Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the concept of acquiring encompasses the gathering or obtaining of material possessions, wisdom, knowledge, and spiritual virtues. The Bible provides guidance on the nature and purpose of acquiring, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's pursuits with God's will and wisdom.
Material Possessions:The Bible acknowledges the necessity of material possessions but warns against the dangers of excessive accumulation and the love of wealth.
Proverbs 13:11 states, "Dishonest wealth will dwindle, but what is earned through hard work will be multiplied." This verse highlights the value of honest labor and the fleeting nature of ill-gotten gains. Similarly, Jesus warns in
Luke 12:15 , "Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."
The acquisition of wealth is not condemned outright, but it is to be pursued with integrity and used for righteous purposes. In
1 Timothy 6:17-19 , Paul instructs the wealthy to "do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and ready to share," emphasizing the eternal value of using wealth to benefit others.
Wisdom and Knowledge:The Bible places a high value on acquiring wisdom and knowledge, which are seen as gifts from God.
Proverbs 4:7 advises, "Wisdom is supreme; therefore acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding." The pursuit of wisdom is portrayed as a noble endeavor that leads to a deeper understanding of God's will and a more righteous life.
James 1:5 encourages believers to seek wisdom from God: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." This underscores the belief that true wisdom is divinely granted and should be sought through prayer and a relationship with God.
Spiritual Virtues:Acquiring spiritual virtues is a central theme in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to cultivate qualities that reflect the character of Christ. In
Galatians 5:22-23 , Paul lists the fruits of the Spirit, which include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These virtues are to be actively pursued and developed as evidence of a life transformed by the Holy Spirit.
The process of acquiring spiritual virtues is often described as a journey of sanctification, where believers grow in holiness and Christlikeness.
2 Peter 1:5-7 exhorts believers to "make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love."
Conclusion:The biblical perspective on acquiring emphasizes the importance of seeking what is truly valuable in God's eyes. Whether it is material possessions, wisdom, or spiritual virtues, the pursuit should be guided by integrity, generosity, and a desire to honor God. The ultimate goal is to align one's life with God's purposes, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from a relationship with Him and the eternal treasures of His kingdom.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Acquire.
Greek
4047. peripoiesis -- preservation, acquisition... peripoiesis Phonetic Spelling: (per-ee-poy'-ay-sis) Short Definition: obtaining,
possessing, possession Definition:
acquiring, obtaining, possessing, possession
...1128. gumnazo -- to exercise naked, to train
... 1128 () conveysacquiring -- regular exercise with graduated resistance (the physical
element is also included with the spiritual of being in "God's gymnasium...
Strong's Hebrew
7075. qinyan -- something gotten or acquired, acquisition... Word Origin from qanah Definition something gotten or acquired, acquisition NASB
Word Usage acquired (1),
acquiring (1), goods (3), possessions (2), property (3
...Library
The Twelfth Chapter:Acquiring Patience in the Fight against...
... BOOK THREE. INTERNAL CONSOLATION The Twelfth Chapter:Acquiring Patience
in the Fight Against Concupiscence. The Disciple PATIENCE...
The Eleventh Chapter:Acquiring Peace and Zeal for Perfection
... BOOK ONE. THOUGHTS HELPFUL IN THE LIFE OF THE SOUL The Eleventh Chapter:
Acquiring Peace and Zeal for Perfection. WE SHOULD enjoy...
Letter v. --Means ofAcquiring this Practice.
... SECOND BOOK: ON THE EXERCISE OF THE VIRTUE OF ABANDONMENT Letter V."Means of
Acquiring this Practice. On the means ofacquiring abandonment....
Whether Observances Directed to the Alteration of Bodies, as for...
... OF SUPERSTITION IN OBSERVANCES (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether observances directed to the
alteration of bodies, as for the purpose ofacquiring health or the like...
The Proper Age and the Proper Means forAcquiring Rhetorical Skill...
... Book IV. Chapter 3."The Proper Age and the Proper Means forAcquiring
Rhetorical Skill. 4. But the theories and rules on this...
The Teaching of the Elders on the Method ofAcquiring Purity.
... Prolegomena. Chapter XIII. The teaching of the elders on the method of
acquiring purity. Wherefore it is now time to produce, in...
Whether the Suffrages of one Person Can Profit Others?
... I answer that, our actions can avail for two purposes. First, foracquiring a certain
state; thus by a meritorious work a man obtains the state of bliss....
True Harvest Joy.
... Some choose the plan of spending the greater part of their lives in continually
accumulating, continuallyacquiring; but this with the hope of being able at...
Connection Between Covetousness and Idolatry. Certain Trades...
... But, covetousness apart, what is the motive foracquiring? When the motive
foracquiring ceases, there will be no necessity for trading....
The System of the Sethians; their Triad of Infinite Principles...
... Just for instance, he says, this child will be a musician, having waited the requisite
time for (acquiring a knowledge of) the harp; or a geometrician, (having...
Thesaurus
Acquiring (4 Occurrences)...Acquiring (4 Occurrences). 1 Thessalonians 5:9 because God did not appoint us to
anger, but to the
acquiring of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, (YLT).
...Conquest (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The act or process of conquering, oracquiring by force; the act of overcoming
or subduing opposition by force, whether physical or moral; subjection...
Acquisition (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) Something acquired or gained; as, learning is an acquisition. 2. (n.)
The act or process ofacquiring. Multi-Version Concordance...
Slavery (31 Occurrences)
... slav, slav'-er-i: 1.Acquiring of Slaves 2. Hebrews as War Captives 3. Freedom of
Slaves 4. Rights of Slaves 5. Rights of Slave Masters 6. The New Testament...
Slave (148 Occurrences)
... slav, slav'-er-i: 1.Acquiring of Slaves 2. Hebrews as War Captives 3. Freedom of
Slaves 4. Rights of Slaves 5. Rights of Slave Masters 6. The New Testament...
Outwit (3 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The faculty ofacquiring wisdom by observation and experience, or the wisdom
so acquired; -- opposed to inwit. Multi-Version Concordance...
Learn (76 Occurrences)
... 3. (vi) To acquire knowledge or skill; to make progress inacquiring knowledge or
skill; to receive information or instruction; as, this child learns quickly....
Getting (151 Occurrences)
... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Get. 2. (n.) The act of obtaining oracquiring; acquisition.
3. (n.) That which is got or obtained; gain; profit. Int....
Gaining (17 Occurrences)
... 3:13 For those who have filled the deacon's office wisely and well, are already
gaining for themselves an honourable standing, and areacquiring great freedom...
Wisely (60 Occurrences)
... 3:13 For those who have filled the deacon's office wisely and well, are already
gaining for themselves an honourable standing, and areacquiring great freedom...
Resources
What does the Bible say about compulsive hoarding? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the International House of Prayer (IHOP)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God provides? | GotQuestions.orgAcquiring: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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