Etiquette, while not explicitly mentioned as a term in the Bible, is a concept that aligns with the biblical principles of conduct, respect, and love for others. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that reflect the importance of proper behavior and consideration for others, which can be understood as biblical etiquette.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding etiquette through the laws and commandments given to the Israelites. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) serve as a foundational guide for moral and ethical behavior, emphasizing respect for God and others. Leviticus 19:18 instructs, "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD." This commandment underscores the importance of treating others with kindness and respect.

The wisdom literature, particularly the Book of Proverbs, offers practical advice on proper conduct. Proverbs 11:12 states, "Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment, but a man of understanding holds his peace." This highlights the value of discretion and respect in interactions with others.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ exemplifies perfect etiquette through His interactions with others. His teachings emphasize humility, service, and love. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs, "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" (Matthew 7:12). This "Golden Rule" encapsulates the essence of biblical etiquette, urging believers to treat others with the same respect and kindness they desire.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on Christian conduct in his epistles. In Philippians 2:3-4, he writes, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." This passage encourages believers to prioritize the well-being of others, a key aspect of etiquette.

Etiquette in Worship and Fellowship

Etiquette extends to the context of worship and fellowship within the Christian community. Paul addresses this in 1 Corinthians 14:40, stating, "But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner." This instruction pertains to the conduct of church services, emphasizing the need for order and respect in communal worship.

The early church also practiced etiquette in their gatherings, as seen in Acts 2:46-47: "With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people." This passage reflects the joy and harmony that result from practicing proper etiquette in fellowship.

Practical Applications

Biblical etiquette can be applied in various aspects of life, including family, work, and social interactions. Ephesians 6:1-4 provides guidance for family relationships, urging children to obey their parents and fathers not to provoke their children. In the workplace, Colossians 3:23 advises, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men." This encourages diligence and integrity in professional conduct.

In social settings, believers are called to be ambassadors of Christ, reflecting His love and grace. Colossians 4:5-6 instructs, "Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." This passage highlights the importance of thoughtful and respectful communication.

In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly use the term "etiquette," its teachings provide a comprehensive guide for respectful and considerate behavior, rooted in love for God and others.Luke 6:37
Judge not, and you shall not be judged: condemn not, and you shall not be condemned: forgive, and you shall be forgiven:
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Matthew 7:1-29
Judge not, that you be not judged.
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2 Samuel 1:1-27
Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had stayed two days in Ziklag;
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The Morning-Meal in the Pharisee's House - Meals and Feasts among ...
... By some it was not deemed etiquette to begin eating till after he who had said the
prayer had done so, but this does not seem to have been the rule among the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xii the morning-meal in.htm

Christian Conversation
... If it would be accounted contrary to etiquette to begin talking of the Saviour,
cast etiquette to the winds, and speak about Christ somehow or other. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 46 1900/christian conversation.htm

Paul in the Temple
... They were not afraid to commit murder, but they were horror- struck at the
thought of a breach of ceremonial etiquette. Of course! ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/paul in the temple.htm

Life Amongst the Upper Ten Thousand
... Everything must from this point be done according to the strictest etiquette, so
the Tai-tai of least rank came first to meet us, and led us back to where ...
/.../the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xviii life amongst the.htm

Spiritual Diagnosis
... The whole of etiquette is founded on respect; and by far the highest and
tenderest etiquette is the etiquette of soul and soul. ...
/.../berkhof/new evangelism and other papers/spiritual diagnosis.htm

The Empress Eudoxia from the Story of Christian Womanhood in Old ...
... The Bishop Synesius censures the elaborate court etiquette which surrounded the
emperor and empress, keeping them from the knowledge of outside affairs and ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/ix the empress eudoxia from.htm

The Empress Theodora
... Every wish was immediately gratified by her favorite ladies and eunuchs. Like
a true parvenue, she delighted in the elaborate court etiquette. ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/xi the empress theodora.htm

History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 2
... family -- Double nature and titles of the sovereign: his Horus-names, and the
progressive formation of the Pharaonic Protocol -- Royal etiquette an actual ...
/.../history of egypt chaldaea syria babylonia and assyria v 2/title page.htm

The Strife for Precedence.
... It is sufficiently apparent in the scramble of the market and the parade of the
street; at the toilette of beauty; in the etiquette of the drawing-room, where ...
/.../chapin/humanity in the city/discourse iii the strife for.htm

Letter vii. Tact --Unobtrusiveness.
... said that there were certain excellent manuals which contained important general
and special directions concerning the forms and manners or etiquette of polite ...
/.../letter vii tactunobtrusiveness.htm

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