Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Meaning:The term "reckless" refers to actions or behaviors characterized by a lack of thought or care for the consequences. In a biblical context, recklessness is often associated with foolishness, impulsivity, and a disregard for wisdom and guidance. It is the opposite of the prudence and discernment encouraged throughout Scripture.
Biblical References:1.
Proverbs 14:16 : "A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless."
This verse contrasts the behavior of the wise with that of the fool. The wise person exercises caution and avoids evil, while the fool acts recklessly, without regard for the potential harm or consequences.
2.
Proverbs 12:18 : "There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."
Although the term "reckless" is not directly used, this proverb highlights the destructive potential of reckless speech. Words spoken without thought can cause deep harm, akin to a sword's piercing, whereas wise words can heal and restore.
3.
Judges 11:31-39: The account of Jephthah's vow is a poignant example of recklessness in the Bible. Jephthah, in a moment of impulsive zeal, makes a vow to offer as a burnt offering whatever comes out of the doors of his house to meet him if he returns victorious. Tragically, his daughter is the first to greet him, illustrating the severe consequences of rash promises.
4.
Ecclesiastes 5:2 : "Do not be quick to speak, and do not let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God. After all, God is in heaven, and you are on earth. So let your words be few."
This verse warns against the recklessness of hasty speech, especially in the presence of God. It underscores the importance of thoughtful and measured words.
Theological Implications:Recklessness is often linked to a lack of spiritual maturity and an absence of the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (
Proverbs 9:10). The Bible consistently encourages believers to seek wisdom and understanding, to be slow to speak, and to consider the consequences of their actions. Recklessness, therefore, is seen as a deviation from the path of righteousness and wisdom.
Practical Applications:1.
Guarding Speech: Believers are encouraged to be mindful of their words, recognizing the power of the tongue to build up or tear down. Reckless words can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and harm.
2.
Decision Making: Christians are called to seek God's guidance and wisdom in decision-making, avoiding impulsive actions that can lead to negative outcomes. Prayer, counsel from mature believers, and reflection on Scripture are vital in making wise choices.
3.
Vows and Promises: The account of Jephthah serves as a cautionary tale about making rash vows. Believers are advised to be careful with their commitments, ensuring they align with God's will and are made with full consideration of the consequences.
Conclusion:While the Bible acknowledges human tendencies toward recklessness, it offers a path to wisdom and prudence through a relationship with God and adherence to His Word. By cultivating a heart of wisdom and a spirit of discernment, believers can avoid the pitfalls of reckless behavior and live lives that honor God.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Inattentive to duty; careless; neglectful; indifferent.
2. (a.) Rashly negligent; utterly careless or heedless.
Greek
4467. rhadiourgema -- areckless act, a crime... a
reckless act, a crime. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: rhadiourgema
Phonetic Spelling: (hrad-ee-oorg'-ay-mah) Short Definition: an act of
...4312. propetes -- falling forward, headlong
... headlong. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: propetes Phonetic Spelling:
(prop-et-ace') Short Definition: impulsive, rash,reckless Definition: impulsive...
3851. parabouleuomai -- risk, disregard
... Verb Transliteration: parabouleuomai Phonetic Spelling: (par-ab-ool-yoo'-om-ahee)
Short Definition: I expose myself to danger, amreckless Definition: I expose...
524. apalgeo -- to cease to feel pain for
... Definition: (lit: I cease to feel [my] pain), am past feeling, cease to care
(suggesting sometimes despair, sometimes recklessness), become callous,reckless....
811. asotos -- wastefully
... as asotia Definition wastefully NASB Word Usage loose (1). riotous,reckless, wasteful.
Adverb from the same as asotia; dissolutely -- riotous. see GREEK asotia...
Strong's Hebrew
6348. pachaz -- to be wanton orreckless... 6347, 6348. pachaz. 6349 . to be wanton or
reckless. Transliteration: pachaz
Phonetic Spelling: (paw-khaz') Short Definition:
reckless. Word Origin a prim.
...6350. pachazuth -- recklessness, extravagance
... Word Origin from pachaz Definition recklessness, extravagance NASB Word Usagereckless
boasting (1). lightness. From pachaz; frivolity -- lightness....
Library
The Mother of Xerxes.
... Still, it can not be denied that a selfish andreckless ambition has been, in general,
the main spring of action with heroes and conquerors, which, while it...
Servants of Sin.
... But day by day Satan bids his victims add another link. The servant of sin grows
more hardened, more daring, morereckless in his evil way....
Wisdom Brevities
... Wine and women will make men of understanding to fall away: and he that
cleaveth to harlots will be the morereckless. Moths and...
In that Case, You Say, Why do You Complain of Our Persecutions?...
... Naturally enough, therefore, we do not please the vanquished; on account
of this, indeed, we are counted a desperate,reckless race....
On the Road to Jerusalem
... "I was a fool for not forcing you to stay in Ascalon. You arereckless"reckless!"....
"Reckless and useless!" Aquila went on decisively....
The Second Word from the Cross
... enough, indeed, that the one who did not repent began it, and that the other joined
in, less of his own accord than in imitation of hisreckless associate....
Jacob and Esau
... which such a man would have. He was hasty,reckless, and fond of pleasure;
passionate too, and violent. Have we not seen just such...
Sins of Parents visited
... sickly. My forefathers were ignorant andreckless, and, therefore, I was
brought up ignorant, and in all sorts of temptation. And...
1 Cor. xi. 17
... Thus, lest they should say, "But what if the accusers speak falsely?" he neither
saith, "I believe it," lest he should rather make themreckless; nor again, on...
Rom. xii. 1
... And if I were to set before you every expression of them that arereckless, you
would not be able to distinguish whether the words are those of areckless man...
Thesaurus
Reckless (8 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Reckless (8 Occurrences). Mark 7:22 covetousness, wickedness,
deceit, licentiousness, envy, reviling, pride,
reckless folly: (WEY).
...Folly (68 Occurrences)
... Folly (68 Occurrences). Mark 7:22 covetousness, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness,
envy, reviling, pride,reckless folly: (WEY DBY NIV)....
Zophar (4 Occurrences)
... and is seeking light from God. His words are in a key of intensity amounting
toreckless exaggeration. He is the first to accuse...
Licentiousness (10 Occurrences)
... Licentiousness (10 Occurrences). Mark 7:22 covetousness, wickedness, deceit,
licentiousness, envy, reviling, pride,reckless folly: (WEY DBY RSV)....
Wanton (20 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) Specifically: Deviating from the rules of chastity; lewd; lustful; lascivious;
libidinous; lecherous. 4. (vt)Reckless; heedless; as, wanton mischief....
Fast (157 Occurrences)
... 13. (v.) Given to pleasure seeking; disregardful of restraint;reckless; wild;
dissipated; dissolute; as, a fast man; a fast liver. 14....
Faction (4 Occurrences)
... applied to a majority; a combination or clique of partisans of any kind, acting
for their own interests, especially if greedy, clamorous, andreckless of the...
Teeth (50 Occurrences)
... the biter," "crusher," "molar," "jaw-teeth," "great teeth" (Job 29:17 m; Joel
1:6)). Figurative: The word is used as a synonym ofreckless strength and cruelty...
Recklessly (1 Occurrence)
Reviling (47 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Reviling (47 Occurrences). Mark 7:22 covetousness, wickedness,
deceit, licentiousness, envy, reviling, pride,reckless folly: (WEY)....
Resources
Is God's love reckless? | GotQuestions.orgWhy would God leave the 99 to find 1? | GotQuestions.orgHow does fearing God add length to a person's life (Proverbs 10:27)? | GotQuestions.orgReckless: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
