Canting, in a biblical context, refers to the use of insincere, hypocritical, or sanctimonious language, often to give a false impression of piety or righteousness. This concept, while not explicitly named in the Bible, is addressed through various scriptures that warn against hypocrisy and the misuse of religious language for personal gain or self-righteousness.

Biblical References and Context

1. Hypocrisy in Speech: The Bible frequently addresses the issue of hypocrisy, particularly in the context of religious leaders and individuals who use their words to project a false image of holiness. In Matthew 23:27-28 , Jesus rebukes the Pharisees, saying, "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. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." This passage highlights the danger of using religious language to mask inner corruption.

2. Sincerity in Worship: The Bible emphasizes the importance of sincerity in worship and communication with God. In Isaiah 29:13 , the Lord says, "These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men." This verse underscores the futility of canting, as God desires genuine devotion rather than empty words.

3. The Power of Words: Scripture also teaches about the power and responsibility of words. James 3:9-10 states, "With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!" This passage calls believers to integrity in speech, avoiding the duplicity that canting represents.

4. Authenticity in Faith: The New Testament encourages believers to live authentically, aligning their speech with their actions. In 1 John 3:18 , it is written, "Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth." This exhortation challenges Christians to ensure that their words reflect their true intentions and faith.

Theological Implications

Canting is seen as a violation of the biblical call to authenticity and integrity. It represents a form of deceit that can lead others astray and damage the witness of the Christian community. The Bible consistently calls for a congruence between one's words and one's heart, urging believers to speak truthfully and live out their faith with sincerity.

Practical Application

In practical terms, Christians are encouraged to examine their own speech and motivations, ensuring that their words are consistent with their beliefs and actions. This involves a commitment to honesty, humility, and a genuine relationship with God, avoiding the temptation to use religious language as a facade. By doing so, believers can foster a community characterized by trust and authenticity, reflecting the true nature of the Gospel.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Cant.

2. (a.) Speaking in a whining tone of voice; using technical or religious terms affectedly; affectedly pious; as, a canting rogue; a canting tone.

3. (n.) The use of cant; hypocrisy.

Happiness and goodness, according to canting moralists, stand in ...
... III. Happiness and goodness, according to canting moralists, stand in the
relation of effect and cause. There was never anything ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stevenson/a christmas sermon/iii.htm

Useful Phrases
... cantankerous enemy. canting hypocrite [canting = monotonous platitudes; hypocritically
pious]. capacious mind. capricious allurements. captivating speech. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section i useful phrases.htm

Are You Mocked?
... And what, what do they say, Why, "It's all canting talk." I do not particularly
know what that means, but if ever Christian men are accused of being cants ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/are you mocked.htm

Essay i. Fortuna Plerumque Est Veluti Galaxia Quarundam Obscurarum ...
... REPLY. For shame! dear friend, renounce this canting strain; What would'st thou
have a good great man obtain? Place? titles? salary? a gilded chain? ...
/.../confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/essay i fortuna plerumque est.htm

Book x. It is Manifest that There is Nothing which Men have ever ...
... They confirm the falsehoods of pretended godliness, for a canting hypocrisy always
succeeds to defection from the faith: so that at least in word the reverence ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/book x it is manifest.htm

Moody Asks a Few Questions.
... The boy said his father would never allow the canting hypocrites of Christians to
come into his house, and would never allow his child to go to Sunday-school. ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/moody asks a few questions.htm

Proposition that the Self-Existent Being must be Eternal.
... mensura propria, yet in mensura aliena. The schoolmen have much more of this
jargon and canting language. I envy no man the understanding ...
/.../v proposition v that the.htm

The God of the Aged
... to have sacrificed our sacred service to some new method; but since we find ourselves
bowing like our fathers, with the same prayers, and canting the same ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the god of the aged.htm

Here is the Sum of My Examination Before Justice Keelin, Justice ...
... For ever blessed be His holy name! Keel. Justice Keelin called this pedler's French,
saying, that I must leave off my canting. The Lord open his eyes! Bun. ...
/.../bunyan/grace abounding to the chief of sinners/here is the sum of.htm

The Murderous Rejection.
... done for the poor! Thoughtless, improvident woman! Strange the word
didn't blister on his canting lips. John keenly sees that his ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks about jesus/the murderous rejection.htm

Canting (1 Occurrence)
... n.) of Cant. 2. (a.) Speaking in a whining tone of voice; using technical or religious
terms affectedly; affectedly pious; as, a canting rogue; a canting tone. ...
/c/canting.htm - 7k

Thirsting (7 Occurrences)
... thirsting for my blood"? (WEY). 2 Peter 2:3 Thirsting for riches, they will
trade on you with their canting talk. From of old their ...
/t/thirsting.htm - 8k

Chant (2 Occurrences)
... It is the most ancient form of choral music. 8. (n.) A psalm, etc., arranged for
chanting. 9. (vt) Twang; manner of speaking; a canting tone. Int. ...
/c/chant.htm - 8k

Capability (1 Occurrence)

/c/capability.htm - 7k

Canticles

/c/canticles.htm - 6k

Slumbering (3 Occurrences)
... Son of Man." (WEY). 2 Peter 2:3 Thirsting for riches, they will trade on
you with their canting talk. From of old their judgement ...
/s/slumbering.htm - 7k

Riches (118 Occurrences)
... moth-eaten. (WEB KJV ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV). 2 Peter 2:3 Thirsting for riches,
they will trade on you with their canting talk. From of ...
/r/riches.htm - 41k

Talk (164 Occurrences)
... of foolish persons. (WEY NIV). 2 Peter 2:3 Thirsting for riches, they will
trade on you with their canting talk. From of old their ...
/t/talk.htm - 36k

Judgement (68 Occurrences)
... reject God's Good News? (WEY). 2 Peter 2:3 Thirsting for riches, they will
trade on you with their canting talk. From of old their ...
/j/judgement.htm - 26k

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