Topical Encyclopedia
The term "careless" in the biblical context often refers to a state of negligence, indifference, or lack of concern, particularly in spiritual matters. This attitude is frequently admonished in Scripture, as it can lead to spiritual complacency and moral decay.
Old Testament ReferencesIn the Old Testament, the concept of carelessness is often associated with a false sense of security and neglect of one's duties toward God.
Isaiah 32:9-11 warns the complacent women of Jerusalem: "Rise up, you complacent women; listen to my voice. Give ear to my word, you careless daughters. In a little more than a year you will tremble, you careless ones; for the grape harvest will fail, and the fruit harvest will not come. Tremble, you complacent women; shudder, you careless daughters; strip yourselves bare and put sackcloth around your waists." . Here, carelessness is linked to a lack of awareness and preparation for impending judgment.
Zephaniah 1:12 also speaks against those who are complacent: "At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish the men settled in complacency, who say in their hearts, ‘The LORD will not do good, nor will He do evil.’" . This verse highlights the danger of spiritual indifference, where individuals assume that God is inactive or indifferent to human actions.
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, carelessness is often addressed in the context of spiritual vigilance. Jesus warns against spiritual indifference in the parable of the ten virgins (
Matthew 25:1-13). The foolish virgins are described as careless because they failed to bring extra oil for their lamps, resulting in their exclusion from the wedding feast. This parable underscores the importance of being prepared and vigilant in one's faith.
The Apostle Paul also cautions against carelessness in spiritual matters. In
Ephesians 5:15-16, he writes, "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." . Paul encourages believers to live wisely and purposefully, avoiding the pitfalls of a careless lifestyle.
Theological ImplicationsCarelessness in the biblical sense is not merely about neglecting daily responsibilities but is deeply tied to one's spiritual state. It reflects a heart that is not fully engaged with God and His commandments. The Bible consistently calls believers to be watchful, diligent, and intentional in their walk with God, recognizing that carelessness can lead to spiritual stagnation and vulnerability to sin.
Practical ApplicationFor believers, the call to avoid carelessness is a reminder to remain spiritually alert and engaged. This involves regular prayer, study of Scripture, and active participation in the life of the church. By cultivating a heart that is attentive to God's voice and responsive to His leading, Christians can guard against the dangers of spiritual complacency and live lives that honor God.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Free from care or anxiety. hence, cheerful; light-hearted.
2. (a.) Having no care; not taking ordinary or proper care; negligent; unconcerned; heedless; inattentive; unmindful; regardless.
3. (a.) Without thought or purpose; without due care; without attention to rule or system; unstudied; inconsiderate; spontaneous; rash; as, a careless throw; a careless expression.
4. (a.) Not receiving care; uncared for.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
CARELESS; CARELESSLYkar'-les, kar'-les-li: These words always mean, "without anxiety," the confidence springing from a sense of security. There is both the verb baTach, "he trusted," and the noun beTach, "Ye careless daughters" (the Revised Version, margin "confident") (Isaiah 32:9-11). People dwelt careless ("in security" the Revised Version (British and American), the American Standard Revised Version,Judges 18:7); "careless Ethiopians" (Ezekiel 30:9). "Thou that dwellest carelessly" ("sittest securely" the Revised Version (British and American), the American Standard Revised Version,Isaiah 47:8). "Thou that dwellest carelessly" ("securely" the Revised Version (British and American), the American Standard Revised Version, "confidently" King James Version, margin,Ezekiel 39:6). "The city that dwelt carelessly" (Zephaniah 2:15). the American Standard Revised Version and the Revised Version (British and American) add bazah, "he despised," using the participle in "He that is careless of his ways shall die," "despiseth" the King James Version, the American Revised Version, margin, the Revised Version, margin (Proverbs 19:16).
G. H. Trever
Greek
272. ameleo -- to becareless... to be
careless. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: ameleo Phonetic Spelling:
(am-el-eh'-o) Short Definition: I neglect Definition: I neglect, am
careless of
...4467. rhadiourgema -- a reckless act, a crime
... Noun, Neuter Transliteration: rhadiourgema Phonetic Spelling: (hrad-ee-oorg'-ay-
mah) Short Definition: an act of villainy Definition: acareless action, an act...
812. atakteo -- to be out of order, be remiss
... o) Short Definition: I behave disorderly Definition: (lit: I march out of order;
then: I riot, rebel), behave disorderly, neglect my duty, amcareless (or idle...
692. argos -- inactive, idle
... Word Origin from alpha (as a neg. prefix) and ergon Definition inactive, idle
NASB Word Usagecareless (1), idle (4), lazy (1), useless (2)....
Strong's Hebrew
982. batach -- to trust... root Definition to trust NASB Word Usage bold (1),
careless (1), complacent (3),
confident (2), fall down (1), felt secure (1), have (2), have confidence (1
...8252. shaqat -- to be quiet or undisturbed
... root Definition to be quiet or undisturbed NASB Word Usage been quiet (1), been
undisturbed (1), calm (1), calmed (1), calms (1),careless (1), grant him...
959. bazah -- to despise
... root Definition to despise NASB Word Usagecareless (1), contempt (1), despicable
(1), despise (5), despised (32), despises (2), disdained (1), disdained* (1)....
7961. shalev -- quiet, at ease
... Or shaleyv {shaw-lave'}; feminine shlevah {shel-ay-vaw'}; from shalah; tranquil;
(in a bad sense)careless; abstractly, security -- (being) at ease, peaceable...
Library
TheCareless Sinner Awakened.
... THE RISE AND PROGRESS OF RELIGION IN THE SOUL. CHAPTER II. THECARELESS
SINNER AWAKENED. 1, 2. It is too supposable a case that...
But Hasty andCareless Readers are Led Astray by Many and Manifold...
... Book 2 Chapter 7. But hasty andcareless readers are led astray by many
and manifold obscurities and? 7. But hasty andcareless...
But Does not this Doctrine Make MenCareless and Profane?
... Lord's Day 24 Question 64 But does not this doctrine make mencareless and profane?
But does not this doctrine make mencareless and profane?...
How Kindness Should be Shown Even to the Idle andCareless.
... Prolegomena. Chapter XV. How kindness should be shown even to the idle
andcareless. Nevertheless, like a far-sighted and careful...
Colossians i. 9
... of those who are naturally foolish is exceedingly great; of those, I mean, who
understand no worldly thing well; of those who arecareless about everything...
The Likeness of God
... is not virtue, but a certain high-flown religiousness which I cannot feel or even
understand?'"and so they grow weary in well-doing, andcareless about the...
The Eighth Book
... When they blasphemously call himcareless and neglectful of human affairs, and say
that he does not govern according to justice, or even that he does not...
Colossians i. 9
... sympathy, properly speaking, which creates in these matters a difficulty of
understanding; for the attention and memory are alike apt to becareless where the...
A Call to Backsliders
... But still even these would not be socareless, were it not for despair. The great
reason why they have no sorrow or care is, because they have no hope....
Sunday Next Before Easter.
... We, the very same persons, are at one time hard, at anothercareless, and at another
over-busy; although, if compared with, other persons, and in the general...
Thesaurus
Careless (10 Occurrences)... 3. (a.) Without thought or purpose; without due care; without attention to rule
or system; unstudied; inconsiderate; spontaneous; rash; as, a
careless throw; a
...Carelessly (5 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) In acareless manner. Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia.CARELESS; CARELESSLY. kar'-les, kar'-les...
Confident (42 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Isaiah 32:9 Rise up, ye women that are at ease, and hear my voice; ye
careless daughters, give ear unto my speech. (See JPS YLT)....
Ease (46 Occurrences)
... Proverbs 1:32 For the backsliding of the simple will kill them. Thecareless ease
of fools will destroy them.... Youcareless daughters, give ear to my speech!...
Negligent (7 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.)Careless; heedless; culpablycareless; showing lack
of attention; as, disposed in negligent order. Multi-Version Concordance...
Thoughtless (17 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (adv.) Lacking thought;careless; inconsiderate; rash;
as, a thoughtless person, or act. 2. (adv.) Giddy; gay; dissipated....
Reckless (8 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Inattentive to duty;careless; neglectful;
indifferent. 2. (a.) Rashly negligent; utterlycareless or heedless....
Dash (30 Occurrences)
... 4. (vt) To throw in or on in a rapid,careless manner; to mix, reduce, or adulterate,
by throwing in something of an inferior quality; to overspread partially...
Carefulness (6 Occurrences)
Secure (78 Occurrences)
... feeling suspicion or distrust; confident. 2. (a.) Overconfident; incautious;
careless; -- in a bad sense. 3. (a.) Confident in opinion...
Resources
What are idle words (Matthew 12:36)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to speak life? | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian play Pokémon? Should a Christian play Yu-Gi-Oh!? | GotQuestions.orgCareless: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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