The term "dishonourable" in the biblical context refers to actions, behaviors, or characteristics that are considered shameful, disgraceful, or lacking in integrity according to the moral and ethical standards set forth in Scripture. The Bible frequently contrasts honourable conduct, which aligns with God's commandments and principles, with dishonourable conduct, which deviates from them.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, dishonourable actions are often associated with disobedience to God's laws and commands. For example, in the book of Proverbs, wisdom literature frequently contrasts the wise and honourable with the foolish and dishonourable. Proverbs 6:32 states, "He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself." Adultery is depicted as a dishonourable act that leads to personal ruin.

The account of Esau selling his birthright to Jacob for a meal (Genesis 25:29-34) is another example of dishonourable behavior. Esau's disregard for his birthright, a significant spiritual and familial inheritance, is seen as a lack of respect for what is sacred and valuable.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of dishonour is further developed, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. The Apostle Paul frequently addresses dishonourable conduct in his epistles. In Romans 1:24-26, Paul describes how God gave people over to "dishonourable passions" as a consequence of their idolatry and rejection of God's truth. This passage highlights the moral decline that accompanies turning away from God.

Paul also exhorts believers to live honourably in their relationships and conduct. In 2 Timothy 2:20-21, he uses the metaphor of a great house containing vessels of honour and dishonour, urging believers to cleanse themselves from what is dishonourable to be useful to the Master.

Moral and Ethical Implications

Dishonourable actions are often linked to a lack of respect for God, others, and oneself. The Bible calls believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling, which includes avoiding actions that bring shame or disgrace. Ephesians 5:3-4 advises, "But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character."

Cultural and Social Considerations

In biblical times, honour and shame were significant cultural values. Dishonourable actions not only affected the individual but also brought shame upon one's family and community. This cultural backdrop underscores the importance of living in a way that upholds the honour of God's name and the community of believers.

Spiritual Consequences

The Bible warns of the spiritual consequences of living a dishonourable life. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Paul lists behaviors that are considered unrighteous and warns that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. This serves as a sobering reminder of the eternal implications of dishonourable conduct.

In summary, the Bible consistently calls believers to reject dishonourable actions and to pursue a life of integrity, honour, and holiness, reflecting the character of God in all aspects of life.

The Wicked and Dishonourable Opinions Held by Arians, Sabellians.. ...
... Book II. Chapter XIII. The wicked and dishonourable opinions held by Arians,
Sabellians? The wicked and dishonourable opinions ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xiii the wicked and.htm

Deluded by an Insane Love, He, Though Foul and Dishonourable ...
... Book III. Chapter I."Deluded by an Insane Love, He, Though Foul and
Dishonourable, Desires to Be Thought Elegant and Urbane. 1 ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter i deluded by an insane.htm

Christ's Nativity Both Possible and Becoming the Heretical Opinion ...
... Chapter III."Christ's Nativity Both Possible and Becoming The Heretical Opinion
of Christ's Apparent Flesh Deceptive and Dishonourable to God, Even on ...
/.../ on the flesh of christ/chapter iii christs nativity both possible.htm

But Since He Reproaches us with Too Great an Anxiety About the ...
... surely it is not without honour for the body to suffer for the sake of godliness,
and to choose afflictions on account of virtue: the dishonourable thing would ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen against celsus/chapter l but since he.htm

Purity.
... Lastly, all situations are pure to the pure. According to the world, some
professions are reckoned honourable, and some dishonourable. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/robertson/sermons preached at brighton/x purity.htm

The Tenth Commandment
... (4) Covetousness is a sin dishonourable to religion. For men to say their
hopes are above, while their hearts are below; to profess ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 1 the tenth commandment.htm

The Confessions and Letters of St
... Book III. Chapter I.--Deluded by an Insane Love, He, Though Foul and
Dishonourable, Desires to Be Thought Elegant and Urbane. Chapter ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/the confessions and letters of st/

Fragment ii. Therefore You Ought to Strive to the Utmost of Your ...
... Therefore you ought to strive to the utmost of your power not to fall into a base
or dishonourable, not to say an absolutely flagitious way of thinking, lest ...
/.../theonas/epistle of phileas/fragment ii therefore you ought.htm

Preface.
... an affectionate concern as became a friend, "where he should deposit his remains,"
it was resented by Socrates, as implying a dishonourable supposition, that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/young/youngs night thoughts/preface.htm

Particulars
... It was dishonourable to pay any respect to Jesus. There were few or none of
Jairus's character who publickly owned. him for the Christ. ...
/.../section ii particulars.htm

Dishonourable (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Dishonourable (1 Occurrence). Romans 1:26 Because
of this did God give them up to dishonourable affections ...
/d/dishonourable.htm - 6k

Dishonour (22 Occurrences)

/d/dishonour.htm - 12k

Dishonoured (8 Occurrences)

/d/dishonoured.htm - 8k

Dishonorable (1 Occurrence)
... Romans 1:26 Because of this did God give them up to dishonourable affections, for
even their females did change the natural use into that against nature; (See ...
/d/dishonorable.htm - 7k

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