thoughtful, and strategic in decision-making. Believers are called to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16), balancing shrewdness with purity of heart. This balance enables Christians to navigate complex situations effectively while maintaining a Christ-like character.(a.) Critically discerning; shrewd; sagacious; subtle; crafty.6617. pathal -- to twist
... 6616, 6617. pathal. 6618 . to twist. Transliteration: pathal Phonetic Spelling:
(paw-thal') Short Definition: astute. Word Origin a prim. ...
/hebrew/6617.htm - 6k

Whether Men are Assailed by the Demons?
... Objection 2: Further, it is not a fair fight, for the weak to be set against
the strong, and the ignorant against the astute. But ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether men are assailed by.htm

The Interpretation of the Articles.
... Damnant et Samosatenos, veteres et neotericos, qui, cum tantum unam personam esse
contendant, de Verbo et de Spiritu Sancto astute et impie rhetoricantur, quod ...
/.../ 81 the interpretation of.htm

Useful Phrases
... assumed humiliation. assuredly enshrined. astonishing facility. astounding mistakes.
astute observer. athletic prowess. atmospheric vagueness. atoning sacrifice ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section i useful phrases.htm

Jesus the Scapegoat.
... peaceful periods. Caiaphas, astute and unscrupulous, takes a more practical
view of things, and laughs at their helplessness. "Why ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/xxiv jesus the scapegoat.htm

Here Peradventure Some Man May Say, "If it was Bodily Work that ...
... For it is not either in one place or briefly said, that it should be possible for
any most astute arguer with all his tergiversation to traduce and pervert it ...
/.../augustine/of the work of monks /section 14 here peradventure some.htm

The First Games
... By means of certain astute methods, an artful player can make the pea stick to his
fingers, or to the inside of the shell, and the opponent loses every time. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/iv the first games.htm

Gherardi Sat for Two or Three Minutes in Absolute Silence. ...
... But his astute and crafty powers of reasoning taught him that it would be worse
than ridiculous to give way to anger in the presence of this cool, determined ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxi gherardi sat for two.htm

On the First Floor of an Ancient Mansion, in a Street which Slopes ...
... The rooms in their entirety composed the business, or town dwelling of Monsignor
Gherardi, one of the cleverest, most astute, and most unscrupulous of men, to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/corelli/the master-christian/xx on the first floor.htm

Tee Advice of Hotep
... hair. And having made her furtive examination, the astute old servant told
the great artist that the young master was not ill. If ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xvi tee advice of.htm

But after These Events they Returned to their Master...
... On receiving these copies, that astute personage set himself to seek out all the
statements in our books that seemed to favour his notion of a dualism; which ...
/.../54 but after these events.htm

Astute (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Astute (2 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 22:27 With the pure you
will show yourself pure. With the crooked you will show yourself shrewd. ...
/a/astute.htm - 7k

Shrewd (14 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Astute; sharp; wily; cunning; as, a shrewd
politician. 2. (a.) Inclining to shrew; disposing to ...
/s/shrewd.htm - 10k

Astyages

/a/astyages.htm - 8k

Jehu (63 Occurrences)
... Ahab, and 70 of Ahab's "son"-to be taken here in the large sense of male
descendants-resided in it (2 Kings 10:1, 6). Jehu here adopted a bold and astute...
/j/jehu.htm - 47k

Macedonia (23 Occurrences)
... II, son of Amyntas II, in 359 BC, Macedonia came under the rule of a man powerful
alike in body and in mind, an able general and an astute diplomatist, one ...
/m/macedonia.htm - 40k

Annas (4 Occurrences)
... He belonged to the Sadducean aristocracy, and, like others of that class, he seems
to have been arrogant, astute, ambitious and enormously wealthy. ...
/a/annas.htm - 13k

Augustus (4 Occurrences)
... conducted practically without interference from Rome except, of course, as regarded
the exaction of the tribute; but on the death of that astute and capable ...
/a/augustus.htm - 12k

Astronomy

/a/astronomy.htm - 40k

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