Topical Encyclopedia
Caution, as a concept, is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, reflecting the wisdom and prudence that believers are encouraged to exercise in their daily lives. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the importance of being cautious in various aspects of life, including speech, actions, and spiritual discernment.
Old Testament InsightsThe Old Testament frequently associates caution with wisdom and understanding. In the book of Proverbs, a collection of wise sayings attributed to Solomon, caution is often linked with the fear of the Lord and the pursuit of knowledge.
Proverbs 14:16 states, "A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless." This verse underscores the idea that wisdom involves a cautious approach to life, avoiding evil and its consequences.
The account of Joseph in Genesis also illustrates the virtue of caution. When faced with the advances of Potiphar's wife, Joseph exercises caution by fleeing the situation, understanding the potential danger to his integrity and future (
Genesis 39:7-12). His actions demonstrate the importance of being cautious in the face of temptation.
New Testament TeachingsIn the New Testament, Jesus Himself advises His followers to be cautious. In
Matthew 10:16 , He instructs, "Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." This metaphorical language emphasizes the need for believers to be both wise and pure, navigating the world with discernment and caution.
The Apostle Paul also speaks to the necessity of caution in the Christian life. In
Ephesians 5:15-16 , he writes, "Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Paul encourages believers to live thoughtfully and purposefully, making the most of their time and opportunities while being aware of the moral and spiritual challenges they face.
Caution in Speech and ConductThe Bible frequently warns about the power of words and the need for caution in speech.
James 1:19 advises, "My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger." This counsel highlights the importance of being cautious in communication, promoting listening and thoughtful responses over hasty words and reactions.
Similarly,
Proverbs 21:23 states, "He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress." This proverb reinforces the idea that caution in speech can prevent unnecessary trouble and maintain peace.
Spiritual DiscernmentCaution is also essential in spiritual discernment. Believers are urged to test the spirits and be wary of false teachings. In 1
John 4:1 , the Apostle John warns, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." This call to discernment requires a cautious approach to spiritual teachings, ensuring alignment with biblical truth.
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not explicitly use the term "caution" frequently, the principles of carefulness, wisdom, and discernment are woven throughout its teachings. Believers are encouraged to exercise caution in their interactions, decisions, and spiritual journeys, reflecting a life that honors God and seeks His guidance.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A careful attention to the probable effects of an act, in order that failure or harm may be avoided; prudence in regard to danger; provident care; wariness.
2. (n.) Security; guaranty; bail.
3. (n.) Precept or warning against evil of any kind; exhortation to wariness; advice; injunction.
4. (v. t.) To give notice of danger to; to warn; to exhort [one] to take heed.
Greek
2124. eulabeia --caution...caution. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: eulabeia Phonetic Spelling:
(yoo-lab'-i-ah) Short Definition: reverence, piety Definition: reverence
...3560. noutheteo -- to admonish, exhort
... admonish, warn. From the same as nouthesia; to put in mind, ie (by implication)
tocaution or reprove gently -- admonish, warn. see GREEK nouthesia....
Strong's Hebrew
2094. zahar -- to be light or shining... admonish, shine, teach, give warning A primitive root; to gleam; figuratively, to
enlighten (by
caution) -- admonish, shine, teach, (give) warn(-ing).
...Library
ACaution to the Presumptuous
... ACaution to the Presumptuous. A Sermon (No.22).... But what can I do unless,
with due care andcaution, ye yourselves walk guardedly....
WhetherCaution Should be Reckoned a Part of Prudence?
... OF EACH QUASI-INTEGRAL PART OF PRUDENCE (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whethercaution
should be reckoned a part of prudence? Objection 1: It...
ACaution to Stir up to Watch against Sin
... ACAUTION TO STIR UP TO WATCH AGAINST SIN. BY J. BUNYAN. ADVERTISEMENT BY
THE EDITOR.... OFFOR.CAUTION TO STIR UP TO WATCH AGAINST SIN....
Caution Needed in Attending to Pelagius' Deliverances on Infant...
... Book II. On Original Sin. Chapter 1 [I.]"Caution Needed in Attending to
Pelagius' Deliverances on Infant Baptism. Next I beg of...
Need ofCaution.
... Book II. Chapter III."Need ofCaution. Then Peter, being pleased to hear
that I understood the purport of his preface, that he...
ACaution against Bigotry
... First Series Sermon 38 ACaution against Bigotry.... 6. I need add but onecaution:
Think not the bigotry of another is any excuse for your own....
ACaution against Various Temptations, by which the Young Convert...
... CHAPTER XXI. ACAUTION AGAINST VARIOUS TEMPTATIONS, BY WHICH THE YOUNG CONVERT
MAY BE DRAWN ASIDE FROM THE COURAGE RECOMMENDED ABOVE....
Caution against Imprudent Zeal in Preaching the Gospel.
... CHAPTER X. JESUS IN NORTH GALILEE, AND ON THE WAY TO CESAREA PHILIPPI. Section
183.Caution against imprudent Zeal in Preaching the Gospel....
Exhortation to Self-Denial. --Caution against Seducers. (Matt....
... CHAPTER IX. SECOND COURSE OF EXTENDED LABOURS IN GALILEE. Section 157. Exhortation
to Self-denial."Caution against Seducers. (Matt., vii., 13-24.)....
Exhortations to Purity andCaution.
... Chapter VI"Exhortations to purity andcaution. Keep thyself pure as the
habitation of God. Thou art the temple of Christ. Thou...
Thesaurus
Caution (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Caution (2 Occurrences).
... (WBS). 2 Thessalonians 3:15 And
yet do not regard him as an enemy, but
caution him as a brother. (WEY).
...Guard (185 Occurrences)
... 5. (vi) To watch by way ofcaution or defense; to becaution; to be in a state or
position of defense or safety; as, careful persons guard against mistakes....
Precaution (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Previouscaution or care; preparation made in
advance for trouble or emergency; as, his life was saved by precaution....
Fear (970 Occurrences)
... Version (British and American) "having been heard for his godly fear"; so all the
Greek commentators; eulabeia, properly, "caution," "circumspection," is used...
Empire (8 Occurrences)
... The latter learned from the fate of Caesar that he had advanced too rapidly along
the imperial path. It taught Augustuscaution. (2) Augustus....
Patriarchs (6 Occurrences)
... 7. The Need ofCaution: The resemblance between the six consecutive names in the
two lists is indeed striking, but the differences are also great; and the...
Antediluvian
... 7. The Need ofCaution: The resemblance between the six consecutive names in the
two lists is indeed striking, but the differences are also great; and the...
Roman (26 Occurrences)
... The latter learned from the fate of Caesar that he had advanced too rapidly along
the imperial path. It taught Augustuscaution. (2) Augustus....
Vigilance (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Watchfulness in respect of danger; care;
caution; circumspection. 2. (n.) The quality or state...
Lud (10 Occurrences)
... unknown. As, however, the earlier kings of Assyria certainly warred in that
district, this statement has to be taken withcaution....
Resources
What is the Recovery Version of the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian view long-distance relationships? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the antilegomena? | GotQuestions.orgCaution: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
