Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of behavior in the Bible is closely tied to the moral and ethical conduct expected of believers. The term "behaves" encompasses actions, attitudes, and the overall manner in which individuals conduct themselves in accordance with God's commandments and teachings.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, behavior is often linked to obedience to God's laws. The Israelites were given the Law through Moses, which outlined how they were to behave in various aspects of life.
Deuteronomy 5:33 instructs, "Walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess." Here, behavior is directly connected to walking in the ways of the Lord, implying a lifestyle of obedience and reverence.
The wisdom literature, particularly the Book of Proverbs, frequently addresses behavior.
Proverbs 20:11 states, "Even a young man is known by his actions—whether his conduct is pure and upright." This highlights the importance of behavior as a reflection of one's character and integrity.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, behavior is further emphasized as a reflection of one's faith in Christ. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles provide guidance on how believers should conduct themselves. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses behavior in relation to the heart's intentions, urging followers to live righteously.
Matthew 5:16 says, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
The Apostle Paul frequently discusses behavior in his epistles, urging believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling.
Ephesians 4:1-2 exhorts, "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love." Here, behavior is linked to virtues such as humility, gentleness, and patience, reflecting the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life.
Christian ConductChristian behavior is characterized by love, humility, and service. The fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in
Galatians 5:22-23 , includes "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." These attributes are indicative of a life that is aligned with the Spirit and are essential for proper Christian conduct.
The Apostle Peter also emphasizes the importance of behavior in witnessing to others. In
1 Peter 2:12 , he writes, "Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us." This underscores the role of behavior in evangelism and the testimony of a believer's life.
Behavior in the ChurchBehavior within the church community is crucial for maintaining unity and edification. Paul addresses this in
1 Corinthians 14:40 , stating, "But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner." Proper behavior in worship and community life reflects the order and peace that God desires for His people.
Furthermore, behavior is a key consideration in church leadership. In
1 Timothy 3:2 , Paul outlines the qualifications for overseers, stating, "An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach." Leaders are called to exemplify godly behavior as a model for the congregation.
ConclusionThe Bible provides comprehensive guidance on behavior, emphasizing that it should reflect one's faith and commitment to God's commandments. Whether in personal conduct, community life, or leadership, behavior is a testament to the transformative work of Christ in a believer's life.
Library
Whether the Moral virtues Differ in Point of the Various Objects...
... relation to reason as the former. Now one manbehaves towards another in
serious matters, in two ways. First, as being pleasant in...
Revelation of Paul.
... good or evil. And one angel goes rejoicing on account of man when hebehaves
well, and another goes with a sad countenance. All the...
If the Scorpion, Swinging his Tail in the Air...
... praised in song. Wisdombehaves with firmness in the streets, for with
good results does she murder her own sons. [8258] Nay, on...
God's Peace Obtained in Answer to Prayer
... Peter 2:21-23. Peter's testimony enables us to see how the peace of God
behaves in this world of turmoil and strife. The quality of...
The Truth.
... Whatever appeal be made to the highest region of his nature, such a onebehaves
as if it were the part of a wise man to pay it no heed, because it does not...
'Lovest Thou Me?'
... For we have here, in Christ's treatment of the Apostle, a revelation of how Hebehaves
to a soul conscious of its fault; and in Peter's demeanour an...
Of Divers Friendships of Good and Ill, and if they Can be Loosed...
... It is true friendship certain when a friendbehaves him to his friend as to himself;
when he thinks his friend is himself in another body; and he loves his...
How Internal Exercises are to be Practised in Times Improper and...
... Sec. 21, 22. No distractions, aridities, &c., ought to hinder it. Sec. Sec. 23,
24. God will bless a soul thatbehaves herself well in distractive employments....
By Faith the Operation of God is Recognised.
... He who knows that a certain person in disguise is the king,behaves towards him
very differently to another who, only perceiving an ordinary man, treats him...
How a Monk who Has Money Cannot Stay in the Monastery.
... which he has fitted himself as it were with wings, and now being quite ready for
his move, he answers impertinently to all commands, andbehaves himself like a...
Thesaurus
Behaves (4 Occurrences)...Behaves (4 Occurrences).
... (DBY). Job 15:25 Because he has stretched out his hand against
God, and
behaves himself proudly against the Almighty; (WEB).
...Arrogantly (15 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Job 15:25 Because he has stretched out his hand against God, and
behaves himself proudly against the Almighty; (See NAS)....
Behaved (21 Occurrences)
Virginity (12 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 7:36 But if any one think that hebehaves unseemly to his virginity,
if he be beyond the flower of his age, and so it must be, let him do what he...
Vaunts (1 Occurrence)
... Vaunts (1 Occurrence). Job 15:25 Because he has stretched out his hand against God,
andbehaves himself proudly against the Almighty; (See NIV)....
Fist (7 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Job 15:25 Because he has stretched out his hand against God, and
behaves himself proudly against the Almighty; (See NIV)....
Recompenses (3 Occurrences)
... Psalms 31:23 Oh love Yahweh, all you his saints! Yahweh preserves the faithful,
and fully recompenses him whobehaves arrogantly. (WEB NAS)....
Requites (4 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Psalms 31:23 Oh love Yahweh, all you his saints! Yahweh preserves the
faithful, and fully recompenses him whobehaves arrogantly. (See RSV)....
Defiance (9 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Job 15:25 Because he has stretched out his hand against God, and
behaves himself proudly against the Almighty; (See RSV)....
Proudly (23 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). Job 15:25 Because he has stretched out his hand against
God, andbehaves himself proudly against the Almighty; (WEB JPS ASV)....
Resources
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