The term "circumspect" is derived from the Latin word "circumspectus," meaning "cautious" or "looking around." In a biblical context, being circumspect involves exercising careful consideration and prudence in one's actions and decisions, particularly in relation to God's commandments and moral living.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 23:13 : "Pay close attention to everything I have said to you. You must not invoke the names of other gods; they must not be heard on your lips." This verse underscores the importance of being circumspect in obedience to God's commands, emphasizing vigilance in avoiding idolatry and maintaining purity in worship.

2. Ephesians 5:15-16 : "Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Here, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to live wisely and circumspectly, making the most of their time in a world filled with moral challenges. This passage highlights the need for discernment and intentionality in the Christian walk.

Theological Significance:

In the Bible, circumspection is closely linked to wisdom and understanding. It involves a conscious effort to align one's life with God's will, avoiding sin and the influence of worldly temptations. The call to be circumspect is a call to live a life of holiness and integrity, reflecting the character of Christ.

Practical Application:

For believers, being circumspect means actively seeking God's guidance through prayer and Scripture, evaluating one's actions and decisions in light of biblical principles. It involves a commitment to moral and ethical living, being mindful of the impact of one's behavior on others, and striving to be a positive witness for Christ in all areas of life.

Related Concepts:

· Wisdom: Often associated with circumspection, wisdom in the Bible is the ability to make godly choices and live in accordance with divine truth.
· Discernment: The capacity to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and falsehood, which is essential for living circumspectly.
· Holiness: A life set apart for God, characterized by purity and obedience, which requires a circumspect approach to daily living.

Historical Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, where the Israelites lived among pagan nations, being circumspect was crucial for maintaining their distinct identity as God's chosen people. The call to be circumspect served as a safeguard against the assimilation of foreign practices and beliefs that could lead them away from their covenant relationship with God.

Conclusion:

While the Bible does not frequently use the term "circumspect," the concept is woven throughout Scripture, calling believers to a life of careful obedience and spiritual vigilance. By being circumspect, Christians are better equipped to navigate the complexities of life, honoring God in all they do.(a.) Attentive to all the circumstances of a case; cautious; prudent; wary.3524. nephalios -- sober
... from 3525 , "to be sober") -- properly, not intoxicated, free from negative influences
(intoxicants); (figuratively) clear-minded; circumspect ("sober"), free ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3524.htm - 7k

2126. eulabes -- cautious
... eulabes Phonetic Spelling: (yoo-lab-ace') Short Definition: cautious, pious Definition:
(lit: handling well, hence) cautious, circumspect; hence: God-fearing ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2126.htm - 7k

3525. nepho -- to be sober, to abstain from wine
... nepho Phonetic Spelling: (nay'-fo) Short Definition: I am calm, vigilant, sober
Definition: (lit: I am sober), I am calm (vigilant), circumspect. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3525.htm - 7k

2125. eulabeomai -- to be cautious
... revere, respect. Middle voice from eulabes; to be circumspect, ie (by implication)
to be apprehensive; religiously, to reverence -- (moved with) fear. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2125.htm - 6k

8104. shamar -- to keep, watch, preserve
... watchman (4), watchmen (7). beward, be circumspect, take heed to self, keeper,
self, mark, look narrowly, observe,. A primitive root ...
/hebrew/8104.htm - 7k

7919. sakal -- to be prudent
... A primitive root; to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent --
consider, expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give) skill ...
/hebrew/7919.htm - 5k

Examples of Circumspect Behaviour from the Old Testament.
... The Second Epistle of the Same Clement. Chapter XIV."Examples of Circumspect
Behaviour from the Old Testament. But see what it ...
/.../chapter xiv examples of circumspect behaviour.htm

Fragment viii. Those, Moreover, who have the Care of the Emperor's ...
... Besides this, your servants should be the most thoroughly honest, and
circumspect, and modest, and as serviceable to you as possible. ...
/.../theonas/epistle of phileas/fragment viii those moreover who.htm

A Sermon of the Reverend Father Master Hugh Latimer, Preached in ...
... But as preachers must be wary and circumspect, that they give not any just occasion
to be slandered and ill spoken of by the hearers, so must not the auditors ...
/.../latimer/sermons on the card and other discourses/a sermon of the reverend.htm

Two Epistles Concerning Virginity
... Chapter XIV.--Examples of Circumspect Behaviour from the Old Testament. Chapter
XV.--The Example of Jesus; How We May Allow Ourselves to Be Served by Women. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clement/two epistles concerning virginity/

The Yoke of Jesus.
... They never think of the essential, of what in itself must be. They are cautious,
wary, discreet, judicious, circumspect, provident, temporizing. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/hope of the gospel/the yoke of jesus.htm

Of the Manifold Abuse of Speech.
... And we may well apply it to this: if persons of so circumspect a piety have been
thus overtaken, what security can there be for our wretched obstinacy? ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section ii of the manifold.htm

The Ancestral Home
... of East Hampton as "men resolute, enterprising, acquainted with human nature,
accustomed to do business, well qualified by education, circumspect, careful in ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/fagg/forty years in south china/i the ancestral home.htm

From the Law Tertullian Comes to the Gospel He Begins with ...
... A man "just and circumspect," and of course no digamist, (which is plain) even
(from this consideration), lest (otherwise) Christ should presently be more ...
/.../tertullian/on monogamy/chapter viii from the law tertullian.htm

The Christian Training of Children.
... yet, if you are careful to conduct yourselves according to God's will in all your
relations with grown-up people, you must be still more circumspect in your ...
/.../selected sermons of schleiermacher/viii the christian training of.htm

Where There is Only one Woman, the Father Does not Make a Stay ...
... But blessed is that man who is circumspect and fearful in everything for the
sake of purity! Footnotes: [453] Or "are set and fixed.". ...
/.../clement/two epistles concerning virginity/chapter v where there is only.htm

Circumspect (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Attentive to all the circumstances of a case; cautious;
prudent; wary. Multi-Version Concordance Circumspect (1 Occurrence). ...
/c/circumspect.htm - 6k

Circumspectly (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) In a circumspect manner; cautiously; warily.
Multi-Version Concordance Circumspectly (1 Occurrence). ...
/c/circumspectly.htm - 6k

Vigilant (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Attentive to discover and avoid danger, or
to provide for safety; wakeful; watchful; circumspect; wary. ...
/v/vigilant.htm - 7k

Guarded (27 Occurrences)
... & pp) of Guard. 2. (a.) Cautious; wary; circumspect; as, he was guarded in his
expressions; framed or uttered with caution; as, his expressions were guarded. ...
/g/guarded.htm - 14k

Deliberate (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Weighing facts and arguments with a view to a choice or decision; carefully
considering the probable consequences of a step; circumspect; slow in ...
/d/deliberate.htm - 7k

Mention (41 Occurrences)
... Exodus 23:13 And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make
no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth ...
/m/mention.htm - 19k

Prudent (40 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Sagacious in adapting means to ends; circumspect in action, or in determining
any line of conduct; practically wise; judicious; careful; discreet ...
/p/prudent.htm - 20k

Considerate (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Given to consideration or to sober reflection;
regardful of consequences or circumstances; circumspect; careful; esp. ...
/c/considerate.htm - 7k

Cautious (2 Occurrences)
... (a.) Attentive to examine probable effects and consequences of acts with a view
to avoid danger or misfortune; prudent; circumspect; wary; watchful; as, a ...
/c/cautious.htm - 7k

Circumlocution (1 Occurrence)

/c/circumlocution.htm - 6k

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Circumspect: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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