Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of biblical teachings, the concept of "tasteful" can be understood as embodying qualities of discernment, moderation, and appropriateness, particularly in matters of speech, behavior, and lifestyle. The Bible, while not using the term "tasteful" explicitly, provides numerous principles that align with the idea of living a life marked by grace, wisdom, and propriety.
Speech and ConductThe Bible emphasizes the importance of tasteful speech and conduct. In
Colossians 4:6 , Paul advises, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." This verse highlights the need for words that are not only kind and respectful but also thoughtful and discerning, much like the seasoning of food to enhance its flavor.
Proverbs 25:11 further illustrates this principle: "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Here, the imagery of precious metals and fruit suggests that well-chosen words are both valuable and beautiful, reflecting a tasteful approach to communication.
Modesty and HumilityTastefulness in the Bible is also associated with modesty and humility.
1 Peter 3:3-4 instructs, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight." This passage encourages believers to prioritize inner virtues over external appearances, promoting a tasteful balance between self-expression and humility.
Wisdom and DiscernmentThe pursuit of wisdom is a recurring theme in Scripture, closely linked to the idea of tastefulness.
Proverbs 2:10-11 states, "For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will delight your soul. Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you." Wisdom and discretion are portrayed as protective and delightful, guiding individuals to make choices that are both prudent and tasteful.
Generosity and HospitalityTastefulness extends to acts of generosity and hospitality, reflecting a heart aligned with God's values.
Romans 12:13 encourages believers to "Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality." This call to action suggests that tasteful living involves a readiness to serve others with grace and kindness, embodying the love of Christ in practical ways.
Cultural SensitivityThe Bible also acknowledges the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect for others' customs. In
1 Corinthians 9:22 , Paul writes, "To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men, so that by all possible means I might save some." This adaptability and consideration for others' perspectives can be seen as a form of tastefulness, ensuring that one's actions and words do not cause unnecessary offense.
In summary, while the Bible may not use the term "tasteful" directly, its teachings provide a framework for understanding and practicing tastefulness through gracious speech, modesty, wisdom, generosity, and cultural sensitivity. These principles guide believers in living lives that honor God and reflect His character to the world.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Having a high relish; savory.
2. (a.) Having or exhibiting good taste; in accordance with good taste; tasty; as, a tasteful drapery.
Library
The Ministry of Paul in Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth.
... eye. Its statues, its public monuments, and its temples, were models alike
oftasteful design and of beautiful workmanship. But...
The Worship of the Church. The Religion of the Primitive...
... advanced apace, and many of the old buildings, which were now falling into decay,
were superseded by edifices at once more capacious and moretasteful....
The Thirty-Fourth Chapter: God is Sweet Above all Things and in...
... Without You nothing can give pleasure for very long, for if it is to be pleasing
andtasteful, Your grace and the seasoning of Your wisdom must be in it....
Letter xv. --To Adelphius the Lawyer .
... And in all these the number of single trees is more noted than their beauty; yet
they displaytasteful arrangement in their planting, and that harmonious form...
Grecian Literature, and the Roman Empire.
... Youth are introduced to the elementary forms of science and art, to models of clear,
tasteful style, and to self-made humanity at the summit of intellectual...
Civ. Jesus Arrives and is Feasted at Bethany.
... broken to extract the nard. These flasks weretasteful and costly objects
such as women delight to possess. Many of them were so...
Perseverance in Holiness
... When you have an abundance of solid food wherewith to make a meal, you need not
fret, even though you miss thetasteful adornments of the table....
Naparima and Montserrat
... cultivation of the rolling cane-fields, among which the Squire had left standing,
somewhat against the public opinion of his lesstasteful neighbours, tall...
Home and the Home-Maker.
... The walls of the living room and parlor are made beautiful with simpletasteful
pictures made by the daughter, whose natural gift in art was early cultivated....
Divine Destruction and Protection
... The clergyman from whom I take the sacrament has received apostolical ordination.
Howtasteful the architecture of our church! How decorous; the congregation!...
Thesaurus
Tasteful (6 Occurrences)... 2. (a.) Having or exhibiting good taste; in accordance with good taste; tasty; as,
a
tasteful drapery. Multi-Version Concordance
Tasteful (6 Occurrences).
...Tasty (7 Occurrences)
... Genesis 27:4 and make for metasteful things, 'such' as I have loved, and bring
in to me, and I do eat, so that my soul doth bless thee before I die.' (See NIV...
Provision (50 Occurrences)
... Genesis 27:7 Bring for me provision, and make for metasteful things, and I
do eat, and bless thee before Jehovah before my death. (YLT)....
Bringeth (313 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Genesis 27:14 And he goeth, and taketh, and bringeth to his mother, and his
mother makethtasteful things, 'such' as his father hath loved; (YLT)....
Maketh (399 Occurrences)
... Genesis 27:14 And he goeth, and taketh, and bringeth to his mother, and his mother
makethtasteful things, 'such' as his father hath loved; (YLT)....
Tasted (18 Occurrences)
Tasteless (4 Occurrences)
Elegant (2 Occurrences)
... of every thing offensive; exciting admiration and approbation by symmetry, completeness,
freedom from blemish, and the like; graceful;tasteful and highly...
Loved (249 Occurrences)
... Genesis 27:4 and make for metasteful things, 'such' as I have loved, and bring
in to me, and I do eat, so that my soul doth bless thee before I die.' (YLT)....
Resources
Tasteful: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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