The term "dwindles" is not directly found in the text of the Bible; however, the concept of diminishing, decreasing, or wasting away is present throughout the Scriptures. This entry explores the biblical understanding of dwindling in various contexts, including spiritual, physical, and moral aspects.

Spiritual Dwindling

In the spiritual sense, dwindling often refers to a decline in faith or spiritual fervor. The Bible warns against the dangers of spiritual complacency and the gradual erosion of one's relationship with God. In Revelation 2:4-5 , the church in Ephesus is admonished: "But I have this against you: You have abandoned your first love. Therefore, keep in mind how far you have fallen. Repent and perform the deeds you did at first." This passage highlights the risk of spiritual dwindling and the need for repentance and renewal.

Physical Dwindling

Physical dwindling can refer to the natural decline of the human body due to age, illness, or hardship. The Bible acknowledges the frailty of human life and the inevitability of physical decline. In Ecclesiastes 12:1-7, the Preacher poetically describes the aging process and the eventual return of the body to dust. This passage serves as a reminder of the temporal nature of physical life and the importance of focusing on eternal matters.

Moral Dwindling

Moral dwindling is the gradual decline in ethical standards and righteousness. The Bible frequently addresses the consequences of moral decay, both individually and collectively. In Romans 1:21-32, Paul describes how humanity's rejection of God leads to a downward spiral of moral corruption. This passage illustrates the dangers of turning away from God's truth and the resulting societal and personal decline.

Examples of Dwindling in Scripture

1. Israel's Spiritual Decline: Throughout the Old Testament, the nation of Israel experiences periods of spiritual dwindling, often resulting in judgment and exile. Judges 2:10-12 states, "After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation rose up who did not know the LORD or the works that He had done for Israel. So the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD and served the Baals." This cycle of dwindling faith and subsequent renewal is a recurring theme in Israel's history.

2. The Parable of the Sower: In the New Testament, Jesus' Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-23) illustrates how the Word of God can dwindle in effectiveness depending on the condition of the hearer's heart. The seed that falls on rocky ground or among thorns represents those who initially receive the Word with joy but allow it to dwindle due to trials or worldly concerns.

3. The Decline of Nations: The Bible also speaks to the dwindling of nations that turn away from righteousness. Proverbs 14:34 declares, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." This principle underscores the idea that moral and spiritual decline can lead to the downfall of entire societies.

Conclusion

While the term "dwindles" itself may not appear in the biblical text, the concept is woven throughout Scripture, serving as a warning and a call to vigilance in maintaining faith, righteousness, and spiritual vitality.4591. maat -- to be or become small, diminished, or few
... root Definition to be or become small, diminished, or few NASB Word Usage bring
to nothing (1), decrease (2), diminish (2), diminished (2), dwindles (1), few (2 ...
/hebrew/4591.htm - 6k

'To Him that Hath Shall be Given'
... course. Treasure used grows; treasure hoarded rusts and dwindles. The millionaire
will double his fortune by a successful speculation. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/to him that hath shall.htm

Death to Sin's Penalty is the Way Out into a Life of Justification ...
... But blessed as it is, this passage into a life of peace with Him, woe to the soul
that stops there, thinking that the goal is reached, and dwindles, so to speak ...
/.../trotter/parables of the cross/death to sins penalty is.htm

The Memphite Empire
... At the end of eight or ten hours the air becomes clear, the wind falls, the rain
ceases; the hastily formed river dwindles, and for lack of supply is exhausted ...
/.../chapter iithe memphite empire.htm

Seventh Commandment
... Where there is no sacredness around the home, population dwindles; family virtues
disappear; the children are corrupt from their very birth; the seeds of sure ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/seventh commandment.htm

Packing Most in Least.
... Most in least! And the more we let Him in, the bigger that "most" prints itself
to our eyes, and the more that "least" dwindles down to the disappearing point. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/packing most in least.htm

The Right of Entry
... and attain to a real reception of the light that irradiates the true Holy Place,
before which that which shone in the earthly shrine dwindles and darkens into ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the right of entry.htm

The Martyrdom of James
... Looked at from beside the Lord of life and death, which is the point of view of
the author of this narrative, 'great death' dwindles to a very little thing. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the martyrdom of james.htm

Looking at the Unseen
... But, on the other hand, do not let us forget that this same standard which thus
dwindles, also magnifies the small, and in a very solemn sense, makes eternal ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/looking at the unseen.htm

Naaman's Imperfect Faith
... grounds. To a man who feels ever the burning consciousness that he is in
the presence of God, all earthly good dwindles into nothing. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/naamans imperfect faith.htm

Purity.
... Be mean, and all Nature dwindles into a contemptible smallness. In the second
place, there are two ways in which this principle is true. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/robertson/sermons preached at brighton/x purity.htm

Dwindles (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Dwindles (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 13:11 Wealth gained
dishonestly dwindles away, but he who gathers by hand makes it grow. ...
/d/dwindles.htm - 6k

Dwindle (10 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). Proverbs 13:11 Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away, but he who
gathers by hand makes it grow. (Root in WEB NAS RSV NIV). ...
/d/dwindle.htm - 9k

Dye (1 Occurrence)

/d/dye.htm - 15k

Gathers (27 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS RSV NIV). Proverbs 13:11 Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away,
but he who gathers by hand makes it grow. (WEB NAS RSV NIV). ...
/g/gathers.htm - 14k

Dishonestly (5 Occurrences)
... your God. (See RSV NIV). Proverbs 13:11 Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles
away, but he who gathers by hand makes it grow. (WEB). ...
/d/dishonestly.htm - 7k

Gained (66 Occurrences)
... death. (See RSV). Proverbs 13:11 Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away,
but he who gathers by hand makes it grow. (WEB). Proverbs ...
/g/gained.htm - 25k

Grow (139 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). Proverbs 13:11 Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles
away, but he who gathers by hand makes it grow. (WEB NIV). ...
/g/grow.htm - 34k

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