Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terms, a "despiser" refers to an individual who holds contempt or disdain for God, His commandments, or His people. The concept of despising is frequently addressed in Scripture, often highlighting the moral and spiritual consequences of such an attitude.Old Testament Context The Old Testament provides numerous examples of individuals and nations who despised God's laws and prophets. In Proverbs 1:7, the fear of the Lord is described as the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. This verse underscores the idea that despising divine wisdom is characteristic of folly and leads to spiritual ruin. In 1 Samuel 2:30, God declares, "Those who honor Me I will honor, but those who despise Me will be disdained." This passage illustrates the reciprocal nature of honor and contempt in the relationship between God and His people. To despise God is to invite His disfavor and judgment. New Testament Context The New Testament continues to address the theme of despising, particularly in the context of rejecting Christ and His teachings. In Luke 10:16, Jesus states, "Whoever listens to you listens to Me; whoever rejects you rejects Me; and whoever rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me." Here, despising the messengers of Christ is equated with despising Christ Himself and, by extension, God the Father. The Apostle Paul warns against despising God's grace in Romans 2:4, asking, "Do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?" This rhetorical question highlights the danger of taking God's grace for granted and the importance of responding to His kindness with repentance. Moral and Spiritual Implications Despising God or His commandments is often linked with pride and rebellion. Proverbs 15:32 states, "He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding." This suggests that despising divine correction is ultimately self-destructive, as it prevents individuals from gaining true wisdom and understanding. In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Paul describes the characteristics of people in the last days, including those who are "lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power." Among these traits is the act of despising what is good, indicating a broader rejection of God's moral order. Conclusion The biblical portrayal of a despiser serves as a warning against the spiritual dangers of contempt for God and His ways. It calls believers to a posture of humility, reverence, and obedience, recognizing the profound consequences of despising the divine. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) One who despises; a contemner; a scorner.Greek 2707. kataphrontes -- a despiser ... a despiser. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: kataphrontes Phonetic Spelling: (kat-af-ron-tace') Short Definition: a despiser Definition: a ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2707.htm - 6k 865. aphilagathos -- without love of good Library Concerning the Difference Between True Glory and the Desire of ... To Misser Lorenzo Del Pino of Bologna, Doctor in Decretals ... Psalm XCI. A Mighty Saviour Acts of Sharbil, who was a Priest of Idols, and was Converted to ... The King --Continued. Of God, and his Anger and Affections. As Therefore the Apostle, Nay Rather the Spirit of God Possessing ... RB Unto the Friendly Reader Wisheth Salvation. The Christians are Hated Unjustly. Thesaurus Despiser (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Despiser (1 Occurrence). Job 6:14 To a despiser of his friends 'is' shame, And the fear of the Mighty he forsaketh. (YLT). ... /d/despiser.htm - 6k Despisers (3 Occurrences) Despairing (7 Occurrences) Scorner (12 Occurrences) Despised (96 Occurrences) Resources Despiser: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Despiser (1 Occurrence)Job 6:14 Subtopics Related Terms |
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