In the context of the Bible, "despisings" refers to attitudes and actions characterized by contempt, scorn, or disdain towards God, His commandments, or His people. This concept is addressed throughout Scripture, highlighting the spiritual and moral dangers associated with such attitudes.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament frequently addresses the issue of despising God's commandments and the consequences that follow. In the Law, God warns the Israelites against despising His statutes. Leviticus 26:15 states, "And if you reject My statutes and despise My ordinances, failing to carry out all My commandments and thereby breaking My covenant," indicating that despising God's law is equated with covenant unfaithfulness.

The prophets also speak against despising God's word. In Isaiah 5:24, the prophet declares, "Therefore, as a tongue of fire consumes the stubble and as dry grass sinks down in the flames, so their roots will decay and their flowers will blow away like dust; for they have rejected the law of the LORD of Hosts and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel." Here, despising God's word is linked to judgment and destruction.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of despising is often related to the rejection of Christ and His teachings. Jesus Himself warns against despising the "little ones" who believe in Him, emphasizing the value and dignity of every believer. Matthew 18:10 states, "See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of My Father in heaven."

The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of despising in the context of Christian community and spiritual gifts. In 1 Thessalonians 5:20, he instructs, "Do not treat prophecies with contempt," urging believers to respect and value the spiritual gifts and messages given by God.

Spiritual Implications

Despising God's commandments, His word, or His people is seen as a serious spiritual failing. It reflects a heart that is hardened against God's authority and love. Proverbs 1:7 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." This highlights that despising divine wisdom is characteristic of folly and leads to spiritual ruin.

Practical Applications

Believers are called to examine their hearts and attitudes to ensure they do not fall into the trap of despising what God values. This includes honoring God's word, respecting fellow believers, and embracing the teachings of Christ. Hebrews 12:5-6 reminds believers of the importance of accepting God's discipline: "And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: 'My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.'"

In summary, "despisings" in the biblical sense is a grave matter that reflects a rejection of God's authority and love. It is a call for believers to cultivate a heart of reverence, humility, and obedience to God and His word.

Of Patience
... And sometimes despisings, reproofs, scorns, and slanders are raised against him,
and therefore it is needful to take the shield of patience and be readier to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter vi of patience.htm

The Teaching of the Boisterous and Untaught, Desiring to Love: and ...
... praising. The despisings of men and their scorns thou halsest for Christ,
and strongly thou spreadest thy mind to get eternal joy. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xxix the teaching of.htm

Of True Meekness and Adversity: and of the Example of the Saints ...
... They are fulfilled with despisings, reproofs, and slanders, and in their praising
they are punished, the which for God live solitary in this world, and dying ...
/.../rolle/the fire of love/chapter xxvii of true meekness.htm

That There is no Security against Temptation in this Life
... temptations, vexations, anxieties, necessities, infirmities, injuries, gainsayings,
rebukes, humiliations, confusions, corrections, despisings; these things ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xxxv that there is.htm

Epistle x. --Against Bishop Germanus.
... 871] as we can number in ours, and confiscations too, and proscriptions, and spoilings
of goods, and losses of dignities, [872] and despisings of worldly honour ...
/.../dionysius/the works of dionysius/epistle x against bishop germanus.htm

Despisings (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Despisings (3 Occurrences). Nehemiah 9:18 Also,
when they have made to themselves a molten calf, and say ...
/d/despisings.htm - 7k

Despising (25 Occurrences)

/d/despising.htm - 14k

Despite (18 Occurrences)

/d/despite.htm - 13k

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