The term "cunningly" in the context of the Bible often carries a negative connotation, associated with deceit, craftiness, and the manipulation of truth. It is used to describe actions or behaviors that are shrewd and deceptive, often with the intent to mislead or deceive others. The concept of cunning is frequently contrasted with the virtues of honesty, integrity, and wisdom that are commended throughout Scripture.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, cunning is often linked with the serpent in the Garden of Eden. Genesis 3:1 describes the serpent as "more cunning than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made." This cunning nature is demonstrated in the serpent's deceitful dialogue with Eve, leading to the fall of man. The serpent's craftiness is emblematic of the subtlety and deception that cunning implies.

The Hebrew word often translated as "cunning" is "עָרוּם" (arum), which can mean shrewd or crafty. This term is used in both positive and negative contexts, but when associated with deceit, it highlights the moral ambiguity of human wisdom when divorced from divine guidance.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of cunning is addressed in the context of false teachings and deceitful practices. The Apostle Paul warns against being led astray by cunning schemes. In Ephesians 4:14 , he writes, "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming." Here, cunning is associated with the deliberate distortion of truth for personal gain or to lead others away from sound doctrine.

The Greek word "πανουργία" (panourgia) is often translated as cunning or craftiness, and it is used to describe the deceptive practices that threaten the integrity of the Christian faith. Paul emphasizes the need for believers to be discerning and grounded in truth to avoid falling prey to such cunning deceptions.

Moral and Theological Implications

From a moral and theological perspective, cunning is seen as a perversion of wisdom. While wisdom is a gift from God, intended to guide and protect, cunning represents the misuse of intellect and skill for selfish or harmful purposes. The Bible consistently warns against relying on human cunning rather than divine wisdom. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

Cunning is also linked to the broader theme of spiritual warfare. Believers are called to be vigilant and to equip themselves with the armor of God to stand against the wiles of the devil, who is described as a cunning adversary. In 2 Corinthians 11:3 , Paul expresses concern that "just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ."

Practical Application

In practical terms, Christians are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of discernment and to seek wisdom from God rather than relying on their own cunning. James 1:5 promises, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." This reliance on divine wisdom is essential for navigating the complexities of life and maintaining a steadfast faith in the face of cunning deceptions.

Ultimately, the biblical view of cunning serves as a cautionary reminder of the potential for human intellect to be used for both good and evil. It underscores the importance of aligning one's heart and mind with God's truth and seeking His guidance in all things.(adv.) In a cunning manner; with cunning.4679. sophizo -- to make wise
... Word Origin from sophos Definition to make wise NASB Word Usage cleverly
devised (1), give...wisdom (1). cunningly devise, make wise. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4679.htm - 6k

Commandment Third. On Avoiding Falsehood, and on the Repentance of ...
... And I said, "Because, sir, I never spake a true word in my life, but have ever spoken
cunningly to all, [162] and have affirmed a lie for the truth to all; and ...
/.../the pastor books first second third/commandment third on avoiding falsehood.htm

The Evidences of Christianity Briefly Stated, and the New ...
... THE NEW TESTAMENT PROVED TO. BE GENUINE.2 PET. i.16. "WE HAVE NOT FOLLOWED
CUNNINGLY DEVISED FABLES.". IT is undoubtedly a glory ...
/.../the evidences of christianity/the evidences of christianity briefly.htm

Love Never Tests.
... It was a cunning quotation, cunningly edited. The angels are ministering spirits. ...
It was a cunning temptation, cunningly staged and worded and backed. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/love never tests.htm

Man's Bad Break.
... that sentence. See how cunningly the truth and the lie are interwoven by
this old past-master in the sooty art of lying. "Your eyes ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/mans bad break.htm

The Evidences of Christianity, Deduced from the New Testament ...
... THE EVIDENCES OF CHRISTIANITY, DEDUCED FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT, ALLOWED TO BE.
GENUINE.2 PET. i.16. "WE HAVE NOT FOLLOWED CUNNINGLY DEVISED FABLES.". ...
/.../the evidences of christianity/the evidences of christianity deduced.htm

Unhappy Souls! Stricken through with all These Barbarisms as with ...
... To prevent the possibility of my doubting whether your incapacity is as great as
you say, and thinking it possible that you are cunningly concealing all you ...
/.../10 unhappy souls stricken through.htm

The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Events of that Day - the ...
... Jesus. Otherwise, also, it was cunningly framed. For ... Pilate. [5122]. The plot,
for such it was, [5123] was most cunningly concocted. The ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iii the third day.htm

Additional Evidences of Christianity, and Reflections on the Whole ...
... SERMON III. ADDITIONAL EVIDENCES OF CHRISTIANITY, AND REFLECTIONS ON THE WHOLE.
2 PET. i. 16. "WE HAVE NOT FOLLOWED CUNNINGLY DEVISED FABLES." ...
/.../the evidences of christianity/additional evidences of christianity and.htm

The Adventures of Saint Patrick of Ireland.
... their feet, they mounted on the backs of two huge dolphins, which were swimming
by at the time, and which Saint Patrick caught with cunningly-devised hooks ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter nine the adventures of.htm

Again the Council of the Covenant was in Session. ...
... He will give you further revelation of our purposes.". It was cunningly said, for
the speaker knew that such a promise would delay the vengeance of Herod. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 20 again the council.htm

Cunningly (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) In a cunning manner; with cunning.
Multi-Version Concordance Cunningly (3 Occurrences). 2 Peter ...
/c/cunningly.htm - 7k

Cunning (43 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:1, 31, etc., the English Revised Version "cunning workman"); for "curious,"
"skilfully woven," the English Revised Version "cunningly woven" (Exodus ...
/c/cunning.htm - 22k

Girdle (44 Occurrences)
... (5.) Hebrews hesheb, the "curious girdle" (Exodus 28:8; RV, "cunningly woven band")
was attached to the ephod, and was made of the same material. ...
/g/girdle.htm - 24k

Invented (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 1:16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables, when we made known
to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses ...
/i/invented.htm - 7k

Introduce (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 2:1 But there were also false prophets among the people, as there will be
teachers of falsehood among you also, who will cunningly introduce fatal ...
/i/introduce.htm - 8k

Fables (5 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 1:16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables, when we made known
to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses ...
/f/fables.htm - 7k

Falsehood (107 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 2:1 But there were also false prophets among the people, as there will be
teachers of falsehood among you also, who will cunningly introduce fatal ...
/f/falsehood.htm - 36k

Fable
... Applied in the New Testament to the traditions and speculations, "cunningly devised
fables", of the Jews on religious questions (1 Timothy 1:4; 4:7; 2 Timothy 4 ...
/f/fable.htm - 12k

Fatal (5 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 2:1 But there were also false prophets among the people, as there will be
teachers of falsehood among you also, who will cunningly introduce fatal ...
/f/fatal.htm - 8k

Tales (4 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 1:16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables, when we made known
to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses ...
/t/tales.htm - 7k

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