Flirting, as understood in contemporary terms, refers to behaviors intended to express romantic or sexual interest in another person, often in a playful or casual manner. While the Bible does not explicitly mention "flirting" as a distinct concept, it provides principles and teachings that can be applied to understand the appropriateness and implications of such behavior.

Biblical Principles and Contexts

1. Purity and Intentions: The Bible emphasizes purity in thought and action. In Matthew 5:28 , Jesus teaches, "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." This verse underscores the importance of maintaining pure intentions and guarding one's heart against lustful thoughts, which can often accompany flirtatious behavior.

2. Modesty and Conduct: 1 Timothy 2:9-10 advises, "Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God." While this passage specifically addresses women, the principle of modesty and self-control in conduct applies to all believers, suggesting that interactions, including flirting, should be marked by respect and propriety.

3. Love and Respect: The Bible calls for love and respect in all relationships. Romans 12:10 instructs, "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another." Flirting, if it undermines respect or objectifies the other person, would be contrary to the biblical call to honor and love others sincerely.

4. Avoiding Temptation: Proverbs 6:25-26 warns, "Do not lust in your heart for her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes. For the levy of the prostitute is poverty, and the adulteress preys upon your very life." This passage highlights the dangers of allowing oneself to be led into temptation through seductive or flirtatious behavior, which can lead to spiritual and moral compromise.

5. Marriage and Commitment: The Bible upholds marriage as a sacred covenant. Hebrews 13:4 states, "Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers." Flirting that threatens the sanctity of marriage or leads to infidelity is clearly condemned in Scripture.

Examples and Warnings

· Samson and Delilah: The account of Samson and Delilah in Judges 16 illustrates the potential dangers of flirtation that leads to manipulation and betrayal. Delilah's seductive tactics ultimately result in Samson's downfall, serving as a cautionary tale about the consequences of engaging in flirtatious relationships that lack genuine commitment and integrity.

· Joseph and Potiphar's Wife: In Genesis 39, Joseph's encounter with Potiphar's wife demonstrates the importance of resisting flirtation that could lead to sin. Joseph's refusal to engage with her advances, saying, "How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9), exemplifies the virtue of maintaining integrity and fleeing from temptation.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not directly address the modern concept of flirting, its teachings on purity, respect, and the sanctity of relationships provide clear guidance for believers. Flirting, when it leads to lust, disrespect, or temptation, is inconsistent with biblical values. Believers are called to conduct themselves with integrity, honoring God and others in all interactions.Matthew 5:28
But I say to you, That whoever looks on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Topicalbible.org

Ecclesiastes 5:2
Be not rash with your mouth, and let not your heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and you on earth: therefore let your words be few.
Topicalbible.org

Romans 1:24-32
Why God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves:
Topicalbible.org

(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Flirt.

October the Eighteenth Unanimity in the Soul
... And a man whose mind is like that of two men flirting with contrary ideals at the
same time will live a life "all sixes and sevens," and nothing will move to ...
/.../october the eighteenth unanimity in.htm

Religion --A Reality
... he heavenly-minded, for that is your duty. Let men see that you are not
flirting with Christ, but that you are married to him. Let ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/religiona reality.htm

Flirting (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Flirt. Multi-Version Concordance
Flirting (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 3:16 Moreover Yahweh ...
/f/flirting.htm - 6k

Necks (28 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 3:16 Moreover Yahweh said, "Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and
walk with outstretched necks and flirting eyes, walking to trip as they go ...
/n/necks.htm - 15k

Jingling (1 Occurrence)
... Isaiah 3:16 Moreover Yahweh said, "Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and
walk with outstretched necks and flirting eyes, walking to trip as they go ...
/j/jingling.htm - 7k

Flinty (3 Occurrences)

/f/flinty.htm - 7k

Flitting (1 Occurrence)

/f/flitting.htm - 6k

Trip (4 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 3:16 Moreover Yahweh said, "Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and
walk with outstretched necks and flirting eyes, walking to trip as they go ...
/t/trip.htm - 9k

Haughty (35 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 3:16 Moreover Yahweh said, "Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and
walk with outstretched necks and flirting eyes, walking to trip as they go ...
/h/haughty.htm - 16k

Outstretched (40 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 3:16 Moreover Yahweh said, "Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and
walk with outstretched necks and flirting eyes, walking to trip as they go ...
/o/outstretched.htm - 19k

Ornaments (50 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 3:16 Moreover Yahweh said, "Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and
walk with outstretched necks and flirting eyes, walking to trip as they go ...
/o/ornaments.htm - 22k

Neck (97 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 3:16 Moreover Yahweh said, "Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and
walk with outstretched necks and flirting eyes, walking to trip as they go ...
/n/neck.htm - 45k

Why is God a jealous God? | GotQuestions.org

Questions about Relationships (All) | GotQuestions.org

What is gaslighting? | GotQuestions.org

Flirting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus