Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical literature and theology, the term "blunt" is not directly referenced in the Scriptures. However, the concept of bluntness, understood as straightforwardness or lack of subtlety, can be explored through various biblical principles and narratives. The Bible often addresses the manner in which truth is communicated and the importance of honesty, which can be related to the idea of being blunt.Truthfulness and Honesty The Bible places a high value on truthfulness and honesty. Proverbs 12:17 states, "He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit." This verse underscores the importance of being truthful, which can sometimes be perceived as bluntness when the truth is delivered without embellishment or tact. Speaking the Truth in Love While the Bible encourages honesty, it also emphasizes the manner in which truth should be communicated. Ephesians 4:15 instructs believers to speak "the truth in love," suggesting that while being straightforward is important, it should be tempered with love and compassion. This balance ensures that the message is not only clear but also edifying and considerate of the listener's feelings. Jesus' Example Jesus Christ exemplified the perfect balance of truth and love in His teachings. He was often direct in His rebukes, especially towards the Pharisees and religious leaders, as seen in Matthew 23:27 : "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity." Here, Jesus' bluntness served to reveal hypocrisy and call for genuine repentance. Wisdom in Speech The Bible also advises wisdom in speech, recognizing that words have the power to build up or tear down. Proverbs 15:1 states, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." This proverb highlights the importance of choosing words carefully, suggesting that bluntness should be exercised with discernment to avoid unnecessary conflict. Apostolic Guidance The apostles, particularly Paul, also addressed the manner of communication within the Christian community. In Colossians 4:6 , Paul advises, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." This guidance reflects the need for speech that is both truthful and gracious, ensuring that bluntness does not become a barrier to effective communication. Conclusion While the Bible does not explicitly use the term "blunt," the principles surrounding truthfulness, love, and wisdom in communication provide a framework for understanding how straightforwardness should be approached in a biblical context. The emphasis is on balancing honesty with compassion, ensuring that truth serves to edify and not harm. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Having a thick edge or point, as an instrument; dull; not sharp.2. (a.) Dull in understanding; slow of discernment; stupid; -- opposed to acute. 3. (a.) Abrupt in address; plain; unceremonious; wanting the forms of civility; rough in manners or speech. 4. (a.) Hard to impress or penetrate. 5. (v. t.) To dull the edge or point of, by making it thicker; to make blunt. 6. (v. t.) To repress or weaken, as any appetite, desire, or power of the mind; to impair the force, keenness, or susceptibility, of; as, to blunt the feelings. 7. (n.) A fencer's foil. 8. (n.) A short needle with a strong point. See Needle. Greek 2974. kophos -- blunt, dull ... blunt, dull. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: kophos Phonetic Spelling: (ko-fos') Short Definition: dumb, deaf Definition: (lit: blunted) dumb, dull ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2974.htm - 6k 3576. nothros -- sluggish, slothful Strong's Hebrew 6949. qahah -- to be blunt or dull... 6948, 6949. qahah. 6949a . to be blunt or dull. Transliteration: qahah Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-haw') Short Definition: edge. be set on edge, be blunt ... /hebrew/6949.htm - 5k 6949a. qahah -- to be blunt or dull 2763. charam -- to ban, devote, exterminate 6949b. qehayon -- qehayon 4135. mul -- to circumcise Library A Key to the Knowledge of Church History The Extension of the Church Throughout the World A Key to the Knowledge of Church History Preface Chapter page The Foundation of the Church among the Jews The Foundation of the Church among the Heathen Final Settlement of the Church by St. John The Primitive Church The Church under the Roman Empire Thesaurus Blunt (2 Occurrences)... 4. (a.) Hard to impress or penetrate. 5. (vt) To dull the edge or point of, by making it thicker; to make blunt. ...Blunt (2 Occurrences). ... /b/blunt.htm - 7k Style (5 Occurrences) Dictionaries Vanish (21 Occurrences) Gorget Gall (17 Occurrences) Wither (30 Occurrences) Waster (7 Occurrences) Whet (5 Occurrences) Flows (14 Occurrences) Resources What is emblematic parallelism in Hebrew poetry? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Billy Sunday? | GotQuestions.org What is hellfire preaching? Is hellfire preaching biblical? | GotQuestions.org Blunt: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Blunt (2 Occurrences)Psalms 58:7 Ecclesiastes 10:10 Subtopics Related Terms |