Definition and Concept
Plainness, in a biblical context, refers to the quality of being clear, straightforward, and unambiguous. It is often associated with honesty, transparency, and simplicity in communication and behavior. The concept of plainness is valued in Scripture as it aligns with the virtues of truthfulness and integrity.

Biblical References
The Bible emphasizes the importance of plainness in various contexts, particularly in speech and conduct. In 2 Corinthians 3:12, the Apostle Paul writes, "Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold." The term "bold" in this context is often understood as speaking plainly and openly, without veiling the truth.

In the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah is instructed to communicate God's message with clarity. Isaiah 30:10-11 describes a people who say to the seers, "Do not see," and to the prophets, "Do not prophesy to us what is right; speak to us pleasant words, prophesy illusions." This passage highlights the contrast between the desire for comforting illusions and the necessity of plain, truthful speech.

Plainness in Jesus' Teachings
Jesus Christ exemplified plainness in His teachings. He often spoke in parables to convey deeper truths, but He also communicated directly and clearly when necessary. In John 16:29, His disciples acknowledge this, saying, "See, now You are speaking plainly and without figures of speech." Jesus' plainness was integral to His mission of revealing the truth of God's kingdom.

Moral and Ethical Implications
Plainness is closely linked to the moral and ethical teachings of the Bible. Proverbs 12:17 states, "He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit." This proverb underscores the value of plainness in upholding righteousness and justice. The call to speak plainly is a call to reject deceit and embrace honesty.

Plainness in Christian Living
For Christians, plainness is an essential aspect of living a life that reflects the character of Christ. Ephesians 4:25 exhorts believers, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body." This instruction emphasizes the communal aspect of plainness, as it fosters trust and unity within the body of Christ.

Challenges to Plainness
Despite its importance, plainness can be challenging to maintain in a world that often values ambiguity and deception. The pressure to conform to societal norms or to avoid conflict can lead individuals away from plainness. However, Scripture encourages believers to remain steadfast in their commitment to truth and clarity.

Conclusion
While plainness is a straightforward concept, its application requires discernment and courage. The Bible consistently upholds plainness as a virtue that aligns with God's nature and His desire for His people to live in truth and integrity.(n.) The quality or state of being plain.

The True Nonconformist.
... singularity. Such have been its developments, for instance, in certain religious
sects who insisted on plainness of dress as a duty. ...
/.../vincent/amusement a force in christian training/the true nonconformist.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... He fully proves what he asserts in his address to the reader". 'The WORD are for
the most part all the same, For I affected plainness more than fame.'. ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

Events of Early Christian Life
... I saw a number of young ladies who were dressed so saintlike, and in a manner so
becoming to holy lives, that I was convicted immediately for plainness of dress ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter vi events of early.htm

Of Israel's Bondage in Egypt, their Deliverance, and their Passage ...
... For surely prophecy speaks with the utmost plainness of the Lord Jesus Christ, when
it says that "He was led as a lamb to the slaughter." [1445] And with the ...
/.../on the catechising of the uninstructed/chapter 20 of israels bondage in.htm

Matt. Iii. 7
... serpents! how doth he disparage both themselves and their progenitors with
all plainness! 2. "Yea," saith one; "he speaks plainly ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xi matt iii 7.htm

To the Reader. Christian Reader
... to be admired tenderness and condescending willingness to accept of humble, heart
broken, and heart-panting sinners after him, with such plainness of speech ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/to the reader christian reader.htm

But Origen Also, You Will Tell Us, in Composing his Work Called ...
... it appear that the certainty of our copies was in any point shaken; but those things
which, as the actual words run, seemed wanting in plainness and clearness ...
/.../36 but origen also you.htm

The Introduction to the Work with Some General Account of Its ...
... whoever may at random throw it out upon the occasion, he would, as it were, enter
with you into your closet, from day to day; and with all plainness and freedom ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter i the introduction to.htm

The Duty of the People of God to Excite Others to Seek this Rest.
... Do it with all possible plainness and faithfulness. ... Love, and plainness, and seriousness
take with all; but words of terror some can hardly bear. ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ix the duty of.htm

An Exhortation to Peace and Unity
... it true if we descend to particular instances: the disciples seemed to be ignorant
of that great truth which they had often, and in much plainness, been taught ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exhortation to peace and.htm

Plainness (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Plainness (1 Occurrence). 2 Corinthians 3:12 Seeing then
that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: (KJV WBS). ...
/p/plainness.htm - 6k

Plainly (25 Occurrences)

/p/plainly.htm - 14k

Plains (31 Occurrences)

/p/plains.htm - 16k

Greatness (63 Occurrences)
... But also "great" in the sense of magnitude, eg "great plainness of speech," the
Revised Version (British and American) "boldness" (2 Corinthians 3:12; 2 ...
/g/greatness.htm - 35k

Ground (538 Occurrences)
... 7. (n.) That surface upon which the figures of a composition are set, and which
relieves them by its plainness, being either of one tint or of tints but ...
/g/ground.htm - 43k

Innocence (10 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) Simplicity or plainness, bordering on weakness or silliness;
artlessness; ingenuousness. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ...
/i/innocence.htm - 12k

Roundness (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (n.) Openness; plainness; boldness; positiveness; as, the roundness of an
assertion. Multi-Version Concordance Roundness (1 Occurrence). ...
/r/roundness.htm - 7k

Pashur (12 Occurrences)
... nagid, or "governor," of the temple was Seraiah the high priest (1 Chronicles
6:14), and Pashur was his paqid, or "deputy." Enraged at the plainness with which ...
/p/pashur.htm - 14k

Boldness (25 Occurrences)
... constant subject of ridicule and contempt. Paul uses the word in the sense
of plainness in 2 Corinthians 3:12. In Hebrews 10:19 1 ...
/b/boldness.htm - 15k

Simplicity (12 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) Freedom from artificial ornament, pretentious style, or luxury; plainness;
as, simplicity of dress, of style, or of language; simplicity of diet ...
/s/simplicity.htm - 13k

Plainness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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