Seemliness, in a biblical context, refers to the quality of being appropriate, fitting, or proper according to the standards set forth in Scripture. It encompasses behavior, appearance, and conduct that align with the values and teachings of the Bible. The concept of seemliness is closely related to modesty, orderliness, and respectability, reflecting a life that honors God and respects others.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Corinthians 14:40 · "But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner." This verse underscores the importance of seemliness in the context of worship and church gatherings. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that activities within the church should be conducted in a way that reflects order and propriety, ensuring that all things are done to edify the body of Christ.

2. 1 Timothy 2:9-10 · "Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God." Here, Paul addresses the concept of seemliness in terms of appearance and behavior, particularly for women. The focus is on modesty and good works, which are deemed appropriate for those who claim to follow Christ.

3. Titus 2:7-8 · "In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that is beyond reproach, so that anyone who opposes you will be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." This passage highlights the importance of seemliness in teaching and conduct. Believers are called to exhibit integrity and dignity, ensuring that their actions and words are beyond reproach.

4. Philippians 4:8 · "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." This exhortation encourages believers to focus on qualities that are seemly and commendable. By dwelling on what is honorable and pure, Christians are guided to live lives that reflect the character of Christ.

Theological Implications:

Seemliness is not merely about external appearances but is deeply rooted in the heart and character of a believer. It reflects an inner transformation that manifests outwardly in actions and attitudes. The call to seemliness is a call to live in a way that is consistent with the gospel, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ in one's life.

In the broader context of Christian living, seemliness involves a commitment to holiness and a desire to reflect God's glory in all aspects of life. It is about aligning one's life with biblical principles, ensuring that one's conduct is a testimony to the faith and a witness to the world.

Practical Application:

Believers are encouraged to evaluate their lives in light of Scripture, seeking to embody seemliness in their daily interactions and decisions. This involves a conscious effort to pursue what is good, right, and honorable, both in private and public spheres. By doing so, Christians can effectively bear witness to the transformative power of the gospel and bring glory to God through their lives.(n.) The quality or state of being seemly: comeliness; propriety.

How Should Seemliness be Represented by a Speaker? Does Beauty Add ...
... by St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan. Book I. Chapter XIX. How should seemliness be
represented by a speaker? ... How should seemliness be represented by a speaker? ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xix how should seemliness.htm

A Twofold Division of what is Seemly is Given. ...
... 231. Seemliness, therefore, which stands conspicuous has a twofold division. ... 233.
We have that general seemliness; for God made the beauty of this world. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xlvi a twofold division.htm

On what is Noble and virtuous, and what the Difference Between ...
... If, then, the essence of virtue is strong and vigorous, seemliness will also
quickly spring forth like a flower, for its root is sound. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xlv on what is.htm

Treatise ii. On the Dress of virgins.
... of Those Who Had Vowed and Dedicated Their Virginity to Christ, He Teaches that
Continence Not Only Consists in Fleshly Purity, But Also in Seemliness of Dress ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise ii on the dress.htm

Works and Letters of St. Ambrose
... On the different functions of modesty.? Chapter XIX. How should seemliness be
represented by a speaker? Does beauty add anything to virtue? Chapter XX. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/

The Apocalypse of Peter.
... on their face and shoulders, as it were a wreath [3885] woven of spikenard and
divers-coloured flowers, or like a rainbow in the sky, such was their seemliness ...
/.../unknown/the apocalypse of peter/the apocalypse of peter.htm

The Greek Theogony Exposed.
... What seemliness is there in a woman's girding herself with armour, or in a man's
decorating himself with cymbals, and garlands, and female attire, and ...
/.../justins discourse to the greeks/chapter ii the greek theogony exposed.htm

The Apostle Has Made Known to us Certain Three Unions...
... by forethought, or by resisting its faults by continence, were it not that each
substance showeth God to be the Creator of each, even by the seemliness of this ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on continence/section 23 the apostle has.htm

Rules for visits, Exorcisms, and How People are to Assist the Sick ...
... and ye visited Me, and so on." [417] And this is comely and right and just, that
we visit our neighbours for the sake of God with all seemliness of manner and ...
/.../two epistles concerning virginity/chapter xii rules for visits exorcisms.htm

Sixth Chapter
... purpose of mind. Carefully endeavour to keep the middle path in all things,
with seemliness and moderation. Demean yourself humbly ...
/.../the history and life of the reverend doctor john tauler/sixth chapter.htm

Seemliness (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The quality or state of being seemly: comeliness;
propriety. Multi-Version Concordance Seemliness (2 Occurrences). ...
/s/seemliness.htm - 7k

Seemly (10 Occurrences)

/s/seemly.htm - 9k

Noose (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 7:35 And this for your own profit I say: not that I may cast a noose
upon you, but for the seemliness and devotedness to the Lord, undistractedly ...
/n/noose.htm - 7k

Undivided (4 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 7:35 And this for your own profit I say: not that I may cast a noose
upon you, but for the seemliness and devotedness to the Lord, undistractedly ...
/u/undivided.htm - 8k

Unseemly (9 Occurrences)
... 12:23 and those that we think to be less honourable of the body, around these we
put more abundant honour, and our unseemly things have seemliness more abundant ...
/u/unseemly.htm - 9k

Undistracted (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Corinthians 7:35 And this for your own profit I say: not that I may cast a noose
upon you, but for the seemliness and devotedness to the Lord, undistractedly ...
/u/undistracted.htm - 6k

Undistractedly (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Corinthians 7:35 And this for your own profit I say: not that I may cast a noose
upon you, but for the seemliness and devotedness to the Lord, undistractedly ...
/u/undistractedly.htm - 6k

Devotion (17 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 7:35 And this for your own profit I say: not that I may cast a noose
upon you, but for the seemliness and devotedness to the Lord, undistractedly ...
/d/devotion.htm - 12k

Devotedness (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 7:35 And this for your own profit I say: not that I may cast a noose
upon you, but for the seemliness and devotedness to the Lord, undistractedly ...
/d/devotedness.htm - 7k

Decency (1 Occurrence)
... in words or behavior; propriety of form in social intercourse, in actions, or in
discourse; proper formality; becoming ceremony; seemliness; hence, freedom ...
/d/decency.htm - 7k

Seemliness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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