Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Meaning:The term "cautiously" refers to acting with care and prudence, being mindful of potential dangers or pitfalls. In a biblical context, it often involves exercising wisdom and discernment to avoid sin and make decisions that align with God's will.
Biblical References and Context:The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of living cautiously, particularly in the context of spiritual vigilance and moral integrity. This cautious approach is often linked to wisdom, a key virtue in biblical teaching.
1.
Proverbs 14:16 : "A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless." This verse highlights the contrast between the wise and the foolish, with the wise person being cautious and avoiding evil, while the fool acts without consideration of the consequences.
2.
Ephesians 5:15-16 : "Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Here, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to live cautiously, making the most of their time and opportunities in a world filled with moral challenges.
3.
1 Peter 5:8 : "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." This passage underscores the need for spiritual caution, urging believers to remain vigilant against the schemes of the devil.
Theological Implications:Cautious living is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of wisdom and discernment. It involves recognizing the reality of spiritual warfare and the presence of sin in the world. By living cautiously, believers demonstrate their reliance on God's guidance and their commitment to holiness.
Practical Application:1.
Decision-Making: Believers are encouraged to seek God's wisdom in their decisions, weighing their choices carefully in light of biblical principles. This involves prayer, seeking counsel from mature Christians, and studying Scripture.
2.
Moral Integrity: Cautious living requires a commitment to moral integrity, avoiding situations that may lead to temptation or compromise one's faith. This includes being mindful of one's associations, entertainment choices, and speech.
3.
Spiritual Vigilance: Christians are called to be alert to the spiritual realities around them, recognizing the subtle ways in which sin and temptation can infiltrate their lives. This vigilance is maintained through regular prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers.
Examples from Scripture:·
Joseph's Caution: In
Genesis 39, Joseph exemplifies cautious living when he flees from Potiphar's wife, choosing to avoid sin rather than succumb to temptation.
·
Nehemiah's Discernment:Nehemiah 6:2-4 describes how Nehemiah cautiously discerns the intentions of his enemies, refusing to be lured away from his God-given mission.
Conclusion:While the Bible does not use the word "cautiously" frequently, the concept is woven throughout its teachings on wisdom, discernment, and vigilance. Believers are called to live with a careful awareness of their spiritual environment, making choices that honor God and reflect His wisdom.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
adv.) In a cautious manner.
Library
Now Suppose that While You were Writing This, as You Tell us You...
... Now suppose that while you were writing this, as you tell us you did, quickly not
cautiously, by the poor glimmering light of a lantern, some Prophet had stood...
Of the Bishops of the Large Towns in the Reign of Constantine; and...
... I. Chapter II."Of the Bishops of the Large Towns in the Reign of Constantine; and
how, from fear of Licinius, Christianity was professedcautiously in the...
Excursus on the Conciliabulum Styling Itself the Seventh...
... This is not the place to describe how it was inaugurated andcautiously carried
out by the skilful policy of the Empress Irene;cautiously, for a generation...
These Things which You have Said are Read by all who Know Latin...
... you say one after the other, without bringing in the person of that other' whom
you usually introduce when you speak of such matterscautiously, and like one...
Book ii.
... 2. A. I see a very plain and compendious order. R. Let this then be the order,
that you answer my questionscautiously and firmly. A. I attend....
Ancestry, Birth, Education, Environment: 1513(?)-1546
... It is thus that the decent burgess who, in 1572, kept The Diurnal of such daily
events as he deemed important,cautiously records the death of the great...
1 Cor. 15:3-4. Foundation Truths.
... religion? Did he begin bycautiously telling them how Christ lived, and taught,
and worked miracles, and spake "as no man ever spake"?...
Tertullian Refers Again to the Question of the Origin of all These...
... For how far more usefully andcautiously shall we act, if we hazard the presumption
that all these things were indeed provided [240] at the beginning and...
On the Babylonish Captivity of the Church on the Babylonish...
... wonderful wonders. The Italian indeed hascautiously concealed his name; perhaps
alarmed by the examples of Cajetan and Sylvester. The...
The Central Sun
... Of this the text speaks; and therefore, we may, I hope, think a little of it
to-day, but reverently, andcautiously, like men who know a very little, and are...
Thesaurus
Cautiously (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) In a cautious manner. Multi-Version
Concordance
Cautiously (1 Occurrence). 1 Peter 3:16 Yet argue
...Cavalry (11 Occurrences)
Whisper (9 Occurrences)
... a whisper. 5. (vt) To address in a whisper, or low voice. 6. (vt) To prompt
secretly orcautiously; to inform privately. 7. (n.) A...
Edge (150 Occurrences)
... on. 9. (vt) To move by little and little orcautiously, as by pressing forward
edgewise; as, edging their chairs forwards. 10. (vi...
Exaltation (9 Occurrences)
... We maycautiously, from the history of the resurrection and the Pauline doctrine,
conclude, that our Lord still possesses a human body....
Mystery (31 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A profound secret; something wholly unknown, or something keptcautiously
concealed, and therefore exciting curiosity or wonder; something which has...
Modestly (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 3:16 Yet argue modestly andcautiously, keeping your consciences free from
guilt, so that, when you are spoken against, those who slander your good...
Peep (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (vi) To lookcautiously or slyly; to peer, as through a crevice; to pry. 4.
(n.) The cry of a young chicken; a chirp. 5. (n.) First outlook or appearance....
Break (257 Occurrences)
... to broach; -- with to, and often with a modified word implying some reserve; as,
to break the news gently to the widow; to break a purposecautiously to a...
Chameleon (1 Occurrence)
... It slowly andcautiously advances until its head is from 4 to 6 inches from the
insect, which it then secures by darting out its tongue with great rapidity....
Resources
How should Christians respond to claims of a recent convert? | GotQuestions.orgHow serious of an issue is sermon plagiarism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Gospel Coalition? | GotQuestions.orgCautiously: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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