Contemning
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Contemning, in biblical terms, refers to the act of treating someone or something with disdain, scorn, or disrespect. This attitude is often condemned in Scripture as it reflects a heart that is not aligned with the humility and reverence that God desires from His people.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, contemning is frequently associated with a rejection of God's commandments and authority. For instance, in Proverbs 1:7 , it is written, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." Here, the word "despise" is synonymous with contemning, indicating a foolish rejection of divine wisdom and instruction.

The Israelites are often depicted as contemning God's laws and prophets. In 2 Chronicles 36:16 , it states, "But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets until the wrath of the LORD arose against His people, until there was no remedy." This passage highlights the severe consequences of contemning God's message and messengers.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, contemning is addressed in the context of interpersonal relationships and the treatment of others within the Christian community. Jesus Himself warns against such attitudes in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:22 , He says, "But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell." The term "Raca" is an Aramaic expression of contempt, illustrating the seriousness of contemning others.

The Apostle Paul also addresses this issue in his epistles. In Romans 14:10 , he writes, "Why, then, do you judge your brother? Or why do you belittle your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat." Paul emphasizes that contemning fellow believers is inappropriate, as all are accountable to God.

Theological Implications

Contemning is fundamentally a heart issue, reflecting pride and a lack of humility. It is contrary to the biblical call to love and serve others. In Philippians 2:3 , Paul exhorts believers, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves." This attitude stands in stark contrast to contemning, which elevates oneself above others.

Practical Application

Believers are called to examine their hearts and attitudes, ensuring they do not fall into the trap of contemning others or God's Word. Practicing humility, seeking wisdom, and showing respect to all individuals are essential aspects of living a life that honors God. As James 4:6 reminds us, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'"
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Contemn.
Strong's Hebrew
7590. shat -- that which is despised
... Word Origin the same as shut, qv. that which is despised For active part of suwt
(compare sh'at); one contemning -- that (which) despise(-d). see HEBREW suwt. ...
/hebrew/7590.htm - 6k
Library

Whether Obedience is the Greatest of the virtues?
... I answer that, Just as sin consists in man contemning God and adhering to mutable
things, so the merit of a virtuous act consists in man contemning created ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether obedience is the greatest.htm

Weak Hands and Feeble Knees
... The foot represents the manner in which we deal with earth, we tread upon it boldly
and courageously, despising its threats, contemning its riches, contemning ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/weak hands and feeble knees.htm

Introduction. virginity Classified under Three Several Species.
... and consists in) total ignorance of that from which you will afterwards wish to
be freed: the second, of virtue, (and consists in) contemning that the power of ...
/.../chapter i introduction virginity classified under.htm

The Principle of Fasting Traced Back to Its Earliest Source.
... that is, through interdiction of food; and thus, in emulous wise, hunger might rekindle,
just as satiety had extinguished, salvation, contemning for the sake ...
/.../chapter iii the principle of fasting.htm

The Causes of Impatience, and their Correspondent Precepts.
... If our spirit is aroused by the loss of property, it is commonished by the Lord's
Scriptures, in almost every place, to a contemning of the world; [9084] nor ...
/.../tertullian/of patience/chapter vii the causes of impatience.htm

Examples of a Similar Kind from the New.
... 1060] say, to make Jordan flow with wine perchance, if He had been such a "glutton
and toper." [1061] Nay, rather, by the virtue of contemning food He was ...
/.../on fasting in opposition to the psychics/chapter viii examples of a similar.htm

How Christ is Made Use of for Justification as a Way.
... mercy; and peremptorily persisting in rebellion and heart-opposition; not only not
accepting his kindness and offers of mercy, but contemning them, trampling ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter iv how christ is.htm

James ii. 25, 26
... of passive faith in the One God, he declares that this faith was required to approve
itself in works, the fruits of an inward disposition, contemning for the ...
/.../neander/the epistle of james practically explained/james ii 25 26.htm

'Concerning the Crown'
... So, says Paul, praising the effort and contemning the prize, 'They do it to obtain
a corruptible crown.' And yet there was a soul of goodness in this evil thing ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/concerning the crown.htm

Concerning the Cross and Here Further Concerning Faith.
... has subdued death, expiated the sin of the first parent [2348] , despoiled Hades,
bestowed the resurrection, granted the power to us of contemning the present ...
/.../john/exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter xi concerning the cross and.htm

Thesaurus
Contemning (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Contemning (2 Occurrences). ... (See JPS). Ezekiel 21:13 For
the trial is made; and what if even the contemning sceptre shall be no more? ...
/c/contemning.htm - 7k

Contempt (55 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The act of contemning or despising; the feeling with which one regards
that which is esteemed mean, vile, or worthless; disdain; scorn. ...
/c/contempt.htm - 23k

Contemneth (3 Occurrences)

/c/contemneth.htm - 7k

Contemplate (2 Occurrences)

/c/contemplate.htm - 7k

Sceptre (20 Occurrences)
... (DBY YLT). Ezekiel 21:13 For the trial is made; and what if even the contemning
sceptre shall be no more? saith the Lord Jehovah. (DBY YLT). ...
/s/sceptre.htm - 17k

Resources
Contemning: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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