The concept of "profited" in the Bible often relates to the idea of gain, benefit, or advantage, whether in a material, spiritual, or moral sense. The term is used in various contexts throughout Scripture, highlighting both positive and negative aspects of profit.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the notion of profit is frequently associated with material gain and the wisdom of pursuing righteousness over wealth. Proverbs 11:4 states, "Riches are worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death." This verse underscores the idea that spiritual and moral integrity hold greater value than material wealth, especially in the context of divine judgment.

The prophets often criticized those who sought profit through unjust means. For example, in Jeremiah 6:13 , the prophet laments, "For from the least of them to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; from prophet to priest, all practice deceit." Here, the pursuit of profit is linked to corruption and moral decay, indicating that profit gained through unrighteousness is ultimately detrimental.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles further develop the theme of profit, often contrasting earthly gain with spiritual wealth. In Matthew 16:26 , Jesus poses a rhetorical question: "What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" This teaching emphasizes the eternal value of the soul over temporal, worldly gains.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the concept of profit in his epistles. In Philippians 3:7 , Paul reflects on his own life, stating, "But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ." Here, Paul illustrates the transformative power of faith in Christ, where earthly achievements and status are considered insignificant compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus.

Spiritual and Moral Profit

The Bible encourages believers to seek profit in terms of spiritual growth and moral integrity. In 1 Timothy 4:8 , Paul advises, "For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come." This verse highlights the enduring benefit of cultivating godliness, which profits both in this life and in eternity.

Moreover, the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 illustrates the importance of using one's gifts and resources for the kingdom of God. The servants who wisely invest their master's resources are commended and rewarded, demonstrating that true profit comes from faithful stewardship and service to God.

Warnings Against Misplaced Priorities

Scripture warns against the dangers of prioritizing material profit over spiritual well-being. In 1 Timothy 6:10 , Paul warns, "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." This admonition serves as a caution against allowing the pursuit of wealth to lead one away from faith and righteousness.

James 4:13-14 also cautions against presumptuous planning for profit without considering God's will: "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.' You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." This passage reminds believers of the transient nature of life and the importance of seeking God's guidance in all endeavors.

In summary, the biblical perspective on profit encompasses a broad range of meanings, from material gain to spiritual enrichment. The Scriptures consistently encourage believers to prioritize eternal values and righteousness over temporary, worldly gains, emphasizing that true profit is found in a life devoted to God.(imp. & p. p.) of Profit.5623. opheleo -- to help, benefit, do good
... help, benefit, do good NASB Word Usage accomplishing (1), benefit (1), benefited
(1), doing...good (1), help (2), helped (1), profit (4), profited (1), profits ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5623.htm - 7k7235a. rabah -- to be or become much, many or great
... more (2), much* (1), multiplied (21), multiplies (5), multiply (45), numerous (3),
often (2), outnumber (1), pay more (1), plenty (1), profited (1), provided ...
/hebrew/7235a.htm - 6k

The Traditions of the Elders in Collision with Divine Law.
... shalt not honour thy father or thy mother," whosoever shall say to his father or
mother, "It is a gift that wherewith thou mightest have been profited by me ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/10 the traditions of the.htm

John Chapter vi. 60-72
... For if the flesh profited nothing, the Word would not be made flesh to dwell
among us. If through the flesh Christ has greatly profited ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xxvii john chapter vi.htm

Matt. xv. 1
... But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by
whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me, and [1982] honor not his father or ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily li matt xv 1.htm

Hebrews xii. 28, 29
... For it is good that the heart be established with grace, not with meats, which
have not profited them that have been occupied therein.". ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxiii hebrews xii 28.htm

1 Cor. Ix. 24
... And having said that they sin against Christ and destroy the brethren, and are nothing
profited by this perfect knowledge, except charity be added; he again ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxiii 1 cor ix.htm

By Death I Shall Attain True Life.
... It is better for me to die in behalf of [861] Jesus Christ, than to reign over all
the ends of the earth. "For what shall a man be profited, if he gain the ...
/.../ignatius/the epistle of ignatius to the romans/chapter vi by death i shall.htm

When Therefore the Faithful Mother of a Faithful Son Departed ...
... as she believed that his soul would be aided by the merits of the Martyr, the very
believing of this was a sort of supplication, and this profited, if aught ...
/.../augustine/on care to be had for the dead /7 when therefore the faithful.htm

But as for those who have Suffered None of These Things...
... thou shalt cut it down." Keeping this before their eyes, and showing forth fruit
worthy of repentance, after so long an interval of time, they will be profited ...
/.../peter/the writings of peter of alexandria/canon iii but as for.htm

Profit and Loss
... Let me solemnly tell you, that if your soul be a loser, however much your body
may be a gainer, you have not profited in the least degree. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/profit and loss.htm

And what did it Profit Me, that Scarce Twenty Years Old...
... country, to spend it upon harlotries. For what profited me good abilities,
not employed to good uses? For I felt not that those ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xvi and what did.htm

Profited (13 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Profited (13 Occurrences). ... Matthew 16:26 For what is a
man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? ...
/p/profited.htm - 10k

Wherewith (182 Occurrences)
... Matthew 15:5 But ye say, whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, That
wherewith thou mightest have been profited by me is given 'to God'; (ASV). ...
/w/wherewith.htm - 38k

Whatsoever (167 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV DBY). Matthew 15:5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his
mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; (KJV DBY). ...
/w/whatsoever.htm - 35k

Mightest (21 Occurrences)
... Matthew 15:5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is
a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; (KJV ASV WBS). ...
/m/mightest.htm - 13k

Mayest (240 Occurrences)
... (DBY YLT). Matthew 15:5 but ye say, Whoever may say to father or mother, An offering
'is' whatever thou mayest be profited by me; -- (YLT). ...
/m/mayest.htm - 36k

Profiteth (9 Occurrences)

/p/profiteth.htm - 9k

Profit (143 Occurrences)
... Matthew 15:5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is
a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; (Root in KJV ASV BBE DBY ...
/p/profit.htm - 35k

Profitable (34 Occurrences)

/p/profitable.htm - 17k

Offering (850 Occurrences)
... (BBE NAS). Matthew 15:5 but ye say, Whoever may say to father or mother, An offering
'is' whatever thou mayest be profited by me; -- (YLT). ...
/o/offering.htm - 39k

Otherwise (78 Occurrences)
... Mark 7:11 and ye say, If a man may say to father or to mother, Korban (that is,
a gift), 'is' whatever thou mayest be profited out of mine, (See NIV). ...
/o/otherwise.htm - 30k

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