Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Nature:Swindlers, in the biblical context, are individuals who engage in deceitful practices to gain something, typically money or property, through fraudulent means. The term is often associated with those who exploit others for personal gain, violating principles of honesty and integrity that are central to Christian ethics. Biblical References: The Bible addresses the issue of swindling and deceit in various passages, emphasizing the moral and spiritual implications of such behavior. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 , the Apostle Paul explicitly lists swindlers among those who will not inherit the kingdom of God: "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God." Moral and Ethical Implications: Swindling is considered a serious sin in the Bible because it involves deception and exploitation, which are contrary to the character of God, who is truth and justice. The Eighth Commandment, "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15), underpins the biblical condemnation of swindling, as it is a form of theft through deceit. Consequences and Warnings: The Bible warns of both temporal and eternal consequences for those who engage in swindling. Proverbs 11:1 states, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight." This highlights God's disdain for dishonesty and the importance of fairness and integrity in dealings with others. Repentance and Redemption: Despite the severity of the sin, the Bible offers hope for swindlers through repentance and redemption. In Luke 19:1-10, the account of Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector and known swindler, illustrates the transformative power of encountering Jesus. Zacchaeus's willingness to repay those he defrauded and his commitment to restitution demonstrate the possibility of forgiveness and a new life in Christ. Christian Responsibility: Christians are called to uphold honesty and integrity in all their dealings, reflecting the character of Christ. Ephesians 4:28 instructs, "He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need." This verse encourages believers to turn away from deceitful practices and to engage in honest labor, contributing positively to the community. Conclusion: While swindling is condemned in Scripture, the Bible also provides a path to redemption for those who turn away from deceit and embrace a life of integrity and righteousness. Through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, even those who have engaged in swindling can find forgiveness and transformation. Greek 727. harpax -- rapacious ... robbery). See 726 (). Word Origin from harpazo Definition rapacious NASB Word Usage ravenous (1), swindler (1), swindlers (3). ravenous. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/727.htm - 6k Library Gambling, Card-Playing To the Rev. A. Brandram The Christ in the Garden Evil Cannot be Suppressed by the Physical Force of the Government ... Thesaurus Swindlers (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Swindlers (3 Occurrences). Luke 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed to himself like this:'God, I thank ... /s/swindlers.htm - 7k Swine (15 Occurrences) Swindler (2 Occurrences) Resources Is it possible to be a gay Christian? | GotQuestions.orgWho will go to heaven? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to come out from among them (2 Corinthians 6:17)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Swindlers (3 Occurrences)Luke 18:11 1 Corinthians 5:10 1 Corinthians 6:10 Subtopics Related Terms Interpretation (45 Occurrences) Demon-possessed (16 Occurrences) |