Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Nature:Wit, in the context of biblical literature, refers to the ability to use words and ideas in a quick and inventive way to create humor or insight. It is often associated with wisdom, discernment, and the skillful use of language. In the Bible, wit is not merely about humor but is closely linked to wisdom and understanding, reflecting a deeper insight into human nature and divine truth.
Biblical Examples and References:While the Bible does not explicitly use the term "wit," the concept is evident in various passages where cleverness, wisdom, and insightful speech are highlighted. The Book of Proverbs, known for its wise sayings, often reflects the essence of wit through its concise and impactful statements.
1.
Proverbs and Wisdom:Proverbs 15:23 states, "A man takes joy in a fitting reply—and how good is a timely word!" This verse underscores the value of speaking with insight and appropriateness, which are key elements of wit. The ability to deliver a timely and fitting response is celebrated as a form of wisdom.
2.
Jesus’ Parables and Teachings: Jesus often employed wit in His parables and teachings, using clever and thought-provoking accounts to convey deeper truths. For instance, in
Matthew 22:15-22, when the Pharisees attempt to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar, He responds with the famous line, "Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s" . This response demonstrates wit through its cleverness and profound insight.
3.
Paul’s Use of Wit: The Apostle Paul also demonstrates wit in his epistles. In
1 Corinthians 1:25 , he writes, "For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength." Here, Paul uses paradoxical language to convey the superiority of divine wisdom over human understanding, showcasing a form of intellectual wit.
The Role of Wit in Communication:Wit, when used appropriately, can be a powerful tool for communication. It can engage listeners, disarm critics, and illuminate truth in a memorable way. The Bible encourages believers to use their words wisely and to speak with grace.
Colossians 4:6 advises, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." This verse suggests that wit, like salt, can enhance communication, making it more effective and impactful.
Warnings Against Misuse:While wit can be beneficial, the Bible also warns against its misuse.
Ephesians 5:4 cautions, "Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving." This warning highlights the importance of using wit in a manner that is edifying and aligned with Christian values, avoiding humor that is coarse or inappropriate.
Conclusion:In summary, wit in the biblical sense is closely tied to wisdom and the skillful use of language. It is a gift that, when used rightly, can convey truth, engage others, and reflect the wisdom of God. However, believers are called to exercise discernment, ensuring that their wit aligns with the principles of grace and edification.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
inf.) of Wit.
2. (n.) To know; to learn.
3. (v.) Mind; intellect; understanding; sense.
4. (n.) A mental faculty, or power of the mind; -- used in this sense chiefly in the plural, and in certain phrases; as, to lose one's wits; at one's wits' end, and the like.
5. (v.) Felicitous association of objects not usually connected, so as to produce a pleasant surprise; also. the power of readily combining objects in such a manner.
6. (n.) A person of eminent sense or knowledge; a man of genius, fancy, or humor; one distinguished for bright or amusing sayings, for repartee, and the like.
Greek
2160. eutrapelia -- readywit, coarse jesting... ready
wit, coarse jesting. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: eutrapelia
Phonetic Spelling: (yoo-trap-el-ee'-ah) Short Definition: low jesting
...1107. gnorizo -- to come to know, to make known
... From a derivative of ginosko; to make known; subjectively, to know -- certify, declare,
make known, give to understand, do towit, wot. see GREEK ginosko....
5613. hos -- as, like as, even as, when, since, as long as
... that), (according) as (it had been, it were), as soon (as), even as (like), for,
how (greatly), like (as, unto), since, so (that), that, towit, unto, when...
Strong's Hebrew
2451. chokmah -- wisdom... skilful, wisdom, wisely,
wit. From chakam; wisdom (in a good sense) -- skilful,
wisdom, wisely,
wit. see HEBREW chakam. 2450, 2451. chokmah. 2452 .
...3045. yada -- to know
... regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach,
(can) tell, understand, have (understanding), X will be, wist,wit, wot....
Library
On theWit of Whistler
... XVII. On theWit of Whistler.... I cannot understand anybody reading "The Gentle Art
of Making Enemies" and thinking that there is any laughter in thewit....
The True Thesaurus; toWit, the Disputation Conducted in Carchar.....
... 1 The TRUE Thesaurus; towit, the Disputation conducted in Carchar? The
true Thesaurus; [1454] towit, the Disputation conducted...
How a Man MayWit when his Ghostly Work is Beneath Him or Without...
... HERE BEGINNETH THE TWO AND SIXTIETH CHAPTER How a man maywit when his ghostly work
is beneath him or without him, and when it is even with him or within him...
The Second Condition Requisite in Affective Prayer, toWit...
... CHAPTER V. The second condition requisite in affective prayer, towit?... 1. The second
condition requisite in affective prayer, towit, fervour or devotion....
A Second Discouragement in Prayer Opposite to Perseverance, toWit...
... A second discouragement in prayer opposite to perseverance, towit?... 1, 2. A second
discouragement in prayer opposite to perseverance, towit, Distractions....
Bear with Me, My God, While I Say Somewhat of MyWit...
... Book I Chapter XVII Bear with me, my God, while I say somewhat of mywit?... and
was there nothing else whereon to exercise mywit and tongue?...
Of the Shortness of this Word, and How it May not be Come to by...
... HERE BEGINNETH THE FOURTH CHAPTER Of the shortness of this word, and how it
may not be come to by curiosity ofwit, nor by imagination....
Of Exercises of the Will: toWit, Forced Immediate Acts...
... OF INTERNAL PRAYER. CHAPTER I. Of exercises of the will: towit, forced
immediate acts? Sec. Sec. 1, 2, 3. Of exercises of the...
Of the Second Sort of Unions: toWit, Passive. ...
... OF CONTEMPLATION. CHAPTER III. Of the second sort of unions: towit, passive.? Sec.
Sec. 1, 2. Of the second sort of unions: towit, passive. Sec. Sec....
Let Then the High Accomplished Scholar Reflect, that He Comes by...
... Address 121: Let then the high accomplished scholar reflect, that he
comes by hiswit? Let then the high accomplished scholar...
Thesaurus
Wit (28 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (inf.) of
Wit. 2. (n.) To know; to learn. 3.
(v
... like. Multi-Version Concordance
Wit (28 Occurrences). Romans
...Wit's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version ConcordanceWit's (1 Occurrence). Psalms 107:27 They reel to and fro,
and stagger like a drunken man, and are at theirwit's end. (KJV WBS)....
Witty (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Possessed ofwit; knowing; wise; skillful;
judicious; clever; cunning. 2. (n.) Especially, possessing...
Wot (10 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (imp.) of Weet. 2. (pres. sing.) ofWit. 3. (v.) 1st
& 3d pers. sing. pres. OfWit. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia....
Wist (13 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (v.) Knew. 2. (pp) ofWit. Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia. WIST, WITTY, WOT. wist,wit'-i, wot: The...
Namely (81 Occurrences)
... 2. (adv.) That is to say; towit; videlicet; -- introducing a particular or specific
designation. Multi-Version Concordance Namely (81 Occurrences)....
Kareah (14 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 40:8 then they came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, towit, Ishmael the son of
Nethaniah, and Johanan and Jonathan the sons of Kareah, and Seraiah the son of...
Fire-pans (11 Occurrences)
... and the firepans, of pure gold; and the hinges, both for the doors of the inner
house, the most holy place, and for the doors of the house, towit, of the...
Firepans (9 Occurrences)
... and the firepans, of pure gold; and the hinges, both for the doors of the inner
house, the most holy place, and for the doors of the house, 'towit', of the...
Rabmag (2 Occurrences)
... accepted view, the proper rendering of the text should be, "All the princes of the
king of Babylon came in, and sat in the middle gate, towit, Nergal-sharezer...
Resources
Who was Peter Abelard? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a proverb in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgDo we need to be aware of the spiritual battle that is taking place around us? | GotQuestions.orgWit: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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