Definition and Meaning:
The term "prate" refers to speaking foolishly, excessively, or boastfully, often without substance or purpose. It is characterized by idle chatter or talk that lacks meaningful content. In a biblical context, prating is generally viewed negatively, as it is associated with vanity, pride, and a lack of wisdom.

Biblical References:
The concept of prating is addressed in the Bible, where it is often linked to the behavior of the ungodly or foolish. While the specific term "prate" may not appear frequently in the Berean Standard Bible, the idea is conveyed through various passages that warn against idle and foolish talk.

One relevant passage is found in Proverbs, which frequently contrasts the speech of the wise with that of the foolish. Proverbs 10:8 states, "The wise in heart accept commands, but a babbling fool will come to ruin." Here, the "babbling fool" can be understood as one who prates, speaking without wisdom or purpose.

Another pertinent verse is Proverbs 10:19 : "When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise." This verse highlights the danger of excessive talking, which often leads to sin, and underscores the value of restraint and thoughtful speech.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, prating is seen as a manifestation of pride and a lack of self-control. It reflects a heart that is not aligned with God's wisdom and purposes. The Bible encourages believers to be mindful of their words, as speech is a powerful tool that can either build up or tear down.

James 1:26 offers a stern warning: "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless." This underscores the importance of controlling one's speech as an expression of genuine faith and devotion to God.

Practical Application:
In practical terms, Christians are called to avoid prating by cultivating a heart of humility and wisdom. This involves being intentional about listening more than speaking, seeking to understand before being understood, and ensuring that one's words are edifying and truthful.

Ephesians 4:29 provides guidance on the kind of speech that should characterize a believer: "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." This verse encourages believers to use their words to bless and encourage others, rather than engaging in idle or foolish chatter.

Conclusion:
While the Bible does not frequently use the term "prate," the concept is clearly addressed through its teachings on speech and the importance of wisdom and restraint in communication. Believers are called to reflect God's character in their words, avoiding the pitfalls of prating and instead speaking with purpose and grace.1. (v. i.) To talk much and to little purpose; to be loquacious; to speak foolishly; to babble.

2. (v. t.) To utter foolishly; to speak without reason or purpose; to chatter, or babble.

3. (n.) Talk to little purpose; trifling talk; unmeaning loquacity.

5396. phluareo -- to talk nonsense
... disparage. From phluaros; to be a babbler or trifler, ie (by implication) to berate
idly or mischievously -- prate against. see GREEK phluaros. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5396.htm - 7k

945. battalogeo -- to stammer
... use vain repetitions. From Battos (a proverbial stammerer) and logos; to stutter,
ie (by implication) to prate tediously -- use vain repetitions. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/945.htm - 6k

6527. parat -- perhaps divide
... root Definition perhaps divide NASB Word Usage improvise (1). chant. A primitive
root; to scatter words, ie Prate (or hum) -- chant. 6526, 6527. parat. 6528 ...
/hebrew/6527.htm - 5k

The Absolute Godhood of God is Seen in Salvation
... Then why prate so loudly and blatantly about the unreasonableness of
Reprobation and of God'sabsolute Sovereignty in salvation? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the godhood of god/4 the absolute godhood of.htm

Impressive Phrases
... B. bad, vicious, unwholesome, and distressing. babble, prate, chatter, and prattle.
barbarous, brutal, inhuman, and cruel. base, cowardly, abject, and hideous. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section iv impressive phrases.htm

Don'ts for Public Speakers
... DON'TS FOR PUBLIC SPEAKERS. Don't rant. Don't prate. Don't fidget. Don't flatter.
Don't declaim. Don't be glib. Don't hesitate. Don't be nasal. Don't apologize. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kleiser/talks on talking/donts for public speakers.htm

Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
... Rev.3:17). They prate about the 'Ascent of Man,' and deny his Fall. They
put darkness for light and light for darkness. They boast ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter eight sovereignty and human.htm

Of the Matters to be Considered in the Councils.
... Peter, it is a new sort of resemblance. They prate of its being heretical to object
to this; nay, they will not even hear how unchristian and ungodly it is. ...
/.../luther/first principles of the reformation/ii of the matters to.htm

Twentieth Sunday after Trinity the Careful Walk of the Christian.
... They have just enough connection with it to be able to prate of it, boasting themselves
Christians but giving no indication of the fact in their conduct. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twentieth sunday after trinity the.htm

Watching unto God in the Night Season
... Surely, idle conversation. Is an evil matched by none. Worldly prate and babble
hurt me; Unintelligible prove; Neither teach me nor divert me; ...
/.../watching unto god in the 2.htm

1 Cor. xiv. 34
... it is not permitted to speak inconsiderately, nor when they will, and this, though
they be moved by the Spirit; much less to those women who prate idly and to ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxxvii 1 cor xiv.htm

Abaelard had Defined Faith as an Opinion or Estimate: Bernard ...
... is only an opinion. Do you prate to me that that is ambiguous than which
there is nothing more certain? But Augustine says otherwise ...
/.../chapter iv abaelard had defined.htm

Philip and St. Jerome
... He had seen the most ostentatious Pharisaism devoid of the elementary Christian
graces, and had heard men prate of an ideal which, in their practice, was ...
/.../chapter lxiii philip and st.htm

Prate (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Prate (1 Occurrence). Psalms 94:4 They prate, they speak
arrogantly: All the workers of iniquity boast themselves. (ASV). ...
/p/prate.htm - 6k

Loftily (4 Occurrences)
... loftily. (KJV ASV DBY WBS RSV). Psalms 94:4 They prate, they speak arrogantly:
All the workers of iniquity boast themselves. (See JPS). ...
/l/loftily.htm - 8k

Gush (7 Occurrences)
... Psalms 94:4 They prate, they speak arrogantly: All the workers of iniquity boast
themselves. (See JPS). Psalms 104:10 He sends forth springs into the valleys. ...
/g/gush.htm - 9k

Gossip (7 Occurrences)
... 5. (vt) To stand sponsor to. 6. (vi) To make merry. 7. (vi) To prate; to chat; to
talk much. 8. (vi) To run about and tattle; to tell idle tales. ...
/g/gossip.htm - 9k

Talk (164 Occurrences)
... persons interchange thoughts. 2. (n.) To confer; to reason; to consult.
3. (n.) To prate; to speak impertinently. 4. (vt) To speak ...
/t/talk.htm - 36k

Tongue (160 Occurrences)
... instruments. 23. (vt) To join means of a tongue and grove; as, to tongue
boards together. 24. (vi) To talk; to prate. 25. (vi) To ...
/t/tongue.htm - 42k

Prating (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Prate. Multi-Version Concordance
Prating (3 Occurrences). 3 John 1:10 Wherefore, if ...
/p/prating.htm - 7k

Pransings (1 Occurrence)

/p/pransings.htm - 6k

Babble (1 Occurrence)
... a child babbles. 2. (vi) To talk incoherently; to utter unmeaning words.
3. (vi) To talk much; to chatter; to prate. 4. (vi) To ...
/b/babble.htm - 7k

Chatter (5 Occurrences)
... indistinct. 2. (vi) To talk idly, carelessly, or with undue rapidity; to jabber;
to prate. 3. (vi) To make a noise by rapid collisions. ...
/c/chatter.htm - 8k

Prate: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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