Topical Encyclopedia
The term "needless" is not directly found in the text of the Bible; however, the concept can be explored through various scriptural principles and teachings that address the idea of unnecessary actions, words, or concerns. The Bible often emphasizes the importance of wisdom, discernment, and the avoidance of actions that do not contribute to godliness or the well-being of others.
Avoidance of Needless Words and ActionsScripture frequently warns against the use of unnecessary or idle words. In
Matthew 12:36 , Jesus states, "But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken." This highlights the importance of being mindful of our speech, ensuring that our words are edifying and purposeful.
Similarly,
Proverbs 10:19 advises, "When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise." This proverb underscores the value of restraint and the potential for sin when engaging in excessive or needless talk.
Needless Worry and AnxietyThe Bible also addresses the issue of needless worry and anxiety. In
Matthew 6:25-34 , Jesus teaches about trusting in God's provision and not being anxious about life's necessities. Verse 34 states, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own." This passage encourages believers to focus on the present and trust in God's care, rather than being consumed by unnecessary concerns about the future.
Needless Pursuits and MaterialismThe pursuit of material wealth and possessions is another area where the Bible warns against needless endeavors. In
Ecclesiastes 5:10 , it is written, "He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile." The pursuit of wealth for its own sake is deemed meaningless and ultimately unsatisfying.
Furthermore,
1 Timothy 6:9-10 cautions, "Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil." This passage warns against the needless pursuit of riches, which can lead to spiritual peril.
Needless Sacrifices and RitualsIn the Old Testament, the prophets often spoke against needless sacrifices and rituals that were performed without genuine devotion to God. In
Isaiah 1:11-13 , God expresses His displeasure with empty religious practices: "What is your multitude of sacrifices to Me? says the LORD. I am full of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed cattle; I have no delight in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats... Bring your worthless offerings no more; your incense is detestable to Me." This passage emphasizes that God desires sincere worship and obedience rather than meaningless rituals.
ConclusionThe Bible consistently encourages believers to focus on what is necessary and beneficial, avoiding actions, words, and pursuits that are needless and do not contribute to spiritual growth or the well-being of others. Through wisdom, discernment, and trust in God, Christians are called to live purposefully and meaningfully, aligning their lives with God's will.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Having no need.
2. (a.) Not wanted; unnecessary; not requiste; as, needless labor; needless expenses.
3. (a.) Without sufficient cause; groundless; causeless.
Greek
2263. eremos -- quiet... 2263 (an adjective) -- properly, undisturbed (placid); (figuratively) ; free from
disturbance; tranquil; without
needless commotion or disturbances (used only
...2272. hesuchios -- tranquil
... 2272 ("calmly quiet") describes being "" by not misusing (or overusing) words that
would stir upneedless friction (destructive commotion). Word Origin a prol....
2051. erizo -- to wrangle, strive
... wrangle, strive. Cognate: 2051 -- to contend; to confront (engage) in heated
debate that results in discord (needless strife). This...
635. apoplanao -- to cause to go astray
... 635 () to the cause, ie the of the straying (wandering) and then connects
theneedless pains arising it (note the prefix, ). Word...
Library
And Now, Academicus, You May See HowNeedless it is to Ask Me...
... [Way-2-39] And now, Academicus, you may see howneedless it is to ask
me? And now, Academicus, you may see howneedless it is...
The Threefold Kind of Man Feigned by These Heretics: Good Works...
... Against Heresies: Book I Chapter VI."The threefold kind of man feigned by these
heretics: good worksneedless for them, though necessary to others: their...
The Pelagians Still Strive after a Hiding-Place, by Introducing...
... Book III. Chapter 26 [X.]"The Pelagians Still Strive After a Hiding-Place, by
Introducing theNeedless Question of the Origin of the Soul....
The Daily Walk with Others (I. ).
... He was always taking trouble, and always saving trouble. He was always finding out
how a little thought for others can save them muchneedless labour....
Of Patience under Bereavement.
... Since, then, there is certainty as to the resurrection of the dead, grief
for death isneedless, and impatience of grief isneedless....
The Prophecy of the Perilous Times.
... Note now the several lines in this picture. Lengthy comment isneedless. "This
know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come....
All My Prefaces to the Books of the Old Testament, Some Specimens...
... 25. All my prefaces to the books of the Old Testament, some specimens of which I
subjoin, are witnesses for me on this point; and it isneedless to state the...
A Memorial
... in the Community; and consequently for such as abstain from all manner of levity,
loss of time, notable and known defects, vain talk,needless familiarity, and...
How Queen Ethelthryth Always Preserved Her virginity, and Her Body...
... of a surety that I deservedly bear the weight of my trouble on my neck, for I remember
that, when I was a young maiden, I bore on it theneedless weight of...
The Purification of the virgin and the Presentation in the Temple
... The mystery of the Incarnation would have beenneedless and fruitless, had His humanity
not been subject to all its right and ordinary conditions....
Thesaurus
Needless (3 Occurrences)... 1. (a.) Having no need. 2. (a.) Not wanted; unnecessary; not requiste; as,
needless labor;
needless expenses.
...Needless (3 Occurrences).
...Yoke (79 Occurrences)
... moTah (Isaiah 58:6, etc.; in Nab 1:13 moT), which the Revised Version (British and
American) in Jeremiah 27; 28 translates "bar" (a mostneedless and obscuring...
Needlessly (1 Occurrence)
Needle's (3 Occurrences)
Unworthly
... In 11:29, the Revised Version (British and American), on convincing textual evidence,
has omitted the word, which is aneedless gloss (compare the Revised...
Listened (120 Occurrences)
... Matthew 6:7 "And when praying, do not useneedless repetitions as the Gentiles do,
for they expect to be listened to because of their multitude of words. (WEY)....
Waste (668 Occurrences)
... 10. (n.) The act of wasting, or the state of being wasted; a squandering;needless
destruction; useless consumption or expenditure; devastation; loss without...
Terah (12 Occurrences)
... inspiration that would preserve him from such a purely formal error, the contradiction
is of no significance and attempts at "reconciliation" areneedless....
Expect (20 Occurrences)
... Matthew 6:7 "And when praying, do not useneedless repetitions as the Gentiles do,
for they expect to be listened to because of their multitude of words. (WEY)....
Michal (18 Occurrences)
... City. In David's conduct on that occasion she saw nothing but aneedless
humiliation of the royal dignity (1 Chronicles 15:29)....
Resources
What does the Bible say about BDSM? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Textus Receptus? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Prodigal Son? | GotQuestions.orgNeedless: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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