Topical Encyclopedia
Competence, in a biblical context, refers to the ability and skill to perform tasks effectively and efficiently, often with a sense of responsibility and integrity. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the importance of competence in various aspects of life, including work, ministry, and personal conduct.
Old Testament InsightsThe Old Testament frequently emphasizes the value of skill and wisdom in fulfilling one's duties. In
Exodus 31:1-5, God appoints Bezalel, filling him "with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in all kinds of craftsmanship," to construct the Tabernacle. This passage underscores the divine endorsement of competence in craftsmanship and artistry, suggesting that skillful work is both a gift from God and a means to honor Him.
Proverbs, a book rich in wisdom literature, often speaks to the virtues of diligence and skill.
Proverbs 22:29 states, "Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men." This verse highlights the recognition and reward that come from competence and excellence in one's work.
New Testament TeachingsIn the New Testament, competence is also linked to spiritual gifts and the effective functioning of the body of Christ.
Romans 12:6-8 encourages believers to use their gifts according to the grace given to them, whether it be prophecy, service, teaching, or leadership, and to do so diligently and cheerfully. This passage suggests that competence in using one's spiritual gifts is essential for the edification of the church.
The parable of the talents in
Matthew 25:14-30 further illustrates the importance of competence and responsibility. The servants who wisely invest their master's resources are commended and rewarded, while the one who fails to act competently is reprimanded. This parable teaches that God values the effective and responsible use of the abilities and resources He entrusts to individuals.
Apostolic ExampleThe Apostle Paul serves as a model of competence in ministry. In
1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul compares his disciplined approach to ministry to that of an athlete training for a race, emphasizing the need for self-control and dedication. His letters often reflect a deep understanding of theology, culture, and pastoral care, demonstrating his competence in addressing the diverse needs of the early church.
Paul also advises Timothy to "present yourself approved to God, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (
2 Timothy 2:15). This exhortation highlights the importance of competence in handling Scripture and teaching sound doctrine.
Practical ApplicationCompetence is not only a matter of natural ability but also involves growth and development through learning and practice.
Colossians 3:23-24 encourages believers, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward." This passage calls Christians to pursue excellence in all endeavors as an act of worship and service to God.
In summary, the Bible presents competence as a valuable trait that encompasses skill, diligence, and integrity. It is seen as a means to glorify God, serve others, and fulfill one's calling effectively.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) Adequate capacity or ability; as physical competence.
Greek
841. autarkeia -- self-satisfaction, ie self-sufficiency... contentment, sufficiency. From autarkes; self-satisfaction, ie (abstractly)
contentedness, or (concretely) a
competence -- contentment, sufficiency.
...Library
The Children's Patrimony.
... begin business-life. Thiscompetence should correspond with the social
position they occupied under the parental roof. It should...
The Critical and Historical Movement
... of religion and theology is matter communicated to man in extraordinary fashion,
truth otherwise unattainable, on which it is beyond thecompetence of reason...
The True Functions of the Soul Christ Assumed it in his Perfect...
... To recognise this indeed is within thecompetence of every soul; it has, I mean,
a practical knowledge of itself, without which knowledge of itself no soul...
On Descartes' "Discourse Touching the Method of Using One's Reason...
... finding all other occupations incompatible with the search after the knowledge which
leads to action, and being possessed of a modestcompetence, he withdrew...
Introductory Note to the Writings of Justin Martyr
... He must have been well educated: he had travelled extensively, and he seems
to have been a person enjoying at least acompetence....
Luther's Separation from Rome
... years. His parents having by thrift and industry acquired acompetence,
they were able to render him all needed assistance. And...
An American Reformer
... benevolence. By dint of energy and application he early acquired acompetence,
though his habits of study were still maintained....
Luther's Separation from Rome.
... years. His parents having by thrift and industry acquired acompetence,
they were able to render him all needed assistance. And...
An American Reformer.
... benevolence. By dint of energy and application he early acquired acompetence,
though his habits of study were still maintained....
The Duty of Remembering the Poor
... Very few of them wear crowns; very few ride in carriages; only a proportion of them
have acompetence; a very large multitude of his family are destitute...
Thesaurus
Competence (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Adequate capacity or ability; as physical
competence.
Multi-Version Concordance
Competence (1 Occurrence).
...Competency (1 Occurrence)
... 4. (n.) Right or authority; legal power or capacity to take cognizance of a cause;
as, thecompetence of a judge or court. Multi-Version Concordance...
Province (66 Occurrences)
... and upon a praetor in 367 BC, and finally upon a second praetor in 241 BC, it became
necessary in practice to define their individualcompetence which was...
Carpenter (4 Occurrences)
... would be Greeks, and skilled workmen; the carpenter of a provincial village could
only have held a very humble position, and secured a very moderatecompetence...
Competed (1 Occurrence)
Ability (34 Occurrences)
... (n.) The quality or state of being able; power to perform, whether physical, moral,
intellectual, conventional, or legal; capacity; skill orcompetence in doing...
Able (730 Occurrences)
... 4. (superl.) Legally qualified; possessed of legalcompetence; as, able to inherit
or devise property. 5. (v.) To make able; to enable; to strengthen....
Sufficiency (18 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Qualification for any purpose; ability; capacity. 3. (n.) Adequate substance
or means;competence. 4. (n.) Supply equal to wants; ample stock or fund....
Governor (78 Occurrences)
... Latin provincia signifies a magistrate's sphere of duty or authority, either (a)
judicially or legally, defining the scope of hiscompetence, or (b...
Empire (8 Occurrences)
... To another considerable class monarchy must have been welcome-the industrial and
middle class who were striving forcompetence and were engaged in trade and...
Resources
Summary of the Book of 2 Corinthians - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgWhat is supernaturalism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Christians are the aroma of Christ? | GotQuestions.orgCompetence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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