Topical Encyclopedia
The term "decent" in a biblical context often refers to behavior, attire, or speech that aligns with the moral and ethical standards set forth in Scripture. It is associated with modesty, propriety, and orderliness, reflecting a life that honors God and respects others.
Biblical References:1.
1 Corinthians 14:40 · "But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner."
This verse emphasizes the importance of decency in the conduct of church gatherings. The Apostle Paul instructs the Corinthian church to ensure that their worship services are conducted in a way that is orderly and respectful, reflecting the character of God who is a God of order.
2.
1 Timothy 2:9-10 · "Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God."
Here, Paul addresses the concept of decency in attire, particularly for women, urging them to dress in a manner that is modest and appropriate, focusing on inner beauty and good deeds rather than outward adornment.
3.
Romans 13:13 · "Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy."
Paul calls believers to live decently, avoiding behaviors that are associated with darkness and sin. This exhortation is a call to live transparently and righteously, as those who belong to the light.
Theological Implications:Decency is a reflection of the believer's commitment to living a life that is pleasing to God. It encompasses not only outward actions but also the intentions and attitudes of the heart. Decency is rooted in the understanding that Christians are called to be set apart, living as examples of Christ's love and holiness in a fallen world.
Practical Applications:1.
In Worship: Worship services should be conducted in a manner that is respectful and orderly, ensuring that all things are done for the edification of the body of Christ.
2.
In Attire: Believers are encouraged to dress modestly, reflecting their identity in Christ and avoiding drawing undue attention to themselves through extravagant or inappropriate clothing.
3.
In Behavior: Christians are called to live lives that are above reproach, avoiding behaviors that are associated with sin and instead pursuing righteousness, peace, and love.
Cultural Considerations:While the biblical principles of decency remain constant, the application of these principles may vary across different cultures and contexts. What is considered decent in one culture may differ in another, but the underlying call to honor God and respect others remains the same. Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom and discernment in applying these principles in their specific cultural settings.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Suitable in words, behavior, dress, or ceremony; becoming; fit; decorous; proper; seemly; as, decent conduct; decent language.
2. (a.) Free from immodesty or obscenity; modest.
3. (a.) Comely; shapely; well-formed.
4. (a.) Moderate, but competent; sufficient; hence, respectable; fairly good; reasonably comfortable or satisfying; as, a decent fortune; a decent person.
Greek
2887. kosmios -- orderly... Adjective Transliteration: kosmios Phonetic Spelling: (kos'-mee-os) Short Definition:
orderly, virtuous Definition: orderly, virtuous,
decent, modest, well
...Library
It was once Usual, in Speaking Allegorically, to Conceal under...
... Book V. 41 It was once usual, in speaking allegorically, to conceal under
perfectlydecent ideas? It was once usual, in speaking...
On Examining Candidates for the Episcopal Office.
... Let him therefore be sober, prudent,decent, firm, stable, not given to wine; no
striker, but gentle; not a brawler, not covetous; "not a novice, lest, being...
It Will be Better to Adopt in this ChapterThe Same Process that...
... But just as it seemed moredecent to say first that I was not in favor of Imperialism
even in its practical and popular sense, so it seems moredecent to say...
Of the Power of Making Laws. The Cruelty of the Pope and his...
... 29. Nothingdecent in the Popish ceremonies.... 30. No arrangementdecent and orderly,
unless founded on the authority of God, and derived from Scripture....
A Sermon on a Text not Found in the Bible.
... Do you tell me that you are not likely to become a thief, or a murderer? So others
have said whom we have known, once asdecent and quiet as you....
Letter xiv. Dress.
... In the third chapter of Genesis, we learn that the object of dress, when first
instituted, was to provide adecent covering for our bodies....
The Careless Sinner Awakened.
... Trifle not with your conscience, which tells you at once that he judges of it, and
approves or condemns as it isdecent or indecent, reasonable or unreasonable...
Trophies of Grace
... During a brief, steady bout, he had married adecent girl, who, not knowing his
character, was carried away by the smart appearance of a handsome soldier in...
Opposition to Messiah Unreasonable
... our natural propensity to trust in ourselves that we are righteous, I do not wonder
that persons who are comparatively sober anddecent, should speak thus...
Christ the Only Rest for the Weary and Heavy-Laden
... to follow the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity and truth; you, who are all for a little
show, a little outside work; who lead moral, civil,decent lives, Christ...
Thesaurus
Decent (2 Occurrences)... 1. (a.) Suitable in words, behavior, dress, or ceremony; becoming; fit; decorous;
proper; seemly; as,
decent conduct;
decent language.
...Decency (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Timothy 2:9 In the same way, that women also adorn themselves indecent clothing,
with modesty and propriety; not just with braided hair, gold, pearls, or...
Modest (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Observing the proprieties of the sex; not unwomanly in act or bearing; free
from undue familiarity, indecency, or lewdness;decent in speech and...
Seemly (10 Occurrences)
... comely; decorous. 2. (superl.) In adecent or suitable manner; becomingly.
Multi-Version Concordance Seemly (10 Occurrences). Romans...
Indecent (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Notdecent; unfit to be seen or heard; offensive
to modesty and delicacy; as, indecent language. Multi-Version Concordance...
Expensive (6 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 2:9 In the same way, that women also adorn themselves indecent clothing,
with modesty and propriety; not just with braided hair, gold, pearls, or...
Discreetly (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 2:9 In the same way, that women also adorn themselves indecent clothing,
with modesty and propriety; not just with braided hair, gold, pearls, or...
Decently (2 Occurrences)
Deportment (12 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 2:9 In like manner also that the women indecent deportment and dress
adorn themselves with modesty and discretion, not with plaited hair and gold...
Discretion (20 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 2:9 In like manner also that the women indecent deportment and dress
adorn themselves with modesty and discretion, not with plaited hair and gold...
Resources
Should Christian women wear makeup or jewelry? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I help someone to leave a toxic cult? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I know if the desires of my heart are from God? | GotQuestions.orgDecent: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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