Topical Encyclopedia
The term "straightforward" is not explicitly found in the Bible; however, the concept is deeply embedded in biblical teachings and principles. In a biblical context, being straightforward is often associated with honesty, integrity, and simplicity in communication and actions. These qualities are highly valued in Scripture and are seen as reflective of a righteous and godly character.
Biblical Principles of Straightforwardness1.
Honesty and Integrity: The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity.
Proverbs 12:22 states, "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight." This verse underscores the value God places on truthful and straightforward communication.
2.
Simplicity and Clarity: Jesus Himself exemplified straightforwardness in His teachings. In
Matthew 5:37 , He instructs, "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' Anything more comes from the evil one." This directive encourages believers to communicate clearly and without deceit.
3.
Righteousness and Uprightness: The Bible often contrasts the straightforward with the deceitful.
Proverbs 11:3 declares, "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them." Here, integrity and straightforwardness are linked to guidance and protection.
4.
God's Nature: God Himself is depicted as straightforward and truthful.
Numbers 23:19 affirms, "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?" This passage highlights God's unwavering truthfulness and reliability.
Examples of Straightforwardness in Scripture·
Jesus Christ: Jesus is the ultimate example of straightforwardness. His teachings were direct and clear, often cutting through cultural and religious complexities to reveal the heart of God's truth. His interactions with the Pharisees and other religious leaders were marked by a straightforwardness that exposed hypocrisy and called for genuine repentance.
·
Apostle Paul: Paul, in his letters, often demonstrated straightforwardness in addressing issues within the early church. In
Galatians 2:11-14, Paul recounts how he confronted Peter directly and openly about his behavior, which was not in line with the truth of the gospel. This incident illustrates Paul's commitment to truth and integrity.
·
Old Testament Prophets: The prophets of the Old Testament, such as Isaiah and Jeremiah, were known for their straightforward messages from God. They spoke boldly and clearly, often at great personal risk, to call the people of Israel back to faithfulness and obedience.
Practical Application for BelieversBelievers are called to embody straightforwardness in their daily lives. This involves being honest in speech, transparent in actions, and consistent in living out one's faith.
Ephesians 4:25 exhorts, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another." This call to truthfulness is foundational for building trust and unity within the body of Christ.
In summary, while the term "straightforward" may not appear verbatim in Scripture, its essence permeates biblical teachings. It is a quality that reflects the character of God and is expected of His followers, guiding them in their interactions with others and in their relationship with Him.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Proceeding in a straight course or manner; not deviating; honest; frank.
2. (adv.) In a straightforward manner.
Greek
3716. orthopodeo -- to walk straight... 2:14). Word Origin from orthos and pous Definition to walk straight NASB
Word Usage
straightforward (1). walk uprightly. From a
...3956. pas -- all, every
... [When 3956 () modifies a word with the definite article it has "" force -- and
isstraightforward when the Greek definite article is lacking.]....
4762. strepho -- to turn, ie to change
... 4762 () usually has astraightforward meaning ("turn"), graphically illustrating
(transitioning). See Mt 18:3 and Jn 12:40. Word Origin a prim....
Strong's Hebrew
5228. nakoach -- straight, right, straightness... Word Origin from the same as nokach Definition straight, right, straightness NASB
Word Usage right (2),
straightforward (1), upright way (1), uprightness (2
...5226. nekach -- before, over against
... before, over against From an unused root meaning to bestraightforward; properly,
the fore part; used adverbially, opposite -- before, over against....
Library
Troubles in Paris
... Judging of others in the light of his ownstraightforward honesty, it seemed to
him that if it were once clearly represented to the Queen that it was Mazarin's...
Let us Examine, Then, what is Said in this Way. ...
... of Henna, my opponent says, the maiden Proserpine was once gathering flowers: this
is as yet uncorrupted, and has been told in astraightforward manner, for...
The Spirit and the Flesh
... And, therefore, we may be sure, that these two words, "flesh" and "spirit," in my
text, are used in their very simplest,straightforward sense; and that St....
Whether a Man Can Hate the Truth?
... Objection 3: Further, the Philosopher says (Rhet. ii, 4) that "men love those who
arestraightforward." But there can be no other motive for this save truth....
Paganism and Mr. Lowes Dickinson
... useful. Now the old pagan world went perfectlystraightforward until it
discovered that goingstraightforward is an enormous mistake....
Letter Lxxxii. To Theophilus Bishop of Alexandria.
... why is there no frank,straightforward declaration?" From beginning to end all is
shrinking, compromise, ambiguity: as though he were trying to walk on spikes...
The Story of Joseph
... He was astraightforward good-natured boy, clever and brave, and ready to take his
turn in watching the flocks or helping his brothers with their work in the...
The Passion of the Scillitan Martyrs.
... Saturninus the proconsul said: Will ye have a space to consider? Speratus said:
In a matter sostraightforward there is no considering....
Samuel, the Little Server
... Although he was such a little boy, Samuel already showed that he was
straightforward, brave, and obedient, a boy who could be trusted....
Catholic Missions
... His extraordinary kindness and charity, his untiring zeal, his simplestraightforward
exposition of Catholic doctrine, and the numerous miracles by which God...
Thesaurus
Straightforward (7 Occurrences)... 1. (a.) Proceeding in a straight course or manner; not deviating; honest; frank.
2. (adv.) In a
straightforward manner.
...Straightforward (7 Occurrences).
...Level (31 Occurrences)
... 12. (a.)Straightforward; direct; clear; open. 13. (a.) Well balanced; even; just;
steady; impartial; as, a level head; a level understanding. [Colloq.]. 14....
Festus (14 Occurrences)
... the empty delusions of a harmless maniac, his conduct throughout the whole proceeding
was marked by a strict impartiality; and hisstraightforward dealing with...
Faultless (10 Occurrences)
... transgression. (See JPS). Proverbs 8:9 They are all true to him whose mind is awake,
andstraightforward to those who get knowledge. (See NIV)....
Dealing (36 Occurrences)
... 2 Timothy 2:15 Earnestly seek to commend yourself to God as a servant who, because
of hisstraightforward dealing with the word of truth, has no reason to feel...
Direct (58 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.)Straightforward; not of crooked ways, or swerving from truth and openness;
sincere; outspoken. 3. (a.) Immediate; express; plain; unambiguous....
Devious (5 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Going out of the right or common course; going
astray; erring; notstraightforward; as, a devious scheme....
Directly (13 Occurrences)
... or course. 2. (adv.) In astraightforward way; without anything intervening;
not by secondary, but by direct, means. 3. (adv.) Without...
Porcius (1 Occurrence)
... the empty delusions of a harmless maniac, his conduct throughout the whole proceeding
was marked by a strict impartiality; and hisstraightforward dealing with...
Crooked (31 Occurrences)
... 3. (a.) Notstraightforward; deviating from rectitude; distorted from the right.
4. (a.) False; dishonest; fraudulent; as, crooked dealings. Int....
Resources
What is nominalism? What is a nominalist? | GotQuestions.orgIs it wrong for a married couple to have sex just for pleasure? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between God's sovereign will and God's revealed will? | GotQuestions.orgStraightforward: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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