The term "despisest" is an archaic form of the verb "despise," which means to regard with contempt, scorn, or disdain. In the context of the Bible, it often refers to an attitude of disrespect or irreverence towards God, His commandments, or His people. The concept of despising is addressed in various passages throughout the Scriptures, highlighting the spiritual and moral implications of such an attitude.

Biblical References:

1. Romans 2:4 : "Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?" In this passage, the Apostle Paul warns against despising God's kindness and patience. The term "disregard" here is synonymous with "despise," indicating a failure to appreciate the divine attributes that are meant to lead individuals to repentance.

2. Proverbs 1:7 : "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." This verse contrasts the reverence for God, which is foundational to true knowledge, with the attitude of fools who despise wisdom and instruction. Despising wisdom is equated with rejecting the fear of the Lord, which is essential for a righteous life.

3. 1 Samuel 2:30 : "Therefore, the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I did indeed say that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever.’ But now the LORD declares: ‘Far be it from Me! For those who honor Me I will honor, but those who despise Me will be disdained." In this passage, God speaks to Eli, the priest, about the consequences of despising Him. The divine principle is clear: those who honor God will be honored, while those who despise Him will face disdain.

4. Proverbs 15:5 : "A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction is prudent." The term "rejects" can be understood as "despises" in this context. The verse underscores the importance of accepting correction and discipline, which are vital for personal growth and wisdom.

5. Malachi 1:6 : "A son honors his father, and a servant his master. But if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is your fear of Me? says the LORD of Hosts to you priests who despise My name." Here, God rebukes the priests for despising His name, highlighting the lack of reverence and honor due to Him. This passage emphasizes the expectation of respect and fear towards God, especially from those in positions of spiritual leadership.

Theological Implications:

Despising God or His commandments is a serious offense in the biblical narrative. It reflects a heart that is hardened and resistant to divine authority and wisdom. The Scriptures consistently warn against such attitudes, urging believers to cultivate a heart of reverence, humility, and obedience. The act of despising is often associated with folly, rebellion, and a lack of understanding of God's nature and purposes.

In the broader biblical context, despising is not limited to one's attitude towards God alone but extends to how individuals treat others, especially those in positions of authority or those who are vulnerable. The call to love and respect others is rooted in the understanding that all people are made in the image of God and deserve dignity and honor.

Overall, the biblical exhortation is clear: to despise is to reject the wisdom, authority, and love of God, leading to spiritual and moral consequences. Believers are encouraged to embrace a posture of humility and reverence, recognizing the value of God's guidance and the importance of honoring Him in all aspects of life.

John Chapter viii. 19, 20
... is, use a word of doubting, while in their heart they doubt not: just as thou wouldst
say to thy slave, if thou wert angry with him, "Thou despisest me; but ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xxxvii john chapter viii.htm

2 Thessalonians iii. 5-Mar
... But thou who despisest not riches for the sake of God, how wilt thou despise
thyself? But why do I say riches? Thou who despisest ...
/.../homily v 2 thessalonians iii.htm

Psalm x.
... ver.1). Then he who thus inquired, as if all on a sudden he understood, or as if
he asked, though he knew, that he might teach, adds, "Thou despisest in due ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm x.htm

Earnest Expostulation
... CH SPURGEON,. At the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. "Or despisest thou the ...
"Despisest thou the riches of his goodness?" O man, answer this, I implore thee. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/earnest expostulation.htm

But Now, Thou Mayst Ask Me and Say, "Thou Speakest So Much of Love ...
... Thou art wise, when thou art poor without desire of this world, and despisest thyself
for love of Christ: and expendest all thy wit and all thy might in His ...
/.../the form of perfect living and other prose treatises/chapter x but now thou.htm

2 Timothy i. 10-Aug
... He is an Angel [1336] of the Lord. Are they his own words that he speaks? If thou
despisest him, thou despisest not him, but God that ordained him. ...
/.../homily ii 2 timothy i.htm

Fragment ix.
... But when thou altogether despisest fear, and rejectest with scorn the very faith
of Christ, it were better for thee that thou hadst never been born from the ...
/.../justin/fragments from the lost writings of justin/fragment ix.htm

I Know that Thy Life is Given to the Service of God. ...
... This is holy men's life; follow it and be holy. And if thou wilt be in the Apostles'
reward, think not what thou forsookest, but what thou despisest. ...
/.../chapter iii i know that.htm

No Threats have any Effect on Polycarp.
... from what is evil to what is righteous." [450] But again the proconsul said to him,
"I will cause thee to be consumed by fire, seeing thou despisest the wild ...
/.../smyrna/the martyrdom of the holy polycarp/chapter xi no threats have any.htm

A Private Evening Prayer for the Lord's Day.
... In the multitude of thy mercies, and for the merits of Jesus Christ my Saviour,
I beseech thee, O Lord, who despisest not the sighings of a contrite heart, nor ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/a private evening prayer for.htm

Despisest (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Despisest (3 Occurrences). ... That Thou despisest the labour
of Thy hands, And on the counsel of the wicked hast shone? (YLT). ...
/d/despisest.htm - 7k

Despises (16 Occurrences)

/d/despises.htm - 11k

Despiseth (23 Occurrences)

/d/despiseth.htm - 13k

Long-suffering (23 Occurrences)
... Romans 2:4 or despisest thou the riches of his goodness, and forbearance, and
long-suffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads thee to repentance? ...
/l/long-suffering.htm - 13k

Leadeth (42 Occurrences)
... Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and
longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? ...
/l/leadeth.htm - 18k

Longsuffering (17 Occurrences)
... Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and
longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? ...
/l/longsuffering.htm - 16k

Awaking (24 Occurrences)
... with' Thy form! (YLT). Psalms 73:20 As a dream from awakening, O Lord, In
awaking, their image Thou despisest. (YLT RSV). Psalms 78 ...
/a/awaking.htm - 13k

Awakening (2 Occurrences)
... feast for all his servants. (BBE). Psalms 73:20 As a dream from awakening,
O Lord, In awaking, their image Thou despisest. (YLT). ...
/a/awakening.htm - 7k

Shone (27 Occurrences)
... Job 10:3 Is it good for Thee that Thou dost oppress? That Thou despisest the labour
of Thy hands, And on the counsel of the wicked hast shone? (YLT). ...
/s/shone.htm - 14k

Labour (119 Occurrences)
... Job 10:3 Is it good for Thee that Thou dost oppress? That Thou despisest the labour
of Thy hands, And on the counsel of the wicked hast shone? (YLT). ...
/l/labour.htm - 35k

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