Topical Encyclopedia
The term "unreasonable" is not frequently used in the Bible, but the concept is addressed through various scriptures that highlight behaviors and attitudes contrary to wisdom, righteousness, and godliness. In a biblical context, being unreasonable often aligns with foolishness, stubbornness, and a rejection of divine truth.
Biblical References and Context1.
Foolishness and Lack of Understanding: The Bible often contrasts wisdom with foolishness, where the latter can be seen as unreasonable behavior.
Proverbs 12:15 states, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel." This verse underscores the unreasonable nature of ignoring wise advice and relying solely on one's flawed judgment.
2.
Stubbornness and Rebellion: Unreasonableness is also reflected in stubbornness and rebellion against God's commands. In
1 Samuel 15:23 , the prophet Samuel tells King Saul, "For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and defiance is as wickedness and idolatry." Saul's unreasonable disobedience to God's instructions led to his rejection as king.
3.
Rejection of Truth: The New Testament addresses the unreasonable rejection of truth, particularly in the context of the Gospel. In
2 Thessalonians 3:2 , Paul requests prayer "that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men; for not everyone holds to the faith." Here, unreasonable individuals are those who oppose the truth of the Gospel and act in hostility towards it.
4.
Unjust and Unrighteous Behavior: Unreasonableness can manifest in unjust actions and decisions. In
Isaiah 1:18 , God invites His people, "Come now, let us reason together," indicating that reasonableness involves aligning with God's righteous standards. Unreasonable behavior, therefore, is contrary to justice and righteousness.
5.
Lack of Self-Control: The Bible also associates unreasonableness with a lack of self-control and discipline.
Proverbs 25:28 states, "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control." This imagery depicts the chaos and vulnerability that result from unreasonable, undisciplined living.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, unreasonableness is often linked to a heart that is hardened against God. It reflects a refusal to submit to divine wisdom and guidance, leading to spiritual and moral decay. The Bible calls believers to pursue wisdom, understanding, and righteousness, which are antithetical to unreasonableness.
Practical ApplicationBelievers are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of reasonableness, characterized by humility, teachability, and a willingness to align with God's truth.
Philippians 4:5 exhorts, "Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near." This gentleness includes a reasonable and fair approach to others, reflecting Christ's love and wisdom in all interactions.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
a.) Not reasonable; irrational; immoderate; exorbitant.
Greek
249. alogos -- without reason... without reason. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: alogos Phonetic Spelling:
(al'-og-os) Short Definition:
unreasonable, senseless Definition: without
...824. atopos -- out of place, strange
... prefix) and topos Definition out of place, strange NASB Word Usage perverse
(1), unusual (1), wrong (2). amiss, harmful,unreasonable....
4646. skolios -- curved, winding, hence crooked
... Word Origin a prim. word Definition curved, winding, hence crooked NASB Word Usage
crooked (2), perverse (1),unreasonable (1). crooked, froward, untoward....
Library
HowUnreasonable Would it Be, to Offer the Christian Redemption to...
... [Way-1-16] Howunreasonable would it be, to offer the Christian redemption
to glorious angels in heaven?? Howunreasonable would...
Opposition to MessiahUnreasonable
... Sermon XXXIII Opposition to MessiahUnreasonable. Opposition to MessiahUnreasonable
Psalm 2:1-3.... (1.). It was entirely groundless andunreasonable....
His Forbearance withUnreasonable Men.
... The Life of the blessed emperor constantine, by eusebius pamphilus. Book
I. Chapter XLV."His Forbearance withUnreasonable Men....
Opposition to PeterUnreasonable.
... Homily XVII. Chapter XIX."Opposition to PeterUnreasonable. "If, then,
our Jesus appeared to you in a vision, made Himself known...
The Answer that Obstinacy in this Decision isUnreasonable.
... The Conferences of John Cassian. Chapter XXIII. The answer that obstinacy
in this decision isunreasonable. Joseph: There is no...
Attributes of Selfishness.
... Selfishness is always and necessarilyunreasonable.... Therefore, every act or
choice of the will is necessarily altogetherunreasonable....
Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the...
... 12:11) that they should eat the Paschal lamb "in haste." Other things too relative
to the eating of the lamb were prescribed, which seem altogetherunreasonable...
The Name of God
... I cannot see why they need confuse themselves. The doctrine of the Trinity is not
really anunreasonable one.... Three cannot be one. That isunreasonable....
Death in Life
... And then, when a clergyman complains of them, they think himunreasonable;
and by so thinking, show that he is right, and St. Paul...
Whether the Soul Understands all Things through Innate Species?
... it is hindered from the realization of its act. But this seems to beunreasonable.
First, because, if the soul has a natural knowledge...
Thesaurus
Unreasonable (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Unreasonable (3 Occurrences).
... 2 Thessalonians 3:2 and that
we may be delivered from
unreasonable and evil men; for not all have faith.
...Prejudice (2 Occurrences)
... due examination; prejudgment; a leaning toward one side of a question from other
considerations than those belonging to it; anunreasonable predilection for...
Brute (4 Occurrences)
... broot, brootish (ba`ar, "stupid"; alogos, "without speech," hence, irrational,
unreasonable (Acts 25:27 2 Peter 2:12 Jude 1:10 the King James Version)): The...
Brutish (12 Occurrences)
... broot, brootish (ba`ar, "stupid"; alogos, "without speech," hence, irrational,
unreasonable (Acts 25:27 2 Peter 2:12 Jude 1:10 the King James Version)): The...
Atheism
... the human breast. To regard these as deceptive andunreasonable would itself
be utterlyunreasonable and unscientific. But the fact...
Unreality (1 Occurrence)
Utmost (21 Occurrences)
... Household servants, be submissive to your masters, and show them the utmost
respect--not only if they are kind and thoughtful, but also if they areunreasonable...
Unreasoning (2 Occurrences)
Obstinate (12 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Persistently adhering to an opinion; not
yielding to reason; stubborn; pertinacious;unreasonable....
Oppressor (28 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who oppresses; one who imposes unjust burdens
on others; one who harasses others with unjust laws orunreasonable severity....
Resources
What does the Bible say about expectations? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about self-hatred? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about Christian fathers? | GotQuestions.orgUnreasonable: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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