Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Etymology:The term "mischievous" generally refers to behavior that causes or intends to cause harm or trouble. In a biblical context, it often denotes actions or intentions that are morally wrong or harmful to others. The word is derived from the Old French "meschever," meaning "to bring to grief" or "to come to an unfortunate end."
Biblical Usage:In the Bible, mischievous behavior is frequently associated with wickedness, deceit, and malice. It is often used to describe the actions of those who oppose God's will or who seek to harm others for personal gain.
Old Testament References:The concept of mischievousness is prevalent in the Old Testament, where it is often linked with the wicked and their actions. For example, in the Psalms, David frequently laments the mischievous schemes of his enemies.
Psalm 10:7 states, "His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and violence; trouble and malice are under his tongue." Here, the psalmist describes the wicked as those who speak and act with harmful intent.
Proverbs also addresses mischievous behavior, warning against the company of those who engage in such actions.
Proverbs 6:12-14 describes a "worthless person, a wicked man," who "walks with a perverse mouth, winks with his eyes, signals with his feet, and points with his fingers; who plots evil with deceit in his heart; he always stirs up dissension."
New Testament References:In the New Testament, mischievousness is often associated with the broader concept of sin and the fallen nature of humanity. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, warns against behaviors that are harmful to the Christian community. In
Romans 1:29-30 , Paul lists a series of sinful behaviors, including "envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice," which are indicative of a life lived apart from God.
James 3:8 speaks to the destructive power of the tongue, stating, "But no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison." This passage highlights the potential for words to be used mischievously, causing harm and discord among believers.
Theological Implications:From a theological perspective, mischievous behavior is a manifestation of the sinful nature that all humans inherit due to the Fall. It reflects a heart that is not aligned with God's righteousness and is often driven by selfish desires. The Bible calls believers to reject such behavior and instead pursue righteousness, peace, and love.
Moral and Ethical Considerations:Christians are called to live lives that reflect the character of Christ, which includes avoiding mischievous behavior.
Ephesians 4:31-32 exhorts believers to "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." This passage underscores the importance of cultivating a heart that seeks the well-being of others rather than engaging in harmful actions.
Practical Application:In practical terms, Christians are encouraged to examine their hearts and actions, ensuring that they do not engage in or condone mischievous behavior. This involves being mindful of one's words and actions, seeking to build up rather than tear down, and striving to live in a manner that honors God and reflects His love to others.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
a.) Causing mischief; harmful; hurtful; -- now often applied where the evil is done carelessly or in sport; as, a mischievous child.
Greek
3151. mataiologos -- talking idly... vain talker. From mataios and lego; an idle (ie Senseless or
mischievous) talker,
ie A wrangler -- vain talker. see GREEK mataios. see GREEK lego.
...Strong's Hebrew
1942. havvah -- desire, chasm, destruction... greed (1). calamity, iniquity, mischief,
mischievous thing, naughtiness, naughty,
perverse thing,. From hava' (in the sense of eagerly
...4209. mezimmah -- purpose, discretion, device
... wickedly (1). wicked device, discretion, intent, witty invention, lewdness,
mischievous device, thought, wickedly. From zamam; a...
Library
Whether Lies are Sufficiently Divided into Officious, Jocose, and...
... OF THE VICES OPPOSED TO TRUTH, AND FIRST OF LYING (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether lies are
sufficiently divided into officious, jocose, andmischievous lies?...
Whether Boasting is a Mortal Sin?
... or honor, sometimes for the sake of money." Thus it is evident that it is neither
an officious nor a jocose lie, and consequently it must be amischievous lie....
Epistle Xlviii. Cyprian's Answer to Cornelius, Concerning the...
... who both told us the glorious gladness concerning the return of the confessors,
and most fully instructed us against the new andmischievous devices of...
Colossians i. 9
... generally, it is the very reverse of truth; and the careless and incautious language
which has been often used on this subject, has been extremelymischievous....
Hosius, Bishop of the City of Corduba, Said: a Prevalent Evil...
... (Greek.) Hosius, bishop of the city of Corduba, said: A prevalent evil, or rather
mostmischievous corruption must be done away with from its very foundations....
Recapitulation of Theologies and Cosmogonies; System of the...
... the other two elements, earth and water, being more gross, he assigned to the duad;
and this is termed the descending hemisphere, both feminine andmischievous...
Treatise x. On Jealousy and Envy.
... to the wrecklessness of murder; to make the cheat, he presents dishonest gains;
to take captive the soul by money, he heaps togethermischievous hoards; he...
Questions About the Lord's Supper
... So far from being "trifles," they are the outward and visible expressions of a most
mischievous doctrine, which strikes at one of the first principles of the...
Genesis iii. 22
... cup with poison? How can we go on upholding a system, the effects of which
appear to be so merelymischievous? Believe me, that...
The Agreement of Salvation by Grace with Walking in Good Works
... If, then, I teach men that they can be saved by works, I have practically told them
that salvation by grace is a myth, a mistake, amischievous error....
Thesaurus
Mischievous (13 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Causing mischief; harmful; hurtful; -- now often
applied where the evil is done carelessly or in sport; as, a
mischievous child.
...Naughty (3 Occurrences)
... 3. (superl.) hence, corrupt; wicked. 4. (superl.)Mischievous; perverse; froward;
guilty of disobedient or improper conduct; as, a naughty child. Int....
Devices (43 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV). Job 6:30 Is there injustice on my tongue?
Cannot my taste discernmischievous things? (See JPS). Job...
Crafty (15 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV NIV). Job 6:30 Is there injustice on my tongue?
Cannot my taste discernmischievous things? (See JPS)....
Malice (24 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Any wicked ormischievous intention of the mind; a depraved inclination
to mischief; an intention to vex, annoy, or injure another person, or to do a...
Plot (53 Occurrences)
... scheme, stratagem, secret design, or plan, of a complicated nature, adapted to the
accomplishment of some purpose, usually a treacherous andmischievous one; a...
Venomous (4 Occurrences)
... 3. (a.) Noxious;mischievous; malignant; spiteful; as, a venomous progeny; a venomous
writer. Multi-Version Concordance Venomous (4 Occurrences)....
Vermin (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Noxious, troublesome ormischievous animals
such as squirrels, rats, mice, flies, and lice. 2. (n. sing....
Knavery (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) Dishonesty; deceitfulness; petty tricks; fraud; trickery; as, a knavish
action. 2. (n.) Roguish ormischievous tricks. Multi-Version Concordance...
Naught (40 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 17:28), hawwah, rendered in the Revised Version (British and American)
in Proverbs 11:6 "iniquity," and in 17:4 "mischievous." In Proverbs 6:12...
Resources
What is the meaning of the phrase raising Cain? | GotQuestions.orgWhy should I believe in Christ's resurrection? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened during Jesus' childhood? | GotQuestions.orgMischievous: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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