Topical Encyclopedia
Impulse, in the context of biblical teachings, refers to a sudden or strong urge to act without forethought or consideration of the consequences. The Bible addresses the concept of impulse in various passages, often highlighting the importance of self-control and wisdom in decision-making.
Biblical References:1.
Proverbs 25:28 · "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who does not control his temper." This verse underscores the vulnerability and chaos that can result from acting on impulse, particularly in the context of anger. The imagery of a city without walls suggests a lack of protection and order, emphasizing the need for self-control.
2.
James 1:19-20 · "My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man's anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires." Here, James advises believers to be deliberate and thoughtful, rather than impulsive, especially in their speech and emotions. The passage highlights the value of patience and listening as opposed to reacting hastily.
3.
Proverbs 14:29 · "A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly." This proverb contrasts patience with impulsiveness, associating the latter with foolishness. It suggests that wisdom and understanding are cultivated through restraint and thoughtful consideration.
4.
Galatians 5:22-23 · "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Self-control is listed as a fruit of the Spirit, indicating its importance in the life of a believer. The presence of self-control helps to counteract impulsive behaviors, aligning one's actions with the character of Christ.
5.
Ecclesiastes 7:9 · "Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of fools." This verse warns against the dangers of being easily provoked, which can lead to impulsive actions. It associates such behavior with foolishness, encouraging believers to maintain a calm and measured spirit.
Theological Insights:From a theological perspective, impulse is often seen as a manifestation of the flesh, which is in opposition to the Spirit. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit, urging believers to live by the Spirit and not gratify the desires of the flesh (
Galatians 5:16-17). Impulsive actions, driven by immediate desires or emotions, can lead to sin and disrupt one's relationship with God.
The Bible encourages believers to cultivate virtues such as patience, self-control, and wisdom, which serve as antidotes to impulsive behavior. These virtues are developed through a close relationship with God, prayer, and the study of Scripture. By aligning one's heart and mind with God's will, believers can resist the urge to act impulsively and instead make decisions that reflect godly character.
Practical Application:In practical terms, Christians are encouraged to pause and seek God's guidance before making decisions, especially in emotionally charged situations. Prayer and reflection can provide clarity and prevent hasty actions that may lead to regret. Additionally, accountability within the Christian community can offer support and counsel, helping individuals to act with wisdom and discernment.
By understanding the biblical perspective on impulse, believers can strive to live in a manner that honors God, exercising self-control and making choices that reflect His righteousness.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The act of impelling, or driving onward with sudden force; impulsion; especially, force so communicated as to produced motion suddenly, or immediately.
2. (n.) The effect of an impelling force; motion produced by a sudden or momentary force.
3. (n.) The action of a force during a very small interval of time; the effect of such action; as, the impulse of a sudden blow upon a hard elastic body.
4. (n.) A mental force which simply and directly urges to action; hasty inclination; sudden motive; momentary or transient influence of appetite or passion; propension; incitement; as, a man of good impulses; passion often gives a violent impulse to the will.
5. (v. t.) To impel; to incite.
Greek
3709. orge --impulse, wrath...impulse, wrath. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: orge Phonetic Spelling:
(or-gay') Short Definition: anger, wrath, passion Definition: anger
...3730. horme -- a rapid motion forwards, onrush, assault
... Noun, Feminine Transliteration: horme Phonetic Spelling: (hor-may') Short Definition:
a rush, violent assault Definition: a rush, violent assault,impulse....
3731. hormema -- a rush
... a rush. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: hormema Phonetic Spelling:
(hor'-may-mah) Short Definition: a rushing on,impulse Definition: a rushing on...
4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness
... (4102).". 3. In sum, (4102) is that we as He grantsimpulse ("divine spark";
cf. the Heb form of believe, , in a later discussion)....
3661. homothumadon -- with one mind
... Word Origin from the same as homou and thumos Definition with one mind NASB Word
Usage one accord (7), oneimpulse (1), one mind (3). with one accord....
2309. thelo -- to will, wish
... otherwise obsolete; apparently strengthened from the alternate form of haireomai;
to determine (as an active option from subjectiveimpulse; whereas boulomai...
