The term "docile" refers to a disposition that is teachable, compliant, and receptive to instruction. In a biblical context, docility is often associated with humility and a willingness to submit to God's will and guidance. This characteristic is esteemed in Scripture as it reflects a heart open to divine wisdom and correction.

Biblical References and Context

1. Proverbs 9:9 · "Instruct the wise, and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous, and they will increase their learning." This verse highlights the value of a teachable spirit, which is a hallmark of docility. The wise and righteous are portrayed as those who are open to instruction and eager to grow in understanding.

2. James 1:21 · "Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly receive the word planted in you, which can save your souls." Here, the emphasis is on receiving the Word with humility, a key aspect of being docile. The receptive heart is contrasted with one that is resistant to God's transformative power.

3. Psalm 25:9 · "He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way." This passage underscores the connection between humility and divine guidance. The humble, or docile, are those who are led by God because they are open to His instruction.

4. Matthew 11:29 · "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Jesus invites His followers to learn from Him, highlighting His own gentle and humble nature. A docile spirit is one that is willing to learn from Christ and emulate His example.

Theological Implications

Docility is not merely passive submission but an active engagement with God's Word and His will. It involves a conscious decision to set aside personal pride and preconceived notions in favor of divine truth. This quality is essential for spiritual growth and maturity, as it allows believers to be molded and shaped by God's teachings.

Practical Application

In practical terms, cultivating a docile spirit involves regular engagement with Scripture, prayer, and a community of believers. It requires a willingness to listen to godly counsel and to be corrected when necessary. Believers are encouraged to approach God with a childlike faith, characterized by trust and openness to His leading.

Contrast with Stubbornness

The opposite of docility is stubbornness, which Scripture often warns against. Proverbs 29:1 states, "A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery." Stubbornness is depicted as a barrier to spiritual growth and a precursor to downfall, highlighting the importance of maintaining a teachable heart.

In summary, docility is a virtue that aligns believers with God's purposes, enabling them to grow in wisdom and righteousness. It is a quality that reflects a heart attuned to the voice of the Shepherd, ready to follow wherever He leads.1. (a.) Teachable; easy to manage; docible.

2. (a.) Disposed to be taught; tractable; easily managed; as, a docile child.

Obedience to Parents.
... The lady who has been docile to the orders of her parents will be docile to those
of her husband; for as we are assured by Holy Writ, our accomplishment of the ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter xix obedience to parents.htm

Thankfulness to God.
... dog, which, when wild, was fierce as his brother the wolf, has become the friend
and companion of man; even the gigantic elephant has become docile, and the ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/lxiii thankfulness to god.htm

"That which was from the Beginning, which we have Heard, which we ...
... It is the great qualification of a disciple, or hearer, to be attentive and docile,
to be capable of teaching, and to apply the mind seriously to it. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon i that which was.htm

Whether Docility Should be Accounted a Part of Prudence?
... Now it is not in our power to be docile, for this is befitting to some through their
natural disposition. Therefore it is not a part of prudence. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether docility should be accounted.htm

The Many-Sided Contrast of Wisdom and Folly
... The first proverb deals with wisdom or goodness in its inner source; namely,
a docile disposition. The two next deal with its consequences. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the many-sided contrast of wisdom.htm

Jesus Declares Himself.
... Persons who are either by nature humble and docile, or whom life has taught to be
so, persons who feel their need of God, and deeply long for an eternal state ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/x jesus declares himself.htm

God and his Saints
... III. The docile obedience of those that are thus guarded. ... It represents
a group of docile scholars, sitting at the Master's feet. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/god and his saints.htm

The Unchangeable Christ
... He was docile and teachable; as the Son of God, and the servant of God, his ear
was open to hear the instructions of the Father, and he could say, "I do always ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 40 1894/the unchangeable christ.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem
... of our thought in obeying Christ's commands; but the worldly wise in these days
call no one a thoughtful person who is content to be a docile follower of Jesus ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/beginning at jerusalem.htm

The Necessity of Regeneration, Argued from the Immutable ...
... A mild and humble, a docile and tractable temper, a freedom from avarice and ambition,
and an indifference to those great toys of which men are generally so ...
/.../practical discourses on regeneration/discourse iv the necessity of.htm

Docile (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (a.) Teachable; easy to manage; docible. 2. (a.) Disposed to be taught; tractable;
easily managed; as, a docile child. ...Docile (1 Occurrence). ...
/d/docile.htm - 7k

Gentle (48 Occurrences)
... 4. (superl.) Not wild, turbulent, or refractory; quiet and docile; tame; peaceable;
as, a gentle horse. ... 11. (vt) To make kind and docile, as a horse. ...
/g/gentle.htm - 20k

Doctor (5 Occurrences)

/d/doctor.htm - 10k

Gentleness (17 Occurrences)
... (n.) The quality or state of being gentle, well-born, mild, benevolent, docile,
etc.; gentility; softness of manners, disposition, etc.; mildness. Int. ...
/g/gentleness.htm - 13k

Teachable (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Capable of being taught; apt to learn; also, willing
to receive instruction; docile. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/t/teachable.htm - 6k

Toward (2464 Occurrences)
... of Towards. 3. (prep.) Approaching; coming near. 4. (prep.) Ready to do or learn;
compliant with duty; not froward; apt; docile; tractable; as, a toward youth. ...
/t/toward.htm - 7k

Esther (48 Occurrences)
... as a "woman of deep piety, faith, courage, patriotism, and caution, combined with
resolution; a dutiful daughter to her adopted father, docile and obedient to ...
/e/esther.htm - 58k

Dobrath (3 Occurrences)

/d/dobrath.htm - 7k

Buffalo (5 Occurrences)
... of the eastern continent. It is larger and less docile than the common ox,
and is fond of marshy places and rivers. 2. (n.) A very ...
/b/buffalo.htm - 8k

Ass (95 Occurrences)
... (Furst suggests that it may be derived from 'athan, Aramaic `adhan, "to be slender,"
"docile," etc.); 'athonoth tsechoroth, "red-white asses" (Judges 5:10 ...
/a/ass.htm - 48k

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