Topical Encyclopedia
The term "high-sounding" refers to language or speech that is grandiose, pompous, or ostentatious, often lacking in sincerity or substance. In a biblical context, high-sounding words are typically associated with pride, arrogance, and deceit, contrasting with the humility and truthfulness that Scripture advocates.
Biblical References and Themes1.
Pride and Arrogance: High-sounding words are often linked to pride and arrogance, which are condemned throughout the Bible.
Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." The use of grandiose language can be a manifestation of a haughty spirit, which ultimately leads to downfall.
2.
Deception and False Teaching: The New Testament frequently warns against false teachers who use high-sounding words to deceive believers. In
Colossians 2:4, Paul cautions, "I say this so that no one will deceive you by fine-sounding arguments." Such language can be persuasive but ultimately leads people away from the truth of the Gospel.
3.
Empty Words: High-sounding language is often empty and devoid of true wisdom. In
1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Paul contrasts his own preaching with the eloquence of the world, emphasizing that his message was not with "persuasive words of wisdom" but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power. This highlights the importance of substance over style in conveying God's truth.
4.
Humility and Simplicity: Scripture encourages humility and simplicity in speech. Jesus Himself exemplified this in His teachings, using parables and straightforward language to convey profound truths. In
Matthew 11:25, Jesus praises the Father for revealing truths to "little children" rather than the "wise and learned," underscoring the value of simplicity and humility.
5.
Warnings Against Flattery: High-sounding words can also take the form of flattery, which is often insincere and manipulative.
Proverbs 29:5 states, "A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet." Flattery can lead to entrapment and is contrary to the honest and loving communication encouraged in Scripture.
Practical Implications for BelieversBelievers are called to be discerning in their speech and in the messages they receive.
Ephesians 4:29 advises, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." This encourages speech that is edifying, truthful, and gracious, avoiding the pitfalls of high-sounding but empty words.
In summary, while high-sounding language may impress or persuade on a superficial level, it often lacks the depth and sincerity that characterize godly communication. Believers are encouraged to seek and speak the truth in love, prioritizing substance over style and humility over pride.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
a.) Pompous; noisy; ostentatious; as, high-sounding words or titles.
Library
None Greater than John the Baptist, Yet. . .
... "Mighty man of valour!" At first there is an apparent incongruity between this
high-sounding salutation and the bearing of the man to whom it was addressed....
Regeneration
... Suppose he says, "I will change my name, I will take up the name of an Englishman;
I have been called by myhigh-sounding title among the Sioux; I have been...
The Epistle to the Philippians.
... After that event it had the rank of a Roman military colony, with thehigh-sounding
title, "Colonia Augusta Julia Philippensis." [1177] Hence its mixed...
Joshua was a Figure of Christ.
... discussion as to why one a' was added to Abraham's first name; and as to why one
r' was added to Sarah's name, you use similarhigh-sounding disputations....
What a Grossness of Ignorance, Both of Man and his Savior...
... will live in daily transports at the enormous {See Milton's Enormous Bliss.} sublime
of a Milton, flying thither on the unfeathered wings ofhigh sounding words...
A Contemplation of the Divine Utterance which Said --"Let us Make...
... Those who bestow on human nature such praise as this by ahigh-sounding name, forget
that they are dignifying man with the attributes of the gnat and the mouse...
Monoimus; Man the Universe, According to Monoimus; his System of...
... of the Monad. Mono??mus [928] the Arabian was far removed from the glory
of thehigh-sounding poet. (For Mono??mus) supposes that...
Relations of John to the People, and to the Narrower Circle of his...
... He gave them no vague andhigh-sounding words, but adapted his instructions
with minute care to their special condition and circumstances....
The Teaching of the Elders on the Method of Acquiring Purity.
... in which they hand it down, the opinion of the Fathers; viz., of those who have
not painted the way of perfection and its character inhigh-sounding words, but...
The Boasted Merit of Works Subversive Both of the Glory of God, in...
... loss. It is certain that, being ahigh sounding term, it can only obscure
the grace of God, and inspire men with pernicious pride....
Thesaurus
High-sounding (5 Occurrences)High-
sounding. High-priestly,
High-
sounding. Hight . Noah Webster's Dictionary
(a.) Pompous; noisy; ostentatious; as,
high-
sounding words or titles.
...Using (88 Occurrences)
... Jude 1:16 These are the men who make trouble, ever desiring change, going after
evil pleasures, usinghigh-sounding words, respecting men's position in the...
Vaunt (5 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Isaiah 10:15 Will the axe sayhigh-sounding words against him who is
using it, or the blade be full of pride against him who is cutting with it?...
Uses (15 Occurrences)
... (WEB). Isaiah 10:15 Will the axe sayhigh-sounding words against him who is using
it, or the blade be full of pride against him who is cutting with it?...
Loud-sounding (8 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Psalms 150:5 Praise him with loud cymbals: Praise him withhighsounding
cymbals. (See JPS). Loudness, Loud-sounding. Loud-tongued . Reference Bible
Wields (2 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 10:15 Will the axe sayhigh-sounding words against him who is using it, or
the blade be full of pride against him who is cutting with it?...
Respecting (4 Occurrences)
... Jude 1:16 These are the men who make trouble, ever desiring change, going after
evil pleasures, usinghigh-sounding words, respecting men's position in the...
Pleasures (18 Occurrences)
... Jude 1:16 These are the men who make trouble, ever desiring change, going after
evil pleasures, usinghigh-sounding words, respecting men's position in the...
Brandish (4 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 10:15 Will the axe sayhigh-sounding words against him who is using it, or
the blade be full of pride against him who is cutting with it?...
Cymbals (15 Occurrences)
... of brass one held in each hand, which were clashed together to produce a loud clanging
sound; castanets; "loud cymbals." "Highsounding cymbals" consisted of...
Resources
What is the Today's New International Version (TNIV)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did Jesus mean when He said, “I never knew you. Depart from me”? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that there will be scoffers in the last days? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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