2759. kentron -- a sharp point
... prick, sting. From kenteo (to prick); a point ("centre"), ie A sting (figuratively,
poison) or goad (figuratively, divineimpulse) -- prick, sting....
Strong's Hebrew
4041. megammah -- perhaps assembling... sup up. From the same as gam; properly, accumulation, ie
Impulse or direction --
sup up. see HEBREW gam. 4040, 4041. megammah. 4042 . Strong's Numbers.
Library
On the Other Hand, I Find in Myself a VehementImpulse to Turn...
... [Way-1-3] On the other hand, I find in myself a vehementimpulse to turn
preacher amongst? On the other hand, I find in myself...
For, While all Things Else that are Born are Subject to the...
... IV."Apologetic Works. Chapter XXXIX. For, while all things else that
are born are subject to theimpulse of those? For, while...
Desire in Paradise was Either None at All, or it was Obedient to...
... A Treatise against two letters of the pelagians, Chapter 35."Desire in Paradise
Was Either None at All, or It Was Obedient to theImpulse of the Will....
The New Testament Has Hindered the NaturalImpulse to Give to the...
... The New Testament has hindered the naturalimpulse to give to the content of Religion
a simple, clear, and logical expression, but, on the other hand, it has...
How those are to be Admonished who Sin from SuddenImpulse and...
... XXXII. How those are to be admonished who sin from suddenimpulse and
those who sin deliberately. (Admonition 33.). Differently...
Of the Deaths of Ananias and Sapphira, and Judas, which they...
... Prolegomena. Chapter XXV. Of the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira, and Judas,
which they underwent through theimpulse of covetousness....
The First Preaching at Antioch
... I. Notice the spontaneousimpulse which these men obeyed.... 'They believed, and therefore
spoke.' A spontaneousimpulse, and nothing more, leads them on....
His Gospel
... Sojourn in Arabia."When a man has been suddenly converted, as Paul was, he is generally
driven by a strongimpulse to make known what has happened to him....
Philosophy is Knowledge Given by God.
... For both are powers of the soul, both knowledge andimpulse. Andimpulse
is found to be a movement after an assent. For he who has...
'Constrained by the Word'
... strange city. Now the reason for that slackening ofimpulse and comparative
cessation of activity is not far to seek. The first...
Thesaurus
Impulse (18 Occurrences)... 3. (n.) The action of a force during a very small interval of time; the effect of
such action; as, the
impulse of a sudden blow upon a hard elastic body.
...Sound (1245 Occurrences)
... 18. (n.) The perceived object occasioned by theimpulse or vibration of a material
substance affecting the ear; a sensation or perception of the mind received...
Impulsive (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (a.) Having the power of driving or impelling; giving animpulse; moving; impellent....
4. (n.) That which impels or gives animpulse; an impelling agent....
Instinct (3 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Natural inwardimpulse; unconscious, involuntary, or unreasoning prompting
to any mode of action, whether bodily, or mental, without a distinct...
Motion (8 Occurrences)
... its parts. 5. (n.) Movement of the mind, desires, or passions; mental act,
orimpulse to any action; internal activity. 6. (n.) A...
Affection (30 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) Bent of mind; a feeling or naturalimpulse or naturalimpulse acting upon
and swaying the mind; any emotion; as, the benevolent affections, esteem...
Shock (6 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) A quivering or shaking which is the effect of a blow, collision, or violent
impulse; a blow, impact, or collision; a concussion; a sudden violent...
Driving (144 Occurrences)
... n.) of Drive. 2. (a.) Having great force ofimpulse; as, a driving wind or storm....
It is hard for you to go against theimpulse which is driving you. (BBE)....
Freely (101 Occurrences)
... Exodus 35:29 The children of Israel, every man and woman, from theimpulse of their
hearts, gave their offerings freely to the Lord for the work which the Lord...
Moved (316 Occurrences)
... James 3:4 And again ships, though they are so great and are moved by violent winds,
are turned by a very small guiding-blade, at theimpulse of the man who is...
Resources
How can I control sinful impulses? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Jainism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Fundamentalism? | GotQuestions.orgImpulse: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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