Definition and Context:
Mischance refers to an unfortunate or unlucky event, often perceived as occurring by chance or accident. In the biblical context, the concept of mischance is intertwined with the understanding of divine providence, human responsibility, and the fallen nature of the world. While the term "mischance" itself is not explicitly used in the Bible, the idea is present in various narratives and teachings.

Biblical References and Themes:

1. Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility:
The Bible teaches that God is sovereign over all events, including those that appear to be mischance. Proverbs 16:33 states, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." This verse underscores the belief that what may seem like random events are ultimately under God's control. However, human responsibility is also emphasized, as individuals are accountable for their actions and decisions.

2. The Fallen World:
The presence of mischance is often attributed to the fallen state of the world due to sin. In Genesis 3, the fall of man introduces pain, suffering, and disorder into creation. Romans 8:20-22 speaks of creation being subjected to futility and groaning as it awaits redemption. This context helps explain why mischance and suffering occur in the world.

3. Job's Suffering:
The account of Job is a profound exploration of mischance and suffering. Job, a righteous man, experiences immense misfortune, losing his wealth, health, and family. Despite his friends' insistence that his suffering must be due to sin, the narrative reveals that Job's mischance is not a direct result of his actions but part of a larger divine purpose. Job 1:21 reflects Job's faith amidst mischance: "The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD."

4. Ecclesiastes and the Unpredictability of Life:
Ecclesiastes addresses the unpredictability of life and the apparent randomness of events. Ecclesiastes 9:11 observes, "I saw something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all." This passage acknowledges that life does not always follow expected patterns, and mischance can affect anyone.

5. Trust in God's Providence:
Despite the reality of mischance, believers are encouraged to trust in God's providence. Romans 8:28 assures, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." This promise provides comfort that even in mischance, God is working for the ultimate good of His people.

6. Jesus' Teachings on Worry and Trust:
Jesus addresses the concerns of mischance in His teachings. In Matthew 6:25-34, He instructs His followers not to worry about their lives, emphasizing God's care and provision. Jesus reassures that God knows the needs of His people and will provide for them, encouraging trust over anxiety about potential misfortunes.

Conclusion:
While the Bible acknowledges the reality of mischance, it consistently points to a God who is sovereign and purposeful. Believers are called to trust in God's providence, even when faced with seemingly random or unfortunate events, knowing that He is ultimately in control and working for their good.1. (n.) Ill luck; ill fortune; mishap.

2. (v. i.) To happen by mischance.

The Margin of the Nile
... Rachel's eyes fell. "We did speak of the statue," she began. "O, aye! I meant
to tell thee how I had fortified myself against mischance. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xiv the margin of.htm

And Leaving all These Reflections, I Considered and Turned in ...
... For when two men devote themselves in the right spirit to the same objects, though
some mischance befalls the one, he has still at least no slight alleviation ...
/.../a metaphrase of the book of ecclesiastes/chapter iv and leaving all.htm

School Days
... Many a time, both in those days and later; a noble proved his rank and saved
himself from mischance by the mere fact that he spoke Latin. ...
/.../greater things the story of saint stanislaus kostka /chapter v school days.htm

Jews and Gentiles in "The Land"
... More than that, if by mischance any heathen dust had been brought into Palestine,
it did not and could not mingle with that of "the land," but remained to the ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 2 jews and gentiles.htm

Called to Swatow
... We were to prove, however, that no unforeseen mischance had happened, but that these
circumstances which seemed so trying were necessary links in the chain of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a retrospect/chapter xii called to swatow.htm

Objections from the Revelation and the First Epistle of St. John ...
... For who has a doubt that an heretic, deceived by (a spurious baptismal) rite, upon
discovering his mischance, and expiating it by repentance, both attains ...
/.../tertullian/on modesty/chapter xix objections from the revelation.htm

Human Flesh not the Proper or Natural Food of Men.
... which this nourishment would be against nature, even though it were to pass many
times through their stomach, owing to some most bitter mischance; but, removed ...
/.../chapter viii human flesh not the.htm

How Three Sunday School Children Met their Fate
... It came on night and they had not yet reached the children. When they were near
them, by some mischance the lantern broke, and the ruins caught fire. ...
/.../how three sunday school children.htm

The Petition
... I found it. "But by some unknowable mischance mine enemy discovered my whereabouts
and a third minion, who escaped my wrath before the statue that morning ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxiv the petition.htm

Accordingly, as this Man's Fame was Becoming Always the More ...
... attempt to get at him by letter; for he was afraid lest, by any sudden and unexpected
introduction of himself upon the scene some mischance might possibly ...
/.../4 accordingly as this mans.htm

Mischance (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Ill luck; ill fortune; mishap. 2. (vi) To happen
by mischance. Multi-Version Concordance Mischance (1 Occurrence). ...
/m/mischance.htm - 6k

Mishap (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) An unfortunate accident; ill luck; misfortune;
mischance. 2. (vi) To happen unluckily; -- used impersonally. ...
/m/mishap.htm - 6k

Misfortune (24 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Bad fortune or luck; calamity; an evil
accident; disaster; mishap; mischance. 2. (vi) To happen ...
/m/misfortune.htm - 13k

Miscarrying (3 Occurrences)

/m/miscarrying.htm - 7k

Mischief (64 Occurrences)

/m/mischief.htm - 26k

Mischance: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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