Topical Encyclopedia Craftiness, in the biblical context, often refers to a form of cunning or deceitful behavior that is characterized by cleverness and subtlety, typically used for selfish or malevolent purposes. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings regarding craftiness, often warning against its use and highlighting its association with sin and moral corruption.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, craftiness is frequently associated with deceit and manipulation. The serpent in the Garden of Eden is described as "more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made" (Genesis 3:1). This craftiness led to the deception of Eve, resulting in the fall of humanity. The serpent's cunning is emblematic of the dangers of craftiness when used to subvert God's commands. The book of Proverbs also addresses the concept of craftiness, often contrasting it with wisdom and righteousness. Proverbs 12:23 states, "A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly" . Here, the shrewdness or craftiness is not condemned outright but is seen as a tool that can be used wisely or foolishly. New Testament References In the New Testament, craftiness is often linked to deceit and false teaching. The Apostle Paul warns against those who use craftiness to distort the truth of the Gospel. In 2 Corinthians 4:2, Paul writes, "Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God" . Here, Paul contrasts the transparency and honesty of his ministry with the craftiness of false teachers. Ephesians 4:14 warns believers to mature in their faith so that they are not "tossed by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming" . This passage highlights the danger of craftiness in leading believers astray from sound doctrine. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, craftiness is often seen as a perversion of the God-given gift of intelligence and creativity. While God calls His people to be wise and discerning, craftiness represents a distortion of these virtues, using them for selfish gain rather than for the glory of God and the good of others. The Bible encourages believers to seek wisdom and understanding, which are rooted in the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). In contrast, craftiness is often associated with a lack of trust in God's provision and a reliance on one's own cunning to achieve desired outcomes. Practical Applications For Christians, the biblical teachings on craftiness serve as a warning to avoid deceitful practices in all areas of life, including personal relationships, business dealings, and spiritual matters. Believers are called to live lives of integrity, characterized by honesty and transparency. In interactions with others, Christians are encouraged to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16), balancing shrewdness with purity of heart. This means being aware of the potential for deceit and manipulation in the world while maintaining a commitment to truth and righteousness. Ultimately, the biblical perspective on craftiness calls believers to trust in God's wisdom and guidance, rather than relying on their own cunning, to navigate the complexities of life. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) Dexterity in devising and effecting a purpose; cunning; artifice; stratagem.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CRAFT; CRAFTINESS; CRAFTYkraft, kraf'-ti-nes, kraf'-ti, (panourgia), (panourgos): The original meaning is that of "ability to do anything," universally applied in a bad sense to unscrupulous wickedness, that stops short of no measure, however reprehensible, in order to attain its purposes; then, in a modified form, to resourcefulness in wrong, cunning (Daniel 8:25; 2 Maccabees 12:24; the Revised Version, margin "jugglery"). In Luke 20:23, Jesus perceives "the craftiness" of His adversaries, i.e. the complicated network which they have laid to ensnare Him. The art with which a plot is concealed, and its direction to the ruin of others, are elements that enter into the meaning. Heinrici on 1 Corinthians 3:19 illustrates from Plato the distinction between craftiness and wisdom. There is a touch of humor in 2 Corinthians 12:16, when Paul speaks of his conduct toward the Corinthians as having been "crafty." Greek 3834. panourgia -- cleverness, craftiness ... cleverness, craftiness. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: panourgia Phonetic Spelling: (pan-oorg-ee'-ah) Short Definition: cunning, craftiness ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3834.htm - 7k 3180. methodeia -- craft, deceit 4468. rhadiourgia -- ease in doing, laziness, recklessness, hence ... Strong's Hebrew 6193. orem -- craftiness... orem. 6194 . craftiness. Transliteration: orem Phonetic Spelling: (o'-rem) Short Definition: shrewdness. ... craftiness. From aram; a stratagem -- craftiness. ... /hebrew/6193.htm - 6k 6195. ormah -- craftiness, prudence Library Whether Craftiness is a Special Sin? Whether Fraud Pertains to Craftiness? Whether Guile is a Sin Pertaining to Craftiness? Whether the Prohibitive Precepts Relating to the vices Opposed to ... 1 Cor. Iii. 18, 19 2 Cor. Iv. 1, 2 Whether These vices Arise from Covetousness? Letter clxvii. (AD 415. ) And Then that Further Device of Theirs, if Words Can Express It... The Death of the Christian Thesaurus Craftiness (8 Occurrences)... CRAFT; CRAFTINESS; CRAFTY. ... In Luke 20:23, Jesus perceives "the craftiness" of His adversaries, ie the complicated network which they have laid to ensnare Him. ... /c/craftiness.htm - 10k Craft (14 Occurrences) Crafty (15 Occurrences) Cunning (43 Occurrences) Subtlety (3 Occurrences) Astray (116 Occurrences) Craftily (7 Occurrences) Unscrupulous (2 Occurrences) Underhanded (1 Occurrence) Guile (21 Occurrences) Resources What sort of spiritual boundaries should we set in our lives? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I become more like Christ? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about snakes? Are snakes evil? | GotQuestions.org Craftiness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Craftiness (8 Occurrences)Luke 20:23 Acts 13:10 1 Corinthians 3:19 2 Corinthians 4:2 2 Corinthians 11:3 Ephesians 4:14 Job 5:13 Psalms 26:10 Subtopics Craftiness in Management of Laban's Flocks and Herds Craftiness in Seeking to Kill Jesus Craftiness: Gibeonites, in Deceiving Joshua and the Israelites Into a Treaty Craftiness: Jacob, in Purchase of Esau's Birthright Craftiness: Jews, in Seeking to Entangle the Master Craftiness: Obtaining Isaac's Blessing Craftiness: Sanballat, in Trying to Deceive Nehemiah Into a Conference Craftiness: Satan, in the Temptation of Eve Related Terms Manifestation (11 Occurrences) |
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