Churlishness, as a term, refers to a disposition characterized by rudeness, surliness, and a lack of civility or graciousness. In the context of biblical teachings, churlishness is often associated with behaviors and attitudes that are contrary to the virtues of kindness, generosity, and humility that are encouraged throughout Scripture.

Biblical References and Context

The concept of churlishness is illustrated in several passages of the Bible, where it is often depicted as a negative trait that leads to discord and strife. One of the most notable examples is found in the account of Nabal in 1 Samuel 25. Nabal is described as a "harsh and evil" man (1 Samuel 25:3), whose churlish behavior nearly leads to disaster for his household. His refusal to provide hospitality and assistance to David and his men, despite their protection of his shepherds, exemplifies the selfishness and lack of discernment associated with churlishness.

Proverbs also addresses the nature of churlishness, often contrasting it with wisdom and righteousness. Proverbs 11:17 states, "A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself" . This verse highlights the self-destructive nature of churlish behavior, emphasizing that kindness and generosity are not only virtuous but also beneficial to oneself.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

From a moral and spiritual perspective, churlishness is seen as a manifestation of the sinful nature that believers are called to overcome. The New Testament encourages Christians to exhibit the fruits of the Spirit, which include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Churlishness stands in stark contrast to these qualities, representing a heart that is not aligned with the teachings of Christ.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently admonishes believers to put away behaviors that are rooted in the flesh, such as anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk (Colossians 3:8). Instead, Christians are urged to "be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32). This call to kindness and forgiveness underscores the importance of overcoming churlish tendencies through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

Practical Application

In practical terms, overcoming churlishness involves cultivating a heart of gratitude and humility. Believers are encouraged to follow the example of Christ, who demonstrated ultimate humility and selflessness. Philippians 2:3-4 exhorts, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others" . By adopting this mindset, Christians can counteract the tendencies of churlishness and foster a spirit of generosity and compassion.

Furthermore, the practice of regular self-examination and prayer can aid in identifying and addressing areas of churlishness in one's life. Seeking accountability within the community of believers and engaging in acts of service can also help in developing a character that reflects the love and grace of God.(n.) Rudeness of manners or temper; lack of kindness or courtesy.

Significant Phrases
... churlishness and violence [churlish = boorish or vulgar]. citation and allusion.
civility and communicativeness. civilized and cultured. clamorous and wild. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section ii significant phrases.htm

On the Mission of the Seventy Disciples, and Christ's Charge to ...
... [4449] But if their churlishness [4450] and inhospitality were to receive no vengeance
from Him, for what purpose does He premise a testimony, which surely ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xxiv on the mission of.htm

Ill-Temper
... Look at the parable for a moment, and see how the elder brother's wretched pettishness,
explosion of temper, churlishness, spoiled the happiness of a whole ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/the ideal life/ill-temper.htm

Restoration of Peter.
... disposition. If some churlish person does not own the ascendency, you know
that the churlishness goes deep into the character. But ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/xxv restoration of peter.htm

Christ the Believer's Husband
... As Abigail was an honor to Nubal, and by her sweet deportment made up, in some degree,
for her husband's churlishness. This is to be a help-meet indeed. ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/christ the believers husband.htm

Number one Thousand; Or, "Bread Enough and to Spare"
... throne, and amongst men redeemed on earth, if there be any one that can say he hath
been dealt with unjustly or treated with ungenerous churlishness, let him ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/number one thousand or bread.htm

A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of ...
... must not tyrannize It over such, but must all meekness shew; Still dropping of good
doctrine as the dew, Against their error; so its churlishness You conquer ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse of the building.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Churlishness (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Rudeness of manners or temper; lack of kindness or
courtesy. Multi-Version Concordance Churlishness (1 Occurrence). ...
/c/churlishness.htm - 6k

Peniel (4 Occurrences)
... Midianites. When he returned victorious, he beat down the place because
of the churlishness of the inhabitants (Judges 8:8, 9, 17). ...
/p/peniel.htm - 9k

Churlish (1 Occurrence)

/c/churlish.htm - 7k

Churls (1 Occurrence)

/c/churls.htm - 6k

Succoth (18 Occurrences)
... pursuit of Zeba and Zalmunnah, Gideon seems to have retraced the path followed by
Jacob, passing Succoth before Penuel (Judges 8:5). Their churlishness on that ...
/s/succoth.htm - 16k

Maidservant (73 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 25:25 Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this base fellow, even Nabal;
for as his name is, so is he: Nabal is his name, and churlishness is with him ...
/m/maidservant.htm - 28k

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