Definition and Usage: The term "cleverly" is often associated with skillful, intelligent, or cunning actions. In a biblical context, it can refer to the use of wisdom or craftiness, depending on the intent and outcome of the actions described. The Bible provides numerous examples of both positive and negative uses of cleverness, highlighting the importance of aligning one's cleverness with godly wisdom.

Biblical Examples:

1. Positive Use of Cleverness:
· Joseph's Administration in Egypt: Joseph, son of Jacob, is a prime example of using cleverness for good. After interpreting Pharaoh's dreams, Joseph cleverly devised a plan to store grain during seven years of abundance to prepare for the seven years of famine (Genesis 41:33-36). His strategic planning saved Egypt and surrounding nations from starvation. Joseph's cleverness was rooted in his faithfulness to God and his desire to serve others.

2. Negative Use of Cleverness:
· The Serpent in the Garden of Eden: The serpent is described as "more cunning than any beast of the field" (Genesis 3:1). It cleverly deceived Eve by twisting God's words, leading to the fall of man. This account illustrates how cleverness, when used deceitfully, can lead to sin and separation from God.

3. David's Strategy with Goliath: David's encounter with Goliath showcases cleverness in the form of faith-driven strategy. Rather than engaging in traditional combat, David used a sling and a stone, tools he was skilled with, to defeat the giant (1 Samuel 17:49-50). His clever approach was guided by his trust in God rather than reliance on conventional methods.

4. Paul's Use of Rhetoric: The Apostle Paul often employed clever rhetoric and reasoning in his letters and speeches to spread the Gospel and defend the faith. In Acts 17:22-31, Paul cleverly engages with the Athenians by referencing their altar to an "unknown god" to introduce them to the true God. His cleverness was used to communicate effectively and persuasively for the sake of the Gospel.

Warnings Against Misuse:

· Worldly Wisdom vs. Godly Wisdom: The Bible warns against relying solely on human cleverness or wisdom. In 1 Corinthians 3:19, Paul writes, "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God." Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom from above, which is pure and peaceable (James 3:17).

· Deceptive Practices: Cleverness used for deceit is condemned. Proverbs 12:19 states, "Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment." The Bible consistently upholds truth and integrity over cunning deceit.

The Role of Cleverness in Christian Life:

Cleverness, when aligned with godly principles, can be a valuable asset in the Christian life. It involves using one's God-given intellect and skills to navigate challenges, solve problems, and advance the Kingdom of God. Believers are called to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16), balancing cleverness with purity and righteousness.(adv.) In a clever manner.4679. sophizo -- to make wise
... Word Origin from sophos Definition to make wise NASB Word Usage cleverly
devised (1), give...wisdom (1). cunningly devise, make wise. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4679.htm - 6k

The Romance of M. Renan. By Napoleon Roussel.
... The position assumed is cleverly masked: blame is tempered with praise; the hand
that strikes falls with so much discretion that one might mistake a blow for a ...
/.../the romance of m renan and the christ of the gospels/the romance of m renan.htm

The Bishop at Work
... been adviser, schemer, general brain box and jackal to the Lionheart, and who now
swept through England with a thousand knights, trying cleverly and faithfully ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter v the bishop at.htm

Composition and Style
... Do not we observe the javelin which has been cleverly whirled about, dart through
the air with the best effect; and in managing a bow and arrow, is not the ...
/.../kleiser/the training of a public speaker/composition and style.htm

Ananias and Sapphira
... The spirit of much at any rate of our present-day socialism"so the distinction has
been cleverly drawn"is, "What is thine, is mine": but the spirit of ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/ananias and sapphira.htm

Mrs. Hsi's Gift
... The blow she feared had fallen, and her husband was a prey to the bewitching power
of the "foreign devils." How cleverly the trap had been laid. ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter i mrs hsis gift.htm

Against Men who Embellish Themselves.
... themselves. But though they do doctor the hair cleverly, they will not escape
wrinkles, nor will they elude death by tricking time. ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter iii against men who embellish.htm

The Church of Notre Dame De Lorette in Paris with Its Yellow ...
... were, and smelling of the brimstone,"demons who enjoy their demonism,"satyrs,
concerning whom, one feels that their polished boots are cleverly designed to ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xiii the church of notre.htm

He Describes the Pestilent Error of the Pelagian.
... hence it comes that he encourages the complaints of the Pelagians by his intervention,
and introduces their case into his writings, because he cleverly or (to ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter iii he describes the.htm

Concerning Loans Prohibition of Usury and the Usurious Spirit. The ...
... 4112] Marcion! how cleverly have you withdrawn from Him the showers and
the sunshine, that He might not seem to be a Creator! But ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xvii concerning loans prohibition of.htm

Blasphemous Accusations of the Jews.
... Their explanation was cleverly plausible, for there were at least two powers by
which demons might be cast out, as both were invisible, it might appear ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlviii blasphemous accusations of the.htm

Cleverly (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) In a clever manner. Multi-Version Concordance
Cleverly (2 Occurrences). 2 Peter 1:16 For when we ...
/c/cleverly.htm - 7k

Legends (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 1:16 For when we made known to you the power and Coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ, we were not eagerly following cleverly devised legends, but we had ...
/l/legends.htm - 6k

Imagined (5 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 1:16 For we have not made known to you the power and coming of our Lord
Jesus Christ, following cleverly imagined fables, but having been eyewitnesses ...
/i/imagined.htm - 8k

Eagerly (36 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 1:16 For when we made known to you the power and Coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ, we were not eagerly following cleverly devised legends, but we had ...
/e/eagerly.htm - 15k

Eye-witnesses (4 Occurrences)
... 2 Peter 1:16 For when we made known to you the power and Coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ, we were not eagerly following cleverly devised legends, but we had ...
/e/eye-witnesses.htm - 7k

Cleverness (4 Occurrences)

/c/cleverness.htm - 7k

Clever (3 Occurrences)

/c/clever.htm - 7k

Nathan (42 Occurrences)
... two sections treated above Nathan is the prophet of Yahweh, he is represented in
1 Kings as an intriguing court politician, planning very cleverly an opportune ...
/n/nathan.htm - 29k

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