In the context of biblical teachings, the concept of "takers" can be understood as individuals who are characterized by selfishness, greed, or a lack of generosity. The Bible addresses the attitudes and behaviors associated with being a taker, often contrasting them with the virtues of giving and selflessness.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament frequently warns against greed and selfishness, which are traits commonly associated with takers. In Proverbs, wisdom literature provides guidance on the dangers of such behavior. Proverbs 1:19 states, "Such is the fate of all who are greedy, whose unjust gain takes the lives of its possessors." This verse highlights the destructive nature of greed, suggesting that those who are takers ultimately harm themselves.

The account of Achan in Joshua 7 serves as a narrative example of a taker. Achan's covetousness led him to take forbidden items from Jericho, resulting in dire consequences for himself and the Israelites. This account illustrates the broader biblical principle that taking what is not rightfully one's own leads to spiritual and communal harm.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues to address the issue of being a taker, emphasizing the importance of generosity and selflessness. Jesus' teachings often highlight the value of giving over taking. In Luke 6:38 , Jesus says, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you." This passage underscores the reciprocal nature of generosity and the blessings that come from a giving spirit.

The parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:16-21 serves as a cautionary tale about the futility of hoarding wealth and living as a taker. The rich man's focus on accumulating possessions for himself, without regard for others or God, ultimately leads to his downfall. This parable reinforces the biblical teaching that life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.

Apostolic Writings

The apostolic writings further develop the theme of giving versus taking. In Acts 20:35 , the Apostle Paul reminds the Ephesian elders of Jesus' words: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." This teaching encapsulates the Christian ethic of selflessness and the spiritual rewards of generosity.

Paul's letters also address the issue of takers within the Christian community. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 , Paul admonishes those who are idle and expect to take from others without contributing: "If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat. Yet we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives and accomplishing nothing but being busybodies. We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living." This passage highlights the importance of personal responsibility and the rejection of a taker mentality.

Conclusion

The Bible consistently warns against the attitudes and behaviors associated with being a taker, advocating instead for a life marked by generosity, selflessness, and responsibility. Through both direct teachings and illustrative narratives, Scripture calls believers to reflect the character of God, who is the ultimate giver.

A Third Passage with which He Finds Fault is that in which I Gave ...
... Why, even shopkeepers who are particularly frugal, and slaves who are not wasteful,
and the care-takers who made our childhood a burden to us and even thieves ...
/.../24 a third passage with.htm

That no Man May Suddenly Come to High Devotion, nor be Wet with ...
... the meantime nevertheless Thou ravishest Thy lovers from all earthly things; above
all desire of worldly things Thou takest them, and makest them takers of Thy ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter ii that no man.htm

Concerning Our Lord, and Concerning Death and Satan
... Ye who in a snare took Solomon, it is therefore a reproach to you, that ye should
be overcome by his disciples, takers of fish and ignorant men; for lo! ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xxxv concerning our lord.htm

The Evolution of a Mother
... one time. Now, no mother can love a million. Clearly, if Nature wishes
to make care-takers, she must moderate her demands. And so ...
/.../the lowell lectures on the ascent of man/chapter viii the evolution of.htm

1 Cor. x. 13
... But do thou, I pray, consider, how with regard to the Jews he said not, "they are
par-takers with God," but, "they have communion with the altar;" for what was ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxiv 1 cor x.htm

The City of Benares.
... I give some of the items". Alms-takers 184 Beggars 3,490 Barbers 979 Pundits 96
Priests (temple or ghat) 2,809 Purohits (family priests) 1,273 Servants 14,309. ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter vii the city of.htm

John ix. 1, 2
... That building Christ taketh in hand, he who buildeth that needs not to appoint
care-takers, nor be thoughtful, nor anxious; for when God hath undertaken the ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lvi john ix 1.htm

The Lord's Prayer
... How often have we looked on ourselves as takers, and fancied that we must as it
were steal the good things of this world from God, lest He should forget to ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon ix the lords prayer.htm

Acts iii. 12
... you? Shall He, Who sustains day by day both takers and breakers of oaths,
give you over to hunger, when you have obeyed Him? Let ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily ix acts iii 12.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. . Life and
Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. Various. ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /

Takers (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Takers (4 Occurrences). 1 Timothy 1:9 With the
knowledge that the law is made, not for the upright man, but ...
/t/takers.htm - 7k

Powers (43 Occurrences)
... Revelation 21:8 But those who are full of fear and without faith, the unclean and
takers of life, those who do the sins of the flesh, and those who make use of ...
/p/powers.htm - 20k

Taker (26 Occurrences)

/t/taker.htm - 14k

Vile (59 Occurrences)
... Revelation 21:8 But those who are full of fear and without faith, the unclean and
takers of life, those who do the sins of the flesh, and those who make use of ...
/v/vile.htm - 26k

Faithless (46 Occurrences)
... Revelation 21:8 But those who are full of fear and without faith, the unclean and
takers of life, those who do the sins of the flesh, and those who make use of ...
/f/faithless.htm - 20k

Ever-burning (3 Occurrences)
... Revelation 21:8 But those who are full of fear and without faith, the unclean and
takers of life, those who do the sins of the flesh, and those who make use of ...
/e/ever-burning.htm - 7k

Birth-pains (10 Occurrences)
... hands, saying, Now sorrow is mine! for my strength is gone from me before
the takers of life. (BBE). Jeremiah 30:6 Put the question ...
/b/birth-pains.htm - 9k

Groan (32 Occurrences)
... hands, saying, Now sorrow is mine! for my strength is gone from me before
the takers of life. (See NIV). Jeremiah 22:23 Inhabitant of ...
/g/groan.htm - 21k

Ah (43 Occurrences)
... is mine! for my strength is gone from me before the takers of life. (See
NAS). Jeremiah 14:13 Then said I, Ah, Lord Yahweh! behold ...
/a/ah.htm - 22k

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