Coax
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The term "coax" is not directly found in the Bible; however, the concept of coaxing, which involves persuading or gently urging someone to do something, can be seen in various biblical narratives and teachings. Coaxing often involves a blend of persuasion, patience, and sometimes subtlety, which can be used for both righteous and unrighteous purposes.

Biblical Examples and Contexts:

1. Delilah and Samson (Judges 16:4-21): One of the most illustrative examples of coaxing in the Bible is the account of Delilah and Samson. Delilah, a Philistine woman, is coaxed by the Philistine rulers to discover the secret of Samson's strength. She persistently persuades Samson to reveal his secret, using emotional manipulation and persistence. Judges 16:16 states, "She pressed him daily with her words and urged him, until his soul was vexed to death." This narrative highlights how coaxing can be used for deceitful purposes, leading to Samson's downfall.

2. Eve and the Serpent (Genesis 3:1-6): The serpent's interaction with Eve in the Garden of Eden is another example of coaxing. The serpent subtly persuades Eve to eat the forbidden fruit by questioning God's command and suggesting that eating the fruit would make her like God. Genesis 3:4-5 records the serpent's words: "You will not surely die... For God knows that in the day you eat of it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." This instance demonstrates how coaxing can lead to temptation and sin.

3. Nathan and David (2 Samuel 12:1-14): In a more positive light, the prophet Nathan uses a form of coaxing to lead King David to repentance. Nathan tells David a parable about a rich man who takes a poor man's only lamb, stirring David's sense of justice. When David reacts with anger, Nathan reveals that the parable is about David's own sin with Bathsheba. This gentle yet firm coaxing leads David to acknowledge his sin and repent. 2 Samuel 12:7 states, "Then Nathan said to David, 'You are the man!'"

4. Paul's Persuasion (Acts 26:28-29): The Apostle Paul often used persuasion in his ministry, as seen in his defense before King Agrippa. Agrippa responds to Paul's testimony by saying, "In such a short time, would you persuade me to become a Christian?" (Acts 26:28). Paul's approach was to reason and gently urge others to accept the gospel, demonstrating a righteous use of coaxing to lead others to faith.

Theological Implications:

Coaxing, when aligned with God's will, can be a tool for encouraging others towards righteousness and truth. However, when used deceitfully, it can lead to sin and destruction. The Bible encourages believers to be discerning and wise, using their words to build up and edify others (Ephesians 4:29: "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen").

Moral and Ethical Considerations:

From a moral standpoint, the act of coaxing should be guided by love, truth, and integrity. Believers are called to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and to avoid manipulation or deceit. The ethical use of coaxing aligns with the biblical principles of honesty, respect, and the pursuit of godly outcomes.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (v. t.) To persuade by gentle, insinuating courtesy, flattering, or fondling; to wheedle; to soothe.

2. (n.) A simpleton; a dupe.

Library

Again the Jews Asked Mary and Joseph a Third Time to Coax Him to ...
... Chapter 39. Again the Jews asked Mary and Joseph a third time to coax
Him to go? Again the Jews asked Mary and Joseph a third ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of pseudo-matthew/chapter 39 again the jews.htm

The Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew
... were asked by? Chapter 39. Again the Jews asked Mary and Joseph a third
time to coax Him to go? Chapter 40. After these things ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the gospel of pseudo-matthew/

Impressive Phrases
... coarse, gross, offensive, and nauseous. coax, flatter, wheedle, and persuade. cogitate,
contemplate, meditate, and ponder. cold, frigid, unfeeling, and stoical. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section iv impressive phrases.htm

Always Tell the Truth
... One day another boy tried to coax him to go there and play, but he said, no, he
was afraid of the bears. The other boy said there were no bears. ...
/.../touching incidents and remarkable answers to prayer/always tell the truth.htm

Joash
... his weak side, and I dare say Jehoiada had been too true and too noble to do that,
and though we are not told what means they took to flatter and coax him, we ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/joash.htm

Letter Lxxxii. To Theophilus Bishop of Alexandria.
... peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you," [2496] and to own the happiness
described in the words, "blessed are the peace-makers." [2497] You coax as a ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxxxii to theophilus bishop.htm

Ignatius
... May I have joy of the beasts that are prepared for me; and I pray that I may find
them ready; I will even coax them to devour me quickly that they may not ...
/.../various/jerome and gennadius lives of illustrious men /chapter xvi ignatius.htm

That the Ruler Should be Always Chief in Action.
... Him let neither prosperity elate nor adversity perturb; let neither smooth things
coax him to the surrender of his will, nor rough things press him down to ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter iii that the ruler.htm

Ignatius and his Epistles.
... 8. May I have joy of the beasts that are prepared for me; and I pray that I may
find them ready; I will even coax them to devour me quickly that they may not ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xxxvi ignatius and his epistles.htm

For as to that which we Hear Said by You...
... and calamity, not even in this case is there any reason why you should allure some
of them to grant you prosperity, and, on the other hand, coax others with ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/23 for as to that.htm

Thesaurus
Coax (1 Occurrence)
... fondling; to wheedle; to soothe. 2. (n.) A simpleton; a dupe. Multi-Version
Concordance Coax (1 Occurrence). Judges 14:15 It happened ...
/c/coax.htm - 6k

Coats (29 Occurrences)

/c/coats.htm - 14k

Cobra (5 Occurrences)

/c/cobra.htm - 7k

Resources
How should a Christian understand orbs? | GotQuestions.org

What is truth? | GotQuestions.org

Coax: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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