Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of biblical teachings, the term "petty" is not directly mentioned in the Scriptures. However, the concept of pettiness can be understood through various biblical principles and teachings that address attitudes and behaviors contrary to the virtues encouraged by Scripture.
Definition and UnderstandingPettiness generally refers to undue concern with trivial matters, often accompanied by a small-minded or spiteful attitude. It involves focusing on insignificant details or grievances, leading to unnecessary conflict or discord. In a biblical sense, pettiness can be seen as an attitude that detracts from the love, unity, and humility that Christians are called to exhibit.
Biblical Principles Against Pettiness1.
Love and Unity: The Bible emphasizes the importance of love and unity among believers. In
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 , Paul writes, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." Pettiness, which often involves keeping records of wrongs and being easily angered, is contrary to the love described here.
2.
Humility and Selflessness:
Philippians 2:3-4 instructs, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Pettiness often stems from pride and self-centeredness, which are countered by the call to humility and selflessness.
3.
Forgiveness and Reconciliation:
Ephesians 4:31-32 advises, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." Pettiness can lead to bitterness and malice, which are to be replaced with kindness and forgiveness.
4.
Avoiding Quarrels:
Proverbs 20:3 states, "It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel." Pettiness often results in unnecessary quarrels and disputes, which are discouraged in Scripture. Believers are encouraged to seek peace and resolution rather than engaging in trivial arguments.
5.
Focus on the Eternal:
Colossians 3:2 encourages believers to "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Pettiness often involves an undue focus on earthly, temporary matters. Christians are called to maintain an eternal perspective, prioritizing spiritual growth and the kingdom of God over trivial concerns.
Examples in ScriptureWhile the term "petty" is not used, certain biblical narratives illustrate the consequences of petty behavior:
·
The Dispute Among the Disciples: In
Luke 22:24-27 , the disciples argue about who among them is the greatest. Jesus rebukes their pettiness by teaching them about true greatness through servanthood.
·
Miriam and Aaron's Criticism of Moses: In
Numbers 12, Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses out of jealousy and pride. Their petty behavior leads to God's displeasure and Miriam's temporary leprosy, highlighting the seriousness of such attitudes.
ConclusionThe Bible calls believers to rise above pettiness by embodying love, humility, forgiveness, and a focus on eternal values. By adhering to these principles, Christians can foster unity and reflect the character of Christ in their interactions with others.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
superl.) Little; trifling; inconsiderable; also, inferior; subordinate; as, a petty fault; a petty prince.
Greek
2485. ichthudion -- a little fish... of ichthus Definition a little fish NASB Word Usage small fish (2). small fish.
Diminutive from ichthus; a
petty fish -- little (small) fish. see GREEK ichthus.
...Strong's Hebrew
4705. mitsar -- a small thing... little one while, small. From tsa'ar;
petty (in size or number); adverbially, a
short (time) -- little one (while), small. see HEBREW tsa'ar. 4704, 4705.
...Library
Petty Dishonesty.
... XLVI.PETTY DISHONESTY. 9th Sunday after Trinity. S. Luke 16, 3, 4. "What
shall I do?"I am resolved what to do.". INTRODUCTION."The...
Night and Day (Preached at the Chapel Royal)
... Some upon gain, some upon pleasure, some uponpetty self-interest,petty quarrels,
petty ambitions,petty squabbles and jealousies about this person and that...
Strong Souls.
... element in the case: there may be sad and quiet years which do not count: we have
known existences which crept on in one dull round, frompetty pleasure to...
The Shaking of the Heavens and the Earth (Preached at the Chapel...
... is an age like the Middle Age, in which men dared to fancy that they could and did
know all about earth and heaven; and set up theirpetty cosmogonies, their...
Deceased was Now that My Evil and Abominable Youth...
... and thus shouldest Thou make the several portions of Thyself present unto the several
portions of the world, in fragments, large to the large,petty to the...
Letter P
... 1807 * Peter, Simon "Received 1816, Expelled 1837 * Peter, William "Received 1819 *
Pettengale, Erastus "Received 1835 *Petty, Ewell "Received 1823...
He that is Unjust in the Least is Unjust Also in Much. Luke 16:10.
... business. Or that it is certain, if a man will commitpetty thefts and
depredations, that he will commit highway robbery. There...
The Hermit and the Boy
... He loathed thepetty baseness of partisan wranglings, with their accompaniment
of subterranean intrigues and bitter personalities....
Jacob Jones; Or, the Man who Couldn't Get Along in the World.
... of one thousand dollars for personal expenses, five hundred dollars for store-rent,
seven hundred dollars for clerk and porter, and forpetty and contingent...
The Saint Resumes the History of Her Life. Aiming at Perfection....
... better first, as I did before when I ceased to pray, [5]"and perhaps I never should
have become better; for I had now sunk so deeply into thepetty ways of...
Thesaurus
Petty (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (superl.) Little; trifling; inconsiderable; also, inferior;
subordinate; as, a
petty fault; a
petty prince.
...Petty (1 Occurrence).
...Tirhakah (2 Occurrences)
... The 20petty kings installed in Egypt by Esar-haddon were restored by Assur-bani-
pal, but they feared the vengeance of Tirhakah after the Assyrian army had...
Pilfer (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (vi) To steal in small quantities, or articles of small value; to practicepetty
theft. 2. (vt) To take bypetty theft; to filch; to steal little by little....
Canaan (102 Occurrences)
... Thepetty kings of Canaan paid tribute to their Babylonian suzerain, and Babylonian
officials and "commerical travelers" (damgari) frequented the country....
Canaanites (63 Occurrences)
... Thepetty kings of Canaan paid tribute to their Babylonian suzerain, and Babylonian
officials and "commerical travelers" (damgari) frequented the country....
Quartermaster (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) Apetty officer who attends to the helm, binnacle, signals, and the like,
under the direction of the master. Multi-Version Concordance...
Vain (141 Occurrences)
... 3. (superl.) Proud ofpetty things, or of trifling attainments; having a high opinion
of one's own accomplishments with slight reason; conceited; puffed up...
Knavery (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Dishonesty; deceitfulness;petty tricks; fraud;
trickery; as, a knavish action. 2. (n.) Roguish or mischievous tricks....
stingy (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Meanly covetous orpetty; stingy; closefisted.
2. (adv.) In a miser manner. Multi-Version Concordance...
Nathanael (6 Occurrences)
... (John 1:46), was prompted, not by any ill repute of the place, but by its
petty insignificance and familiarity in Nathanael's eyes....
Resources
What does the Bible say about pettiness? | GotQuestions.orgIs Richard Dawkins' caricature of the God of the Old Testament accurate? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about strife? | GotQuestions.orgPetty: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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