Maxims, in the context of the Bible, refer to concise statements or principles that convey moral or ethical truths. These pithy sayings are often found in the wisdom literature of the Bible, particularly in the Book of Proverbs, and serve as guidelines for righteous living and decision-making. Maxims are designed to be easily remembered and applied to daily life, offering insight into the nature of God, human behavior, and the world.

Biblical Examples of Maxims

1. Proverbs: The Book of Proverbs is replete with maxims that provide practical wisdom. For instance, Proverbs 1:7 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." This maxim underscores the foundational role of reverence for God in acquiring true understanding.

2. Ecclesiastes: Another book of wisdom literature, Ecclesiastes, offers maxims that reflect on the meaning of life and the human condition. Ecclesiastes 12:13 summarizes the book's teachings: "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind."

3. New Testament Teachings: Jesus Christ often used maxims in His teachings. In the Sermon on the Mount, He provides numerous succinct statements that encapsulate profound truths. For example, Matthew 7:12, known as the Golden Rule, states, "In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets."

4. Apostolic Wisdom: The Epistles also contain maxims that guide Christian conduct. In 1 Corinthians 15:33, Paul warns, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" This maxim highlights the influence of one's associations on moral integrity.

Characteristics of Biblical Maxims

· Conciseness: Maxims are brief and to the point, making them easy to memorize and recall.
· Moral and Ethical Focus: They often address issues of right and wrong, encouraging behavior that aligns with God's will.
· Universal Application: While rooted in specific cultural and historical contexts, the truths conveyed by biblical maxims are timeless and applicable to all believers.
· Divine Wisdom: Maxims in the Bible are not merely human observations but are inspired by God, offering insights that transcend human understanding.

Purpose and Function

Maxims serve several purposes in the biblical narrative:

· Instruction: They provide clear guidance on how to live a life pleasing to God.
· Reflection: Maxims encourage believers to ponder their actions and attitudes in light of divine truth.
· Correction: They often serve as a means of reproof, pointing out folly and encouraging repentance.
· Encouragement: By highlighting the benefits of wisdom and righteousness, maxims motivate believers to pursue godly living.

The Role of Maxims in Christian Life

For Christians, maxims are valuable tools for spiritual growth and moral development. They offer a framework for understanding God's expectations and navigating the complexities of life. By meditating on and applying these succinct truths, believers can cultivate a life that reflects the character of Christ and honors God.

Maxims to Know a Simple, Humble, and True Heart.
... True Annihilation, and Internal Peace. CHAP. XI. Maxims to know a simple,
humble, and true Heart. 105. Encourage thy self to be ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap xi maxims to know.htm

The World.
... The maxims, ideas, judgments, conduct and habits of the world and those of the flock
that Jesus came to save are so contradictory, their language is so ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter vii the world.htm

To-Morrow
... scene, and that our benevolent Father is not inattentive to our happiness even in
this state, he has furnished us with some excellent and wise maxims which we ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/to-morrow.htm

To-Morrow
... scene, and that our benevolent Father is not inattentive to our happiness even in
this state, he has furnished us with some excellent and wise maxims, which we ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/to-morrow.htm

An Ancient Nonconformist
... Because of the fear of God.' His religion went down into the little duties of common
life, and imposed upon him a standard far above the maxims that were ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/an ancient nonconformist.htm

The Poetical Books.
... was natural and quite in accordance with the practice of other nations that the
Hebrews should connect Solomon's name with a collection of maxims and precepts ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter vii the poetical books.htm

The Lawful and Unlawful Use of Law.
... Or again, law may express itself in maxims and rules. ... The moral law, which guides
life by rules and maxims. Now it is an illegitimate use of law. First. ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/xix the lawful and unlawful.htm

Luke xiv. 33
... by another rule than that of school morality or honour; the trying, or not trying,
to please God, instead of those around you: for the notions and maxims of a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnold/the christian life/lecture ix luke xiv 33.htm

Ernest Renan.
... v.). "It can not be denied, that the maxims borrowed [?] by Jesus ... and last chap.).
Footnotes: [31] A collection of sentences and maxims of ancient Jewish rabbis. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/schaff/the person of christ/ernest renan.htm

The Misery of Man Without God
... And this not casually and against his maxims, since every one makes mistakes,
but by his maxims themselves, and by first and chief design. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section ii the misery of.htm

Maxims (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Maxims (2 Occurrences). Titus 1:14 and not give attention
to Jewish legends and the maxims of men who turn their backs on the truth. ...
/m/maxims.htm - 6k

Maw (2 Occurrences)

/m/maw.htm - 8k

Proverbs (11 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Proverbs, Book of. A collection of moral and philosophical
maxims of a wide range of subjects presented in a poetic form. ...
/p/proverbs.htm - 43k

Legends (2 Occurrences)
... Legends (2 Occurrences). Titus 1:14 and not give attention to Jewish legends
and the maxims of men who turn their backs on the truth. (WEY). ...
/l/legends.htm - 6k

Worldly (25 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Relating to the world; human; common;
as, worldly maxims; worldly actions. 2. (a.) Pertaining ...
/w/worldly.htm - 13k

Dark (234 Occurrences)
... Of the latter kind are the sententious maxims of the Wisdom literature (chiefly
Proverbs, but also Job, Ecclesiastes, and among the uncanonical writings ...
/d/dark.htm - 44k

May (14936 Occurrences)

/m/may.htm - 7k

Pathway (4 Occurrences)
... to God either (i) of the methods of the Divine Providence, God's dealings with men
(Psalm 25:10; Psalm 65:11), or (ii) of the principles and maxims of religion ...
/p/pathway.htm - 10k

Path (91 Occurrences)
... to God either (i) of the methods of the Divine Providence, God's dealings with men
(Psalm 25:10; Psalm 65:11), or (ii) of the principles and maxims of religion ...
/p/path.htm - 33k

Backs (46 Occurrences)
... these. (BBE). Titus 1:14 and not give attention to Jewish legends and the
maxims of men who turn their backs on the truth. (WEY). ...
/b/backs.htm - 21k

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