Topical Bible: The Eye: Actions of, Mentioned in Scripture: Winking

◄ The Eye: Actions of, Mentioned in Scripture: Winking ►

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In the Bible, the eye is often used metaphorically to represent perception, understanding, and intention. Among the various actions associated with the eye, winking is specifically mentioned in Scripture and carries significant connotations. Winking, as described in biblical texts, is generally associated with deceit, malice, or mischief.

Winking in Scripture

The act of winking is mentioned in several passages, often in the context of deceitful or malicious behavior. In the book of Proverbs, winking is portrayed as an action of the wicked, used to signal or connote hidden intentions:

· Proverbs 6:12-13 : "A worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth, winking his eyes, speaking with his feet, pointing with his fingers."

In this passage, winking is listed among the behaviors of a "worthless person" or "wicked man." It is associated with a perverse mouth and deceptive gestures, suggesting that winking is a non-verbal cue used to communicate deceit or to conspire in wrongdoing.

· Proverbs 10:10 : "He who winks the eye causes grief, and foolish lips will come to ruin."

Here, winking is directly linked to causing grief, implying that it is an action that leads to negative consequences. The parallelism in the verse connects winking with foolish speech, reinforcing the idea that both are harmful and lead to ruin.

Cultural and Theological Implications

In the cultural context of the Bible, winking was not merely a benign gesture but was often seen as a sign of duplicity or secretive plotting. The conservative Christian interpretation of these passages emphasizes the importance of integrity and transparency in one's actions and communications. Winking, as depicted in Scripture, serves as a warning against engaging in covert or dishonest behavior.

Theologically, the emphasis on the eye and its actions underscores the biblical theme of inner purity and sincerity. Just as the eye is a window to the soul, the actions of the eye, including winking, reflect the condition of the heart. Believers are thus encouraged to cultivate honesty and straightforwardness, avoiding any actions that might suggest deceit or malice.

In summary, the act of winking in the Bible is consistently associated with negative traits and outcomes. It serves as a cautionary symbol against engaging in deceitful practices and highlights the broader biblical call to live with integrity and truthfulness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 10:1
The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Letter xv. Social and Relative Duties.
... Bring the most minute actions of your daily life to ... of the Christian character, that
it is mentioned by the ... feet." "He that winketh with the eye causeth shame ...
/.../letter xv social and relative.htm

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... As the eye of our mind should be intent upon God ... Very different is the language of
Scripture, with whose ... to the supplications which he had mentioned a little ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm

A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ...
... out of the conscience; albeit the scripture saith, that ... of our Lord; wherefore our
holy actions are the ... that high and heavenly principle mentioned before; by ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a defence of the doctrine.htm

The Doctrine
... Sinai, for the which those sins before mentioned were punished ... according to the sense
of this Scripture, is to ... law doth not only condemn words and actions, as I ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm