The term "capricious" refers to behavior that is unpredictable, whimsical, or subject to sudden changes without apparent reason. In a biblical context, this characteristic is often contrasted with the nature of God, who is depicted as consistent, faithful, and unchanging.

God's Unchanging Nature

The Bible consistently portrays God as steadfast and reliable, in contrast to the capriciousness often seen in human behavior. In Malachi 3:6, the Lord declares, "For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed." This verse underscores the constancy of God's character, providing assurance to His people that His promises and purposes remain firm.

Similarly, James 1:17 states, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." This passage highlights the reliability of God, emphasizing that unlike the shifting shadows, He remains the same.

Human Capriciousness

In contrast to God's steadfastness, human beings are often depicted as capricious in their actions and decisions. The Israelites, for example, frequently wavered in their faithfulness to God, despite His consistent provision and guidance. In the wilderness, they quickly turned from worshiping God to creating a golden calf (Exodus 32:1-4), demonstrating their fickle nature.

The book of Proverbs frequently warns against capricious behavior, urging individuals to seek wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 19:21 states, "Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail." This verse suggests that while human intentions may be changeable and uncertain, God's purposes are steadfast and will ultimately be fulfilled.

God's Sovereignty Over Human Capriciousness

Despite human unpredictability, the Bible affirms God's sovereignty and ability to work through and beyond human capriciousness. Romans 8:28 assures believers, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." This promise provides comfort that even when human actions are erratic, God is able to orchestrate events for His divine purposes.

Conclusion

While the Bible acknowledges the capricious nature of humanity, it consistently affirms the unchanging and faithful character of God. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's steadfastness and to seek His wisdom, rather than relying on their own unpredictable inclinations.(a.) Governed or characterized by caprice; apt to change suddenly; freakish; whimsical; changeable.8586. taalulim -- wantonness, caprice
... children. Word Origin from alal Definition wantonness, caprice NASB Word Usage
capricious children (1), punishments (1). babe, delusion. ...
/hebrew/8586.htm - 6k

Other Capricious Features in the System the ??ons Unequal in ...
... Chapter IX."Other Capricious Features in the System The ??ons Unequal in Attributes.
The Superiority of Nus; The Vagaries of Sophia Restrained by Horos. ...
/.../tertullian/against the valentinians/chapter ix other capricious features in.htm

Against the Valentinians
... But Why Be So Capricious as to Stop at Thirty? Chapter IX.--Other Capricious
Features in the System The ??ons Unequal in Attributes. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/against the valentinians/

Sin and the Divine Reaction against It
... The relations of God and man are not lawless, they are not capricious, incalculable,
incapable of moral meaning; they are personal, but determined by something ...
/.../denney/the atonement and the modern mind/chapter ii sin and the.htm

Sin and the Divine Reaction against It
... The relations of God and man are not lawless, they are not capricious, incalculable,
incapable of moral meaning; they are personal, but determined by something ...
//christianbookshelf.org/denney/the death of christ/chapter 8 sin and the.htm

John Smith, Platonist --"An Interpreter of the Spirit"
... The mark of superstition in his mind is the apprehension of God as capricious, a
hard Master, and of such a character that his {309} favour can be gained only ...
/.../chapter xvi john smith platonistan.htm

The Light of God
... influence of true science God will be no longer looked upon, as He was in those
superstitions which we well call dark, as a proud, angry, capricious being, as ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon xii the light of.htm

The Provinces.
... divided. The seat of government was Sardis.[D] He was a capricious and
cruel tyrant, as, in fact, almost all such governors were. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter v the provinces.htm

Argument. --He First of all Asserts that the Law is Spiritual; and ...
... what He has made, He will appear to have condemned His own works, which He had approved
as good; and He will be designated as seeming capricious in both cases ...
/.../novatian/on the jewish meats/chapter ii argument he first of.htm

False Witnesses
... vision, the Constantine of the Council of Nicea, noble, wise and humble, disappears
from the pages of history, and a man changeable, capricious and uncertain ...
//christianbookshelf.org/forbes/saint athanasius/chapter 5 false witnesses.htm

The Story of Histiaeus.
... of many generous impulses. He was grateful for favors, though somewhat
capricious in his modes of requiting them. He declared to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter x the story of.htm

Capricious (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Capricious (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 3:4 And I will make
children their chiefs, and foolish ones will have rule over them. (See NAS). ...
/c/capricious.htm - 6k

Caprice (3 Occurrences)

/c/caprice.htm - 7k

Caps (5 Occurrences)

/c/caps.htm - 7k

Start (50 Occurrences)
... spasmodic effort. 12. (n.) A sudden, unexpected movement; a sudden and
capricious impulse; a sally; as, starts of fancy. 13. (n.) The ...
/s/start.htm - 23k

Fashion (24 Occurrences)
... Phil, 131); 1 Peter 1:14, "not fashioning yourselves according to your former lusts,"
paraphrased by Lightfoot, "not falling in with the capricious guidance of ...
/f/fashion.htm - 21k

Jeremiah (141 Occurrences)
... About 2,700 words in all of the original are omitted. These omissions, etc., are
capricious and arbitrary, and render the version unreliable. Int. ...
/j/jeremiah.htm - 75k

Retribution (14 Occurrences)
... The former is, as we should expect, more frequently applied to God, and, of course,
all that is capricious and reprehensible in human wrath must be eliminated ...
/r/retribution.htm - 29k

Reconciliation (11 Occurrences)
... Romans 4:25; Romans 5:1-6). Of course it is not necessary to add that the wrath
of God is not to be thought of as having any unworthy or capricious element in ...
/r/reconciliation.htm - 30k

Reconcile (10 Occurrences)
... Romans 4:25; Romans 5:1-6). Of course it is not necessary to add that the wrath
of God is not to be thought of as having any unworthy or capricious element in ...
/r/reconcile.htm - 29k

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