Insolence, as understood in the biblical context, refers to a disrespectful or arrogant attitude, often manifesting in actions or speech that defy authority or show contempt for others. The Bible addresses insolence as a behavior that is contrary to the humility and respect that God desires from His people.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, insolence is often associated with pride and rebellion against God. The Hebrew word often translated as "insolent" is "zēd," which can also mean proud or presumptuous. In Psalm 119:21, the psalmist declares, "You rebuke the arrogant, the cursed, who stray from Your commandments" . Here, insolence is linked with a willful departure from God's laws, highlighting the connection between arrogance and disobedience.

The account of King Saul provides a narrative example of insolence. Saul's disobedience to God's commands, as seen in 1 Samuel 15, is marked by a presumptuous attitude that ultimately leads to his downfall. His actions demonstrate how insolence can manifest in a refusal to submit to divine authority.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, insolence is addressed in the context of Christian conduct and the transformation expected of believers. The Greek word "hybristēs," meaning insolent or violent, appears in passages that list behaviors contrary to the Spirit-led life. In Romans 1:30, Paul describes those who have turned away from God as "slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful" . This passage underscores the severity of insolence as part of a broader rejection of God's truth.

The apostle Paul also warns against insolence in the church. In 1 Timothy 1:13, he reflects on his past as a "blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man" , acknowledging that his former insolence was contrary to the grace he later received. This personal testimony serves as a reminder of the transformative power of God's mercy and the call to humility.

Theological Implications

Insolence is fundamentally a heart issue, reflecting a deeper spiritual problem of pride and self-exaltation. Scripture consistently portrays insolence as incompatible with a life of faith and obedience. Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" , illustrating the perilous path of insolence.

The biblical call to humility stands in stark contrast to insolence. Believers are encouraged to emulate Christ's humility, as seen in Philippians 2:3-8, where Paul exhorts, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves" . This attitude of humility is essential for maintaining unity and peace within the body of Christ.

Practical Application

For Christians, the challenge is to recognize and root out any form of insolence in their lives. This involves a conscious effort to submit to God's authority, respect others, and cultivate a spirit of humility. Prayer, self-examination, and accountability within the community of faith are vital tools in this process.

Insolence, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of pride and the importance of aligning one's heart and actions with God's will. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are called to reject insolence and embrace a life marked by humility and reverence for God and His commandments.(adv.) In an insolent manner.1396. gabar -- to be strong, mighty
... A primitive root; to be strong; by implication, to prevail, act insolently -- exceed,
confirm, be great, be mighty, prevail, put to more (strength), strengthen ...
/hebrew/1396.htm - 6k

7292. rahab -- to act stormily, boisterously or arrogantly
... A primitive root; to urge severely, ie (figuratively) importune, embolden, capture,
act insolently -- overcome, behave self proudly, make sure, strengthen. ...
/hebrew/7292.htm - 6k

How, in the Reign of Arcadius, Pelagius, a Briton, Insolently ...
... BOOK I CHAP. X. How, in the reign of Arcadius, Pelagius, a Briton, insolently
impugned the Grace of God. [395 AD]. In the year of ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap x how in the.htm

Serapion, the Archdeacon, and St. Olympias. Some of the Celebrated ...
... St. Olympias. Some of the Celebrated Men insolently bear down upon John,
traducing him as Impracticable and Passionate. The enmity ...
/.../chapter ix serapion the archdeacon and.htm

The Goths at Constantinople
... Inspired by them, Ga??nas insolently demanded that Arcadius should come to him in
person at Chalcedon, and one of the terms upon which he chose to insist was ...
/.../chapter xxx the goths at.htm

Rom. I. 18
... that He also suffered such things. If then ye insolently scorn the gifts,
then will the penalties await you. And see how he raises ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily iii rom i 18.htm

Letter viii. To Demophilus, Therapeutes. About Minding Ones Own ...
... Then this one entreated and confessed that he has come for healing of evil deeds,
but thou didst not shiver, but even insolently didst cover with abuse the ...
/.../letters of dionysius the areopagite/letter viii to demophilus therapeutes.htm

The Third Part of the Articles.
... The rest become blind and arrogant [are smitten with arrogance and blindness], and
[insolently] conceive the opinion that they observe and can observe the Law ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the smalcald articles/the third part of the.htm

I Relate all those Things on the Authority of Well-Informed ...
... [1998] Where now are the surnames of the Jovii and the Herculii, once so glorious
and renowned amongst the nations; surnames insolently assumed at first by ...
/.../of the manner in which the persecutors died/chap lii i relate all.htm

From the World to God
... "And when she saw that he was comings up to her, she insolently turned her back
upon him, with a wrathful countenance, and called out loudly, Sir monk, what ...
/.../bevan/three friends of god/chapter lviii from the world.htm

Now, when all Galilee was Filled with this Rumor...
... country, which your commander-in-chief is going to betray; hate him therefore on
both these accounts, and bring the man who hath acted thus insolently, to his ...
/.../josephus/the life of flavius josephus/section 27 now when all.htm

Now There was one Joseph, the Son of a Female Physician...
... He also insolently addressed himself to the principal persons at Gamala, and persuaded
them to revolt from the king; and take up arms, and gave them hopes that ...
/.../josephus/the life of flavius josephus/section 37 now there was.htm

Insolently (6 Occurrences)
...Insolently (6 Occurrences). ... (See RSV). Psalms 31:18 Let the lying lips be mute, which
speak against the righteous insolently, with pride and contempt. ...
/i/insolently.htm - 8k

Insolent (16 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 3:5 And the people shall oppress one another, every man his fellow, and every
man his neighbour; the child shall behave insolently against the aged, and ...
/i/insolent.htm - 11k

Insomuch (24 Occurrences)

/i/insomuch.htm - 13k

Nose (23 Occurrences)
... trace out. 5. (vt) To touch with the nose; to push the nose into or against;
hence, to interfere with; to treat insolently. 6. (vt ...
/n/nose.htm - 19k

Overbearingly (1 Occurrence)
... Overbearingly (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 14:16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from
evil; But the fool beareth himself insolently, and is confident. (See JPS). ...
/o/overbearingly.htm - 6k

Grievously (17 Occurrences)
... athaq (Psalm 31:18), "which speak grievous things proudly," the Revised Version
(British and American) "against the righteous insolently"; cheT, "sin ...
/g/grievously.htm - 14k

Greievousness
... athaq (Psalm 31:18), "which speak grievous things proudly," the Revised Version
(British and American) "against the righteous insolently"; cheT, "sin ...
/g/greievousness.htm - 8k

Grievous (73 Occurrences)
... athaq (Psalm 31:18), "which speak grievous things proudly," the Revised Version
(British and American) "against the righteous insolently"; cheT, "sin ...
/g/grievous.htm - 31k

Israel (27466 Occurrences)
... jealousies between Judah and the other tribes broke out anew, and Jeroboam was sent
for from Egypt by the malcontents (12:2, 3). Rehoboam insolently refused to ...
/i/israel.htm - 101k

Ride (31 Occurrences)
... 7. (vt) To sit on, so as to be carried; as, to ride a horse; to ride a bicycle.
8. (vt) To manage insolently at will; to domineer over. ...
/r/ride.htm - 17k

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Insolently: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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