Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of being thoughtful is woven throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness, consideration, and reflection in the life of a believer. Thoughtfulness in the biblical sense often involves a deep awareness of God's presence, a careful consideration of His Word, and a compassionate regard for others.
Thoughtfulness Towards GodThoughtfulness towards God is characterized by a deliberate focus on His attributes, commands, and promises. In
Psalm 1:2, the psalmist describes the blessed man whose "delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night" . This meditation is a form of thoughtful reflection, where the believer continually ponders God's Word, allowing it to shape their thoughts and actions.
The Apostle Paul encourages believers to be thoughtful in their relationship with God by urging them to "set your minds on things above, not on earthly things" (
Colossians 3:2). This exhortation calls for a conscious effort to focus on spiritual realities and eternal truths, rather than being consumed by the temporal concerns of the world.
Thoughtfulness Towards OthersThoughtfulness is also expressed in the way believers interact with others. The Bible calls for a considerate and compassionate approach to relationships. In
Philippians 2:4, Paul writes, "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others" . This verse highlights the importance of being mindful of the needs and concerns of others, demonstrating love and empathy in practical ways.
The parable of the Good Samaritan (
Luke 10:25-37) serves as a powerful illustration of thoughtfulness in action. The Samaritan's willingness to stop, care for the injured man, and provide for his needs exemplifies a heart that is attentive and responsive to the suffering of others.
Thoughtfulness in Speech and ConductScripture also emphasizes the need for thoughtfulness in speech and conduct.
James 1:19 advises believers to "be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger" . This counsel encourages a thoughtful approach to communication, where listening and understanding take precedence over hasty words and reactions.
Proverbs 15:28 further underscores this principle: "The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things" . Thoughtful speech is marked by careful consideration and wisdom, reflecting a heart aligned with God's righteousness.
Thoughtfulness in Decision-MakingThe Bible advocates for thoughtfulness in decision-making, urging believers to seek God's guidance and wisdom.
Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight" . This passage encourages a thoughtful reliance on God, recognizing His sovereignty and seeking His direction in all aspects of life.
In summary, thoughtfulness in the biblical context encompasses a mindful awareness of God, a compassionate regard for others, and a careful approach to speech and decision-making. It is a quality that reflects a heart attuned to God's will and a life lived in accordance with His Word.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Full of thought; employed in meditation; contemplative; as, a man of thoughtful mind.
2. (a.) Attentive; careful; exercising the judgment; having the mind directed to an object; as, thoughtful of gain; thoughtful in seeking truth.
3. (a.) Anxious; solicitous; concerned.
Greek
5431. phrontizo -- to give heed, take thought... give heed, take thought. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: phrontizo Phonetic
Spelling: (fron-tid'-zo) Short Definition: I am
thoughtful, careful Definition
...5429. phronimos -- practically wise, sensible
... From phren;thoughtful, ie Sagacious or discreet (implying a cautious character;
while sophos denotes practical skill or acumen; and sunetos indicates rather...
3050. logikos -- reasonable, rational
... Mt 13:31,32,17:20 with Ro 8:18). Word Origin from logos Definition reasonable, rational
NASB Word Usage spiritual (1), word (1).thoughtful, reasonable....
Library
For the Candid andThoughtful
... For the Candid andThoughtful. A Sermon (No.1517). Delivered by. CH SPURGEON,.
At the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. "And when Jesus...
Colossians i. 9
... Nature herself seems to lead the old and the young two different ways: and when
the old call upon the young to bethoughtful, it seems as if they were but...
Way-Marks in John's Narrative.
... Fickle, unthoughtful, easily-swayed, needy crowds, but with thethoughtful ones
and groups here and there who are really helped and who stick....
You Observe How Much Difference He Makes Between the Souls of Men...
... There is something similar suggested by Paul to allthoughtful readers in another
Epistle (though some do not receive it as his), in these words: [2901] "All...
Death.
... If we had; and had been like the Psalmist,thoughtful men: then it would have been
a very solemn question to us"From whom the lion was asking for his nightly...
The Unchangeable Christ
... same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.". Observe, then, that God's people
are athoughtful people. If they are what they ought to...
Beginning at Jerusalem
... There is ample room for the exercise of our thought in obeying Christ's commands;
but the worldly wise in these days call no one athoughtful person who is...
The Turning Point
... We are glad to have youthoughtful; we hope that a great point is gained when you
are led to consider your ways, to ponder your condition, and to look...
A Fish-Story
... When they give you beautiful homes, so that you shall have good friends and grow
upthoughtful, well-mannered men and women, you are fishing over their...
Jesus the Dividing Line.
... Jesus was accepted. He was accepted by all classes, by the cultured, and the scholarly,
bythoughtful studious leaders and officials of the nation....
Thesaurus
Thoughtful (4 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Full of thought; employed in meditation;
contemplative; as, a man of
thoughtful mind.
...Thoughtful (4 Occurrences).
...Thoughtfulness (4 Occurrences)
... thoughtfulness for my welfare. Indeed you have always beenthoughtful for
me, although opportunity failed you. (WEY). Proverbs 2:11...
Utmost (21 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 2:18 Household servants, be submissive to your masters, and show them the
utmost respect--not only if they are kind andthoughtful, but also if they...
Unreasonable (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 2:18 Household servants, be submissive to your masters, and show them the
utmost respect--not only if they are kind andthoughtful, but also if they...
Generous (17 Occurrences)
... There Julius treated Paul withthoughtful kindness and allowed him to visit
his friends and profit by their generous care. (WEY)....
Welfare (32 Occurrences)
... thoughtfulness for my welfare. Indeed you have always beenthoughtful for
me, although opportunity failed you. (WEY). Genesis 37:14...
Failed (58 Occurrences)
... thoughtfulness for my welfare. Indeed you have always beenthoughtful for
me, although opportunity failed you. (WEY). Hebrews 4:1...
Thoughtest (1 Occurrence)
Remember (230 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To be capable of recalling when required; to keep in mind; to be continually
aware orthoughtful of; to preserve fresh in the memory; to attend to; to...
Eshban (2 Occurrences)
... ESHBAN. esh'-ban ('eshban; perhaps "thoughtful," "intelligent"; Asban): Name
of a chief of the Horites (Genesis 36:26 1 Chronicles 1:41)....
Resources
What is Christian Devotional Meditation? | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian listen to secular music? | GotQuestions.orgWhy won't God heal amputees? | GotQuestions.orgThoughtful: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
