Topical Encyclopedia The concept of behavior in the Bible is deeply rooted in the moral and ethical teachings found throughout Scripture. The term "behave" and its derivatives are often used to describe the conduct expected of believers, reflecting their relationship with God and others. Biblical behavior encompasses actions, attitudes, and speech that align with God's commandments and the example set by Jesus Christ.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, behavior is closely linked to obedience to God's laws. The Israelites were given the Law through Moses, which outlined how they were to conduct themselves in various aspects of life. Deuteronomy 5:33 instructs, "Walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess." Here, proper behavior is associated with walking in God's ways, which leads to blessings and prosperity. The wisdom literature, particularly the Book of Proverbs, provides practical guidance on behavior. Proverbs 20:11 states, "Even a young man is known by his actions—whether his conduct is pure and upright." This highlights the importance of behavior as a reflection of one's character and integrity. New Testament Context In the New Testament, behavior is emphasized as a reflection of one's faith in Christ. Believers are called to live in a manner worthy of the Gospel. Philippians 1:27 exhorts, "Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." This call to godly behavior is rooted in the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, who enables believers to live according to God's will. The Apostle Paul frequently addresses behavior in his epistles, urging believers to exhibit virtues such as love, humility, and patience. In Ephesians 4:1-2 , Paul writes, "I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love." Here, behavior is linked to the Christian calling and the unity of the body of Christ. Behavior in the Church Behavior within the Christian community is of paramount importance. The early church faced challenges related to conduct, and the apostles provided guidance to ensure that believers lived in harmony. In 1 Timothy 3:15 , Paul writes, "If I am delayed, you will know how to conduct yourselves in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth." Proper behavior in the church is essential for maintaining its witness and upholding the truth of the Gospel. Moral and Ethical Implications The Bible presents a clear moral and ethical framework for behavior. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) serve as a foundational guide for ethical conduct, emphasizing duties to God and fellow humans. Jesus further expounded on these principles, teaching that behavior should stem from a heart transformed by love for God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40). The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) provides a comprehensive overview of the attitudes and behaviors expected of Christ's followers. Jesus calls for a higher standard of righteousness, one that surpasses mere external compliance and reflects inner purity and sincerity. Conclusion The biblical concept of behavior is integral to the life of a believer. It encompasses obedience to God's commands, the pursuit of holiness, and the demonstration of Christ-like love and humility. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped to live in a manner that honors God and serves as a testimony to the world. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To manage or govern in point of behavior; to discipline; to handle; to restrain.2. (v. t.) To carry; to conduct; to comport; to manage; to bear; -- used reflexively. 3. (v. i.) To act; to conduct; to bear or carry one's self; as, to behave well or ill. Greek 407. andrizo -- to behave like a man, to play the man ... to behave like a man, to play the man. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: andrizo Phonetic Spelling: (an-drid'-zom-ahee) Short Definition: I act like a man ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/407.htm - 7k 812. atakteo -- to be out of order, be remiss 807. aschemoneo -- to act unbecomingly 390. anastrepho -- to overturn, turn back 4176. politeuomai -- to live as a citizen 4043. peripateo -- to walk 1693. emmainomai -- to rage against 5225. huparcho -- to begin, to be ready or at hand, to be Strong's Hebrew 1980. halak -- to go, come, walk... 1), went* (1). all along, apace, behave self, come, on continually, be conversant, depart, be eased,. Akin to yalak; a primitive ... /hebrew/1980.htm - 8k 7737. shavah -- to agree with, be like, resemble 7292. rahab -- to act stormily, boisterously or arrogantly 2388. chazaq -- to be or grow firm or strong, strengthen 7489. ra'a' -- to be evil, bad 5234. nakar -- to regard, recognize 6213a. asah -- do, make 7919. sakal -- to be prudent Library How a Soul is to Behave Herself to Obtain Light in Doubtful Cases ... How Internal Livers Ought to Behave Themselves in Time of Sickness ... January 10. "Charity Doth not Behave Itself Unseemly" (I. Cor. ... How Christians Should Behave Themselves among Heathens. Treats of the Same Subject and of the Way God is Sometimes Pleased ... Declaring the Nature of Internal Recollection, and Instructing the ... If any of the Ascetics, Without Bodily Necessity, Shall Behave ... The Analysis A Sermon Made by M. Hugh Latimer, at the Time of the Insurrection ... Luke xxiii. 42, 43 Thesaurus Behave (18 Occurrences)... 3. (vi) To act; to conduct; to bear or carry one's self; as, to behave well or ill. Multi-Version Concordance Behave (18 Occurrences). ... /b/behave.htm - 11k Conduct (93 Occurrences) Play (61 Occurrences) Behaved (21 Occurrences) Wisely (60 Occurrences) Fellow (166 Occurrences) Ought (130 Occurrences) Quit (12 Occurrences) Valiantly (9 Occurrences) Keeps (154 Occurrences) Resources Why are people irrational? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about Christian behavior? | GotQuestions.org I have been burned and hurt by the church in the past. How can I overcome this and renew a passion for church and a desire to attend church? | GotQuestions.org Behave: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Behave (18 Occurrences)Luke 6:31 Romans 13:13 1 Corinthians 13:5 Galatians 4:12 Colossians 4:5 1 Thessalonians 4:12 2 Thessalonians 3:7 1 Timothy 3:15 Hebrews 13:18 Deuteronomy 12:31 Deuteronomy 32:27 Judges 15:7 1 Samuel 4:9 2 Samuel 14:2 1 Kings 1:6 1 Chronicles 19:13 Psalms 101:2 Isaiah 3:5 Subtopics Related Terms Uncircumcision (19 Occurrences) Uncircumcised (48 Occurrences) Whithersoever (32 Occurrences) Irreproachable (6 Occurrences) |
    |