The term "mincing" is used in the Bible to describe a particular manner of walking that is characterized by affected or exaggerated steps, often associated with vanity or pride. This behavior is typically mentioned in the context of a warning or rebuke against prideful or ostentatious behavior, particularly among women.

Isaiah 3:16-17 :
"The LORD also says: 'Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, walking with heads held high and wanton eyes, prancing and skipping as they go, jingling their anklets, therefore the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will make their foreheads bare.'"

In this passage, the prophet Isaiah delivers a message from the LORD concerning the women of Zion. The term "prancing and skipping" is often understood to mean "mincing," indicating a deliberate and affected manner of walking. This behavior is linked to haughtiness and vanity, as the women are described as having "wanton eyes" and wearing jingling anklets to draw attention to themselves. The LORD's response to this behavior is one of judgment, as He promises to bring about a humbling and a stripping away of their prideful adornments.

The context of this passage is a broader critique of the societal and spiritual decay in Judah, where external displays of wealth and beauty are prioritized over inner righteousness and humility. The "mincing" walk is emblematic of a deeper spