In the context of the Bible, the concept of "suggest" involves the act of proposing or recommending a course of action, idea, or thought. While the term "suggest" itself may not frequently appear in the biblical text, the underlying principle is evident in various narratives and teachings where individuals offer advice, counsel, or influence others' decisions.

Old Testament Examples

1. Jethro's Advice to Moses: One of the most notable examples of suggestion in the Old Testament is found in the relationship between Moses and his father-in-law, Jethro. Observing Moses' overwhelming burden of judging the people, Jethro suggests a more efficient system of delegation. He advises Moses to appoint capable men as leaders over groups of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens to share the load (Exodus 18:17-23). This suggestion not only alleviates Moses' burden but also establishes a more sustainable governance structure for the Israelites.

2. The Spies' Report: In Numbers 13, the twelve spies sent to explore the land of Canaan return with their report. Ten of the spies suggest that the Israelites cannot conquer the land due to the strength of its inhabitants, instilling fear among the people. However, Caleb and Joshua suggest otherwise, encouraging the Israelites to trust in God's promise and take possession of the land (Numbers 13:30). This contrast in suggestions highlights the impact of faith and perspective on decision-making.

New Testament Examples

1. Peter's Counsel to the Early Church: In Acts 15, during the Jerusalem Council, the early church faces a significant decision regarding the requirements for Gentile converts. Peter suggests that imposing the yoke of the law on Gentiles is unnecessary, emphasizing salvation through grace (Acts 15:7-11). His suggestion helps shape the council's decision, promoting unity and understanding within the early Christian community.

2. Paul's Advice to the Corinthians: In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul offers suggestions regarding marriage and singleness. While he provides guidance based on his own judgment, he clarifies that his advice is not a command from the Lord but a recommendation for those seeking to serve God without distraction (1 Corinthians 7:25-35). Paul's approach demonstrates the role of personal discernment and wisdom in offering suggestions to others.

The Role of Suggestion in Wisdom Literature

The wisdom literature of the Bible, particularly the Book of Proverbs, frequently addresses the value of wise counsel and the dangers of ignoring sound advice. Proverbs 12:15 states, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel." This highlights the importance of being open to suggestions and the benefits of heeding wise advice.

Spiritual Discernment and Suggestion

In the New Testament, believers are encouraged to exercise spiritual discernment when considering suggestions. The Apostle John advises, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God" (1 John 4:1). This underscores the need for discernment in evaluating suggestions, ensuring they align with God's truth and will.

Conclusion

While the Bible may not explicitly use the term "suggest," the concept is woven throughout its narratives and teachings. Suggestions, whether wise or misguided, play a significant role in shaping decisions and outcomes. The biblical emphasis on seeking godly counsel and exercising discernment serves as a guiding principle for believers in navigating the myriad of suggestions encountered in life.1. (v. t.) To introduce indirectly to the thoughts; to cause to be thought of, usually by the agency of other objects.

2. (v. t.) To propose with difference or modesty; to hint; to intimate; as, to suggest a difficulty.

3. (v. t.) To seduce; to prompt to evil; to tempt.

4. (v. t.) To inform secretly.

5. (v. i.) To make suggestions; to tempt.

5294. hupotithemi -- to place under, lay down, mid. to suggest
... to suggest. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: hupotithemi Phonetic Spelling:
(hoop-ot-ith'-ay-mee) Short Definition: I lay down, suggest to Definition: I ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5294.htm - 7k

5279. hupomimnesko -- to cause (one) to remember, to remind
... From hupo and mimnesko; to remind quietly, ie Suggest to the (middle voice, one's
own) memory -- put in mind, remember, bring to (put in) remembrance. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5279.htm - 7k

5263. hupodeiknumi -- to show secretly, to show by tracing out, to ...
... hupodeiknumi Phonetic Spelling: (hoop-od-ike'-noo-mee) Short Definition: I show
plainly, teach, warn Definition: I indicate, intimate, suggest, show, prove. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5263.htm - 6k

5260. hupoballo -- to throw or put under
... Spelling: (hoop-ob-al'-lo) Short Definition: I suborn, instruct privately Definition:
I throw or put under; met: I subject, submit, suggest, whisper, prompt ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5260.htm - 6k

993. Boanerges -- Boanerges, an epithet applied to the two sons of ...
... of its occurrence). . It is justified by the impetuosity and zeal which characterized
both the brothers, which prompted them to suggest the calling ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/993.htm - 8k

2048. eremos -- solitary, desolate
... vegetation"). This root () does "not suggest absolute barrenness but territory
affording free range for shepherds and their flocks. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2048.htm - 8k

Luke and John Suggest that one May Loose the Shoe-Latchets of the ...
... Sixth Book. 19. Luke and John Suggest that One May Loose the Shoe-Latchets
of the Logos Without Stooping Down. We must not, however ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/19 luke and john suggest.htm

Wherefore a Few Witnesses, which the Lord Deigns to Suggest to My ...
... Section 32. Wherefore a few witnesses, which the Lord deigns to suggest
to my mind? 32. Wherefore a few witnesses, which the Lord ...
/.../augustine/of holy virginity /section 32 wherefore a few.htm

Let it be Supposed, that Your Ingenious Reason Should Suggest to ...
... [Way-3-8] Let it be supposed, that your ingenious reason should suggest
to you? Let it be supposed, that your ingenious reason ...
/.../law/the way to divine knowledge/way-3-8 let it be supposed.htm

Spiritual Dryness.
... He will suggest that your desires are only for the glory of God; that you have no
affection for the worldly object, but desire it only for God's glory. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/how to live a holy life/spiritual dryness.htm

None of These Answers Will You Give Us. You Turn to Other Things ...
... woman, but something which is both or neither; and also whether you hold that the
bodies remain uncorrupt and immortal, and, as you acutely suggest after the ...
/.../5 none of these answers.htm

The Duty of Every Day
... 'Even according as the duty of every day required'; the phrase may suggest three
thoughts: that each day has its own work, its own worship, and its own supplies ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the duty of every day.htm

Wisdom and Revelation.
... prayer (ch. iii.14). "The God of our Lord Jesus Christ" seems to suggest
the highest point and peak of power and grace. God, as ...
/.../thomas/the prayers of st paul/vii wisdom and revelation.htm

At the Unknown' Feast in Jerusalem, and by the Pool of Bethesda.
... to the rendering Beth Asutha (W?�nsche), or Beth Asyatha, House of Healing.' But
as this derivation offers linguistic difficulties, we would suggest that the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xii at the unknown.htm

What Can be More Distinct than this Statement? what could Possibly ...
... He is not content with merely saying, "This is what others say," or "so some men
think," but, "As to this or that I do not decide, I only suggest," and, "If ...
/.../29 what can be more.htm

Examples of the Various Styles Drawn from Scripture.
... what is obscure, and to unravel the difficulties of questions, but also, while doing
this, to meet other questions which may chance to suggest themselves, lest ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 20 examples of the various.htm

Suggest (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (vt) To propose with difference or modesty; to hint; to intimate; as, to suggest
a difficulty. ... Multi-Version Concordance Suggest (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/suggest.htm - 7k

Suggested (6 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Suggest. Multi-Version Concordance
Suggested (6 Occurrences). John 13:2 While supper was ...
/s/suggested.htm - 8k

Hymn (5 Occurrences)
... This distinction might suggest that the psalm belonged especially to the public
worship of the church, while the hymn was the production, more or less ...
/h/hymn.htm - 11k

Writing (194 Occurrences)
... Pictorial or representative signs are distinguished from mnemonic or conventional
signs by the fact that in themselves they suggest the thing meant, while the ...
/w/writing.htm - 70k

Urim (8 Occurrences)
... The accusation of Doeg and the answer of the high priest (1 Samuel 22:10, 13, 15)
suggest that David began to inquire of Yahweh through the priesthood, even ...
/u/urim.htm - 21k

Consist (7 Occurrences)
... We can only suggest some possibilities as follows: (1) A good opportunity for safe
communication was offered by the deaconess Phoebe's proposed visit to the ...
/c/consist.htm - 80k

Thummim (6 Occurrences)
... The accusation of Doeg and the answer of the high priest (1 Samuel 22:10, 13, 15)
suggest that David began to inquire of Yahweh through the priesthood, even ...
/t/thummim.htm - 22k

Valley (187 Occurrences)
... text; there are some variations in the Septuagint)): The meaning of "Hinnom" is
unknown; the expressions ben Hinnom and bene Hinnom would suggest that it is a ...
/v/valley.htm - 75k

Romans (8 Occurrences)
... We can only suggest some possibilities as follows: (1) A good opportunity for safe
communication was offered by the deaconess Phoebe's proposed visit to the ...
/r/romans.htm - 44k

Songs (100 Occurrences)
... reader of Canticles had never heard of the allegorical interpretation, nothing in
the beginning, middle or end of the poem would be likely to suggest to his ...
/s/songs.htm - 62k

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