In the context of biblical teachings, misdemeanours refer to minor offenses or transgressions against God's laws and commandments. While the Bible does not explicitly categorize sins into misdemeanours and felonies as modern legal systems do, it does provide guidance on various actions and attitudes that are considered sinful or displeasing to God. These can range from seemingly minor infractions to more serious violations of divine law.

Biblical Perspective on Sin

The Bible teaches that all sin, regardless of its perceived severity, separates humanity from God. Romans 3:23 states, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This verse underscores the universality of sin and the need for redemption through Jesus Christ. While some sins may appear minor, they still require repentance and forgiveness.

Examples of Misdemeanours in Scripture

1. Idle Words and Gossip: The Bible warns against the misuse of the tongue, which can include gossip, slander, and idle words. In Matthew 12:36, Jesus says, "But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken." This highlights the importance of being mindful of our speech.

2. Dishonesty and Deception: Even small acts of dishonesty are condemned in Scripture. Proverbs 12:22 states, "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight." This verse emphasizes the value God places on truthfulness and integrity.

3. Covetousness and Envy: The Tenth Commandment warns against coveting, which can be seen as a misdemeanour of the heart. Exodus 20:17 instructs, "You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." Covetousness can lead to other sins and disrupts contentment and gratitude.

4. Neglect of Duty: James 4:17 states, "Therefore, whoever knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin." This verse addresses sins of omission, where failing to act rightly is considered sinful.

5. Anger and Resentment: While anger itself is not always sinful, harboring resentment and allowing anger to lead to sin is cautioned against. Ephesians 4:26-27 advises, "Be angry, yet do not sin. Do not let the sun set upon your anger, and do not give the devil a foothold."

Repentance and Forgiveness

The Bible consistently calls for repentance and offers forgiveness for all sins, including misdemeanours. 1 John 1:9 assures believers, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This promise of forgiveness is central to the Christian faith and underscores the importance of seeking God's mercy.

Misdemeanours in the Life of a Believer

For believers, recognizing and addressing misdemeanours is part of the sanctification process. The Holy Spirit convicts individuals of sin and guides them toward righteousness. Galatians 5:16-17 encourages believers to "walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh."

In summary, while misdemeanours may seem minor, they are significant in the eyes of God and require attention, repentance, and a commitment to living a life that honors Him.

Epistle v. To Queen Brunichild.
... explanation; 1. That the historians may have maligned her, attributing to her crimes
that were not her own; 2. That, whatever her misdemeanours, Gregory might ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle v to queen brunichild.htm

Prison Experiences for Conscience' Sake --Our Prison
... great hotel as a summer resort. The subjects of all misdemeanours, grave
and small, are here confined. Those who have deserted or ...
/.../prison experiences for conscience sakeour.htm

Epistle xxxvi. To Sabinus, Guardian (Defensorem).
... Furthermore, some personal misdemeanours having been reported to us of the presbyter
Epiphanius, it is necessary for you to investigate everything diligently ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xxxvi to sabinus guardian.htm

Epistle vi. To John, Bishop.
... had sent a representation to the Emperor, accusing their bishop, Adrian, of
defalcations in money matters, and also of certain misdemeanours; the latter being ...
/.../gregory/the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle vi to john bishop.htm

Eudoxia's Statue
... I feel sure, agree with me that this Patriarch, who defies the canons of the Church,
and has been condemned by a synod for crimes and misdemeanours, must be ...
/.../chapter xlvii eudoxias statue.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 1.
... As no man is exempt from some defects, or can live free from some misdemeanours,
so by this practice every man may be rendered very odious and infamous. ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part.htm

The Fourth Day in Passion-Week - Jesus in his Last Sabbatic Rest ...
... In matters which concerned, not ordinary misdemeanours, but political crimes (such
as it was wished to represent the movement of Jesus), or which affected the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter viii the fourth day.htm

Of Evil-Speaking in General.
... good-will appeareth a kind of malignity." We should so rebuke those who, by frailty
or folly incident to mankind, have fallen into misdemeanours, that they may ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/of evil-speaking in general.htm

ecce Iterum Crispinus!'
... Her chamberlain was at once despatched to Alexandria to summon the Patriarch to
answer for the high crimes and misdemeanours with which he was charged. ...
/.../chapter xliii ecce iterum crispinus.htm

The Caroline Settlement
... and after being subjected to a succession of calumnious slanders, be was impeached
before the Commons for "high crimes and misdemeanours," condemned, and ...
/.../studies in the book of common prayer/chapter iv the caroline settlement.htm

Misdemeanours (1 Occurrence)
...Misdemeanours (1 Occurrence). Acts 25:18 But, when his accusers stood up, they did
not charge him with the misdemeanours of which I had been suspecting him. ...
/m/misdemeanours.htm - 6k

Misdemeanour (1 Occurrence)

/m/misdemeanour.htm - 6k

Miser (2 Occurrences)

/m/miser.htm - 7k

Suspecting (1 Occurrence)
... Suspecting (1 Occurrence). Acts 25:18 But, when his accusers stood up, they did
not charge him with the misdemeanours of which I had been suspecting him. (WEY). ...
/s/suspecting.htm - 6k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus