The term "be circumspect" is derived from the Latin word "circumspectus," meaning "cautious" or "looking around." In a biblical context, it refers to the careful and prudent behavior expected of believers as they navigate their spiritual and daily lives. The concept of circumspection is closely tied to wisdom, discernment, and obedience to God's commandments.

Biblical References

The call to be circumspect is explicitly mentioned in Exodus 23:13 : "Pay close attention to everything I have said to you. You must not invoke the names of other gods; they must not be heard on your lips." Here, the Israelites are instructed to be vigilant in their adherence to God's laws, avoiding any association with pagan practices. This verse underscores the importance of attentiveness and caution in maintaining spiritual purity and fidelity to God.

Wisdom and Discernment

Circumspection is often associated with wisdom and discernment, qualities that are highly valued in the Bible. Proverbs 14:15 states, "The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps." This proverb highlights the contrast between naivety and prudence, encouraging believers to be thoughtful and discerning in their actions and decisions.

The New Testament also emphasizes the need for circumspection. In Ephesians 5:15-16 , Paul exhorts the believers: "Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." This passage calls for a deliberate and wise approach to life, recognizing the moral and spiritual challenges present in the world.

Obedience and Holiness

Being circumspect is closely linked to obedience and the pursuit of holiness. In 1 Peter 1:14-16 , believers are urged to live as obedient children, not conforming to the passions of their former ignorance, but as He who called them is holy, so they should be holy in all their conduct. This call to holiness requires a careful and intentional lifestyle, avoiding sin and striving to reflect God's character.

Practical Application

In practical terms, being circumspect involves a conscious effort to align one's thoughts, words, and actions with biblical principles. It requires vigilance in guarding against influences that may lead one away from God's path. This includes being mindful of the company one keeps, the media one consumes, and the decisions one makes.

Moreover, circumspection involves a commitment to prayer and seeking God's guidance in all aspects of life. James 1:5 encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, who gives generously to all without finding fault. This reliance on divine wisdom is essential for living a circumspect life.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not provide an exhaustive list of behaviors that constitute circumspection, it offers principles that guide believers in living a life that honors God. By being circumspect, Christians demonstrate their commitment to God's commandments, their desire for wisdom, and their pursuit of holiness in a world that often challenges their faith.3524. nephalios -- sober
... from 3525 , "to be sober") -- properly, not intoxicated, free from negative influences
(intoxicants); (figuratively) clear-minded; circumspect ("sober"), free ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3524.htm - 7k

2126. eulabes -- cautious
... eulabes Phonetic Spelling: (yoo-lab-ace') Short Definition: cautious, pious Definition:
(lit: handling well, hence) cautious, circumspect; hence: God-fearing ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2126.htm - 7k

3525. nepho -- to be sober, to abstain from wine
... nepho Phonetic Spelling: (nay'-fo) Short Definition: I am calm, vigilant, sober
Definition: (lit: I am sober), I am calm (vigilant), circumspect. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3525.htm - 7k

2125. eulabeomai -- to be cautious
... revere, respect. Middle voice from eulabes; to be circumspect, ie (by implication)
to be apprehensive; religiously, to reverence -- (moved with) fear. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2125.htm - 6k

8104. shamar -- to keep, watch, preserve
... watchman (4), watchmen (7). beward, be circumspect, take heed to self, keeper,
self, mark, look narrowly, observe,. A primitive root ...
/hebrew/8104.htm - 7k

7919. sakal -- to be prudent
... A primitive root; to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent --
consider, expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give) skill ...
/hebrew/7919.htm - 5k

Examples of Circumspect Behaviour from the Old Testament.
... The Second Epistle of the Same Clement. Chapter XIV."Examples of Circumspect
Behaviour from the Old Testament. But see what it ...
/.../chapter xiv examples of circumspect behaviour.htm

Fragment viii. Those, Moreover, who have the Care of the Emperor's ...
... Besides this, your servants should be the most thoroughly honest, and
circumspect, and modest, and as serviceable to you as possible. ...
/.../theonas/epistle of phileas/fragment viii those moreover who.htm

A Sermon of the Reverend Father Master Hugh Latimer, Preached in ...
... But as preachers must be wary and circumspect, that they give not any just occasion
to be slandered and ill spoken of by the hearers, so must not the auditors ...
/.../latimer/sermons on the card and other discourses/a sermon of the reverend.htm

Two Epistles Concerning Virginity
... Chapter XIV.--Examples of Circumspect Behaviour from the Old Testament. Chapter
XV.--The Example of Jesus; How We May Allow Ourselves to Be Served by Women. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clement/two epistles concerning virginity/

The Yoke of Jesus.
... They never think of the essential, of what in itself must be. They are cautious,
wary, discreet, judicious, circumspect, provident, temporizing. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/hope of the gospel/the yoke of jesus.htm

Of the Manifold Abuse of Speech.
... And we may well apply it to this: if persons of so circumspect a piety have been
thus overtaken, what security can there be for our wretched obstinacy? ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section ii of the manifold.htm

The Ancestral Home
... of East Hampton as "men resolute, enterprising, acquainted with human nature,
accustomed to do business, well qualified by education, circumspect, careful in ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/fagg/forty years in south china/i the ancestral home.htm

From the Law Tertullian Comes to the Gospel He Begins with ...
... A man "just and circumspect," and of course no digamist, (which is plain) even
(from this consideration), lest (otherwise) Christ should presently be more ...
/.../tertullian/on monogamy/chapter viii from the law tertullian.htm

The Christian Training of Children.
... yet, if you are careful to conduct yourselves according to God's will in all your
relations with grown-up people, you must be still more circumspect in your ...
/.../selected sermons of schleiermacher/viii the christian training of.htm

Where There is Only one Woman, the Father Does not Make a Stay ...
... But blessed is that man who is circumspect and fearful in everything for the
sake of purity! Footnotes: [453] Or "are set and fixed.". ...
/.../clement/two epistles concerning virginity/chapter v where there is only.htm

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