Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the term "tales" often refers to accounts or accounts that may be fictional, exaggerated, or misleading. The Bible addresses the concept of tales in various passages, emphasizing the importance of truth and the dangers of falsehood.
Old Testament ReferencesThe Old Testament warns against the spreading of false tales, particularly in the context of bearing false witness. In
Exodus 23:1 , it is written, "You shall not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked by being a malicious witness." This command underscores the importance of truthfulness and integrity in communication, warning against the dissemination of false or misleading accounts that can harm others.
Proverbs also speaks to the nature of tales, particularly in the form of gossip or slander.
Proverbs 18:8 states, "The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down into the inmost parts." This proverb highlights the insidious nature of gossip, likening it to something that is eagerly consumed but ultimately harmful.
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of tales in his pastoral letters. In
1 Timothy 1:4 , Paul advises Timothy to "devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than the stewardship of God’s work, which is by faith." Here, Paul warns against engaging in tales that lead to fruitless discussions and distract from the core message of the Gospel.
Similarly, in
2 Timothy 4:3-4 , Paul cautions, "For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." This passage warns of a time when people will prefer tales and myths over the truth of God's Word, highlighting the need for discernment and adherence to sound doctrine.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, the Bible's treatment of tales underscores the importance of truth and the dangers of falsehood. Tales, particularly those that are false or misleading, can lead individuals away from the truth of God's Word and create division within the community of believers. The Bible calls for believers to be discerning, to speak truthfully, and to avoid engaging in or spreading tales that do not align with the teachings of Scripture.
Practical ApplicationIn practical terms, Christians are encouraged to be mindful of the accounts they share and to seek truth in all their communications. This includes being cautious of gossip, slander, and any form of communication that may distort the truth. Believers are called to uphold the truth in love, as emphasized in
Ephesians 4:15 : "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head."
By adhering to these biblical principles, Christians can foster a community built on trust, integrity, and a shared commitment to the truth of God's Word.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) Persons added to a jury, commonly from those in or about the courthouse, to make up any deficiency in the number of jurors regularly summoned, being like, or such as, the latter.
2. (syntactically sing.) The writ by which such persons are summoned.
Greek
3454. muthos -- a speech, story, ie a fable... true. Word Origin a prim. word Definition a speech, story, ie a fable NASB
Word Usage fables (1), myths (3),
tales (1). fable. Perhaps
...Strong's Hebrew
7400. rakil -- slander... slander, carry
tales, talebearer. From rakal a scandal-monger (as travelling about) --
slander, carry
tales, talebearer. see HEBREW rakal. 7399, 7400.
...Library
Tales by the Way
... BOOK II CHAPTER XVITALES BY THE WAY. For Heaven's sake, let us sit upon the ground
And tell sad stories of the death of kings. King Richard II., iii.2....
Heathen Arguments in Palliation of the Above: and -1 the Poets are...
... Heathen arguments in palliation of the above: and (1) the poets are responsible
for these unedifyingtales.' But are the names and existence of the gods any...
The Heresy Compared to the Hydra of the Poets. TheTales of Poets...
... Thetales of poets tell us that of old the hydra when its heads were cut off gained
by its injuries. Chapter I. The heresy compared to the hydra of the poets....
Why Then did I Hate the Greek Classics, which have the LikeTales?...
... Book I Chapter XIV Why then did I hate the Greek classics, which have the liketales?...
Why then did I hate the Greek classics, which have the liketales?...
The Truth Probably Is, that the ScandalousTales are True, While...
... Section 17. The truth probably is, that the scandaloustales are true, while the
divine attributes ascribed to them are due to the flattery of the poets....
Of Abbot Machetes, who Never Slept During the Spiritual...
... Prolegomena. Chapter XXIX. Of Abbot Machetes, who never slept during the spiritual
conferences, but always went to sleep during earthlytales....
Answer to Mr. W's Fifth Objection.
... 5. The consideration that none of these raised persons did or could, after the return
to their bodies, tell anytales of their separate existence; otherwise...
Altemus' Mother Stories Series
... MOTHER NURSERY RHYMES ANDTALES A Book of the Best Nursery Rhymes andTales
that Mothers can tell their Children. MOTHER FAIRYTALES...
Altemus' Mother Stories Series
... MOTHER NURSERY RHYMES ANDTALES A Book of the Best Nursery Rhymes andTales
that Mothers can tell their Children. MOTHER FAIRYTALES...
And it Should be Remarked in Passing that this Force Upon a Man to...
... Like the fire, the woman is expected to telltales to the children, not original
and artistictales, buttales" bettertales than would probably be told by a...
Thesaurus
Tales (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Tales (4 Occurrences). Luke 24:11 And their words seemed
to them as idle
tales, and they believed them not. (KJV WBS).
...Tale (7 Occurrences)
... of a favorite hymn or passage (Psalm 1:2). The disciples considered the account
given by the women in regard to the resurrection as "idletales" (the King...
Slander (34 Occurrences)
... uttered, tending to injure the reputation of another; the malicious utterance of
defamatory reports; the dissemination of malicioustales or suggestions to the...
Games (2 Occurrences)
... Egyptiantales of great antiquity are well known from the two volumes edited by
Professor Petrie in 1895; and there are several non-canonical Jewishtales...
Talents (36 Occurrences)
Gossip (7 Occurrences)
... 6. (vi) To make merry. 7. (vi) To prate; to chat; to talk much. 8. (vi) To run
about and tattle; to tell idletales. Multi-Version Concordance...
Idle (33 Occurrences)
... rules.' (WEY). Luke 24:11 And their words seemed to them as idletales, and
they believed them not. (KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV). John...
Fable
... in knowledge was needed to put an end to this mode of thought, but the form of
story-telling developed by it persisted and is found in the folk-tales of all...
Talebearer (8 Occurrences)
... (n.) One who officiously tellstales; one who impertinently or maliciously
communicates intelligence, scandal, etc., and makes mischief....
Resources
What does the Bible say about the possibility of Bigfoot/Sasquatch? | GotQuestions.orgDid Jesus ever travel to India? | GotQuestions.orgThe Atheist Fairy Tale | GotQuestions.orgTales: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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