Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context Knavery refers to deceitful, dishonest, or unscrupulous behavior. In biblical terms, it is often associated with actions that are contrary to the righteousness and truth that God desires from His people. Knavery encompasses a range of sinful behaviors, including lying, cheating, and manipulation, which are condemned throughout Scripture. Biblical References The Bible contains numerous admonitions against knavery, emphasizing the importance of integrity and honesty. In Proverbs 6:16-19 , the Lord lists six things He hates, seven that are detestable to Him, including "a lying tongue" and "a heart that devises wicked schemes." These are clear examples of knavish behavior that God abhors. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul warns against deceitful practices. In Ephesians 4:25 , he instructs believers: "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body." This verse underscores the importance of honesty and transparency within the Christian community, contrasting sharply with knavery. Examples in Scripture Several biblical characters exemplify knavery through their actions. Jacob, before his transformation, engaged in deceit to obtain his brother Esau's birthright and blessing (Genesis 27). Although God ultimately used Jacob for His purposes, Jacob's early life is marked by knavish behavior that led to significant familial strife. Another example is Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11. They sold a piece of property and deceitfully withheld part of the proceeds while claiming to have given the entire amount to the apostles. Their knavery was met with severe consequences, as both fell dead after their deception was exposed by the Holy Spirit. Moral and Ethical Implications Knavery is fundamentally at odds with the character of God, who is described as a God of truth and justice. In Psalm 101:7 , it is written, "No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who tells lies shall stand in my presence." This verse highlights the incompatibility of knavish behavior with a life that seeks to honor God. The ethical teachings of the Bible call believers to a higher standard of conduct, one that reflects the holiness and integrity of God. In 1 Peter 2:1 , Christians are urged to "rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind." This exhortation serves as a reminder that knavery has no place in the life of a follower of Christ. Practical Application Believers are called to examine their lives for any traces of knavery and to repent of such behavior. The pursuit of honesty and integrity should be a hallmark of the Christian life, as it bears witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. In a world where deceit is often normalized, Christians are to be beacons of truth, reflecting the light of Christ in their interactions with others. By adhering to biblical principles and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, believers can overcome the temptation to engage in knavery and instead cultivate a life marked by sincerity and righteousness. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) Dishonesty; deceitfulness; petty tricks; fraud; trickery; as, a knavish action.2. (n.) Roguish or mischievous tricks. Strong's Hebrew 5231. nekel -- wiliness, craft, knavery... 5230, 5231. nekel. 5232 . wiliness, craft, knavery. Transliteration: nekel Phonetic Spelling: (nay'-kel) Short Definition: tricks. ... /hebrew/5231.htm - 6k Library He Then Shows, from the Instance of Adam and Abel, and Other ... The Divination by a Cauldron; Illusion of Fiery Demons; Specimen ... Mention of the Heretic Colarbasus; Alliance Between Heresy and the ... Sunday Before Lent The Murket's Sacrifice When I Understood this State of Things, I was Greatly Provoked... But the Inhabitants of this City Having Determined to Continue in ... Two Kinds of Riches Concerning Jonathan, one of the Sicarii, that Stirred up a ... He Expounds the Passage of the Gospel, "The Father Judgeth no Man ... Thesaurus Knavery (2 Occurrences)... 2. (n.) Roguish or mischievous tricks. Multi-Version Concordance Knavery (2 Occurrences). Luke 20:23 But He saw through their knavery and replied, (WEY). ... /k/knavery.htm - 7k Knaveries (1 Occurrence) Knead (2 Occurrences) Wrongful (2 Occurrences) Reasonably (2 Occurrences) Defence (48 Occurrences) Cunning (43 Occurrences) Listened (120 Occurrences) Begin (56 Occurrences) Herod (45 Occurrences) Resources Knavery: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Knavery (2 Occurrences)Luke 20:23 Acts 18:14 Subtopics Related Terms |
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