The concept of being "bettered" in the biblical context often relates to the idea of improvement, growth, or enhancement in moral, spiritual, or material aspects. While the specific term "bettered" may not frequently appear in the Bible, the underlying principles are woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing transformation and the pursuit of righteousness.

Spiritual Betterment

The Bible frequently addresses the theme of spiritual betterment, urging believers to grow in their faith and relationship with God. In 2 Peter 3:18, the apostle Peter exhorts Christians to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." This growth is a form of betterment, as believers are called to deepen their understanding and practice of their faith.

The process of sanctification, a key doctrine in Christian theology, is essentially about being bettered spiritually. Romans 12:2 instructs, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This transformation is a divine work that results in a life that is increasingly aligned with God's will.

Moral Betterment

Moral betterment is another significant aspect of biblical teaching. The Scriptures provide numerous exhortations to live a life that reflects God's holiness. In Ephesians 4:22-24, Paul writes, "Put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

The call to moral betterment is not merely about external behavior but involves a transformation of the heart. Jesus emphasized this in the Sermon on the Mount, where He taught that true righteousness exceeds that of the Pharisees and is rooted in the heart's intentions (Matthew 5:20).

Material and Social Betterment

While the Bible primarily focuses on spiritual and moral betterment, it also acknowledges the importance of material and social improvement. Proverbs 13:11 states, "Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it." This verse highlights the value of diligent work and prudent management of resources, leading to material betterment.

Moreover, the Bible encourages believers to seek the welfare of their communities. Jeremiah 29:7 instructs the exiles in Babylon to "seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile." This pursuit of social betterment reflects God's concern for justice, peace, and the well-being of society.

Examples of Betterment in Scripture

Several biblical figures exemplify the theme of betterment. Joseph, for instance, experienced significant personal and social betterment. Despite being sold into slavery, he rose to a position of power in Egypt, ultimately using his influence to save many lives during a famine (Genesis 41:39-41).

Similarly, the account of Ruth illustrates personal and familial betterment. Ruth's loyalty and faithfulness to Naomi led to her becoming the great-grandmother of King David, securing a place in the lineage of Jesus Christ (Ruth 4:13-17).

Conclusion

The biblical concept of being "bettered" encompasses spiritual, moral, material, and social dimensions. It is a holistic process that involves transformation through God's grace, leading to a life that reflects His character and purposes.(imp. & p. p.) of Better.4105. Mehetabel -- "God benefits," wife of an Edomite king, also ...
... Mehetabeel, Mehetabel. From yatab (augmented) and 'el; bettered of God; Mehetabel,
the name of an Edomitish man and woman -- Mehetabeel, Mehetabel. ...
/hebrew/4105.htm - 6k

Whether the Brightness of the Heavenly Bodies Will be Increased at ...
... is not the end of the creation of the heavens, and so it is unseemly that the heaven
should deteriorate when he sinned, or that it should be bettered when he ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the brightness of the.htm

Whether the Elements Will be Renewed by an Addition of Brightness?
... creature. But if one creature be bettered, the good of the universe is
done away, since there will no longer be the same harmony. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the elements will be.htm

God Has Everything to do with Prayer
... counts. God is vitally concerned that men should pray. Men are bettered
by prayer, and the world is bettered by praying. God does ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/iv god has everything to.htm

Whether Love is a Passion that Wounds the Lover?
... good. Now nothing is hurt by being adapted to that which is suitable to
it; rather, if possible, it is perfected and bettered. But ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether love is a passion.htm

Whether God Can do Better than what He Does?
... does. Objection 3: Further, what is very good and the best of all cannot
be bettered; because nothing is better than the best. But ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether god can do better.htm

A Loyal Tribute
... English manners and morals have been bettered, much of savagery and coarseness
has been got rid of; low, cruel amusements have been abandoned. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a loyal tribute.htm

Lord of Life and Love
... which had an issue of blood twelve years, and had suffered many things of many
physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather ...
/.../mark/jesus of nazareth a biography/chapter v lord of life.htm

The Date of the Beginning of Noonday.
... Under all these circumstances, real religion was not likely to be bettered by
such a reverse in external affairs, and so the event proved. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter i the date of.htm

RB Unto the Friendly Reader Wisheth Salvation.
... of the school-men, but an opposer and despiser of them as such, by whose labour
I judge the Christian religion to be so far from being bettered, that it is ...
/.../r b unto the friendly.htm

With Jairus
... which had an issue of blood twelve years, and had suffered many things of many
physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 5 21-43 with jairus.htm

Bettered (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Better. Multi-Version Concordance
Bettered (1 Occurrence). Mark 5:26 And had suffered many ...
/b/bettered.htm - 6k

Better-looking (1 Occurrence)
Better-looking. Bettered, Better-looking. Between . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Bettered, Better-looking. Between . Reference Bible.
/b/better-looking.htm - 6k

Nothing (769 Occurrences)
... Mark 5:26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that
she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, (KJV ASV YLT). ...
/n/nothing.htm - 40k

Better (218 Occurrences)

/b/better.htm - 38k

Who was A.W. Tozer? | GotQuestions.org

Bettered: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus