The concept of "proves" in the Bible often relates to the testing or demonstrating of faith, character, or truth. This theme is prevalent throughout both the Old and New Testaments, where God, individuals, and circumstances serve as agents of proving or testing.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "prove" is "nāsâ," which means to test or try. One of the most notable instances of proving is found in the account of Abraham. In Genesis 22:1 , it is written, "Some time later God tested Abraham and said to him, 'Abraham!' 'Here I am,' he replied." This test, where God commands Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, serves to prove Abraham's faith and obedience to God.

The Israelites' journey through the wilderness is another significant example. In Deuteronomy 8:2 , Moses reminds the people, "Remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commandments." Here, the proving is both a test of faith and a means to cultivate reliance on God.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Greek word "dokimazō" is often used, meaning to test, examine, or prove. The Apostle Paul frequently discusses the proving of faith and character. In Romans 12:2 , Paul exhorts believers, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." This passage highlights the importance of spiritual discernment and the proving of God's will through a transformed life.

James also addresses the concept of proving in the context of trials. In James 1:3 , he writes, "because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." Here, the proving of faith through trials is seen as a means to develop spiritual maturity and endurance.

Proving God's Word and Promises

The Bible also speaks of proving God's Word and promises. In Malachi 3:10 , God challenges the Israelites, "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this," says the LORD of Hosts, "and see if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure." This invitation to prove God's faithfulness through obedience is a unique instance where God invites His people to test Him.

Proving One's Own Faith

Believers are encouraged to examine and prove their own faith. In 2 Corinthians 13:5 , Paul advises, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Can’t you see for yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you actually fail the test?" This self-examination is crucial for ensuring that one's faith is genuine and aligned with the teachings of Christ.

Conclusion

The theme of proving in the Bible encompasses the testing of faith, character, and truth. Whether through divine testing, personal trials, or the examination of one's own faith, proving serves as a means to refine and strengthen the believer's relationship with God.929. basanismos -- torture
... Cognate: 929 torment (vexation) -- ; subjective agony that corresponds to an basis --
ie as the "torment-rack" proves (reveals) the real "state of affairs" (cf ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/929.htm - 7k

In which Augustin Proves that it is to no Purpose that the ...
... Book II. In which Augustin proves that it is to no purpose that the
Donatists bring forward? In which Augustin proves that it ...
/.../in which augustin proves that.htm

What Proves God's Love
... ROMANS WHAT PROVES GOD'S LOVE. 'God commendeth His love toward us, in that,
while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.'"Romans 5:8. ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/what proves gods love.htm

The Teaching of Matthew 13 Proves that no Era of Millennial ...
... III. Post-millennialism Refuted. 2. The Teaching of Matthew 13 proves that no
era of Millennial blessing precedes Christ's Second Advent. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/2 the teaching of matthew.htm

Describes an Effect which Proves the Prayer Spoken of in the Last ...
... DESCRIBES AN EFFECT WHICH PROVES THE PRAYER SPOKEN OF IN THE LAST CHAPTER TO BE
GENUINE AND NO DECEPTION, TREATS OF ANOTHER FAVOUR OUR LORD BESTOWS ON THE SOUL ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/chapter vi describes an effect.htm

Eunomius Himself Proves that the Confession of Faith which He Made ...
... Book I. Section 7. Eunomius himself proves that the confession of faith
which He made was not impeached. Let us see for a moment ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 7 eunomius himself proves.htm

He Proves from the Epistle to the Romans the Eternal Divinity of ...
... Book IV. Chapter III. He proves from the Epistle to the Romans the eternal
Divinity of Christ. And so as it is clear from the above ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter iii he proves from.htm

He Proves that Christ is the Lord of Hosts from Ps. xxiv. , and ...
... Chapter LXXXV."He proves that Christ is the Lord of Hosts from Ps. xxiv.,
and from his authority over demons. "Moreover, some ...
/.../chapter lxxxv he proves that christ.htm

Argument. --Again He Proves from the Gospel that Christ is God.
... Chapter XV. Argument."Again He Proves from the Gospel that Christ is God.
If Christ is only man, how is it that He says, "Though ...
/.../chapter xv argument again he proves.htm

Argument. --He Proves Also that the Words Spoken to Philip Make ...
... Chapter XXVIII. Argument."He Proves Also that the Words Spoken to Philip
Make Nothing for the Sabellians. Hereto also I will add ...
/.../chapter xxviii argument he proves also.htm

He Proves from the Renowned Confession of the Blessed Peter that ...
... Book III. Chapter XII. He proves from the renowned confession of the blessed
Peter that Christ is God. But if you prefer the authority ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter xii he proves from.htm

Proves (11 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Proves (11 Occurrences). Matthew 13:22 What was
sown among the thorns, this is he who hears the word, but ...
/p/proves.htm - 9k

Dove (27 Occurrences)
... has reference to the wailing, mournful dove note from which the commonest species
take the name "mourning dove." The reference in Isaiah 60:8 proves that the ...
/d/dove.htm - 28k

Prove (83 Occurrences)
... 8. (vi) To be found by experience, trial, or result; to turn out to be;
as, a medicine proves salutary; the report proves false. ...
/p/prove.htm - 34k

Tobit
... This last proves that the tale is as old as 400 BC at least. For lull bibliography
on the subject (up to 1909) see Schurer, GJV4, III, 256;. ...
/t/tobit.htm - 34k

Anaharath (1 Occurrence)
... This last proves that the tale is as old as 400 BC at least. For lull bibliography
on the subject (up to 1909) see Schurer, GJV4, III, 256;. ...
/a/anaharath.htm - 87k

Bel (3 Occurrences)
... to Theodotion) remonstrates with the delinquent Hebrew, pointing Out to him the
immense amount of food consumed daily by Bel, who thus proves himself to be a ...
/b/bel.htm - 39k

Comparative
... Largely in consequence of this fact, our knowledge of what it really proves is still
far from definite, and men draw most contradictory conclusions on this ...
/c/comparative.htm - 29k

Dragon (20 Occurrences)
... to Theodotion) remonstrates with the delinquent Hebrew, pointing Out to him the
immense amount of food consumed daily by Bel, who thus proves himself to be a ...
/d/dragon.htm - 56k

Aramaic (12 Occurrences)
... It follows that while the presence of late peculiarities proves nothing but the
inaccuracy of the copyist, early grammatical forms and modes of spelling are ...
/a/aramaic.htm - 31k

Creeds
... It only proves at most that it was not a part of the ground upon which
the Christ was commended to the first acceptance of faith. ...
/c/creeds.htm - 28k

Why is the resurrection of Jesus Christ important? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to test God? | GotQuestions.org

Is there any conclusive proof of God? | GotQuestions.org

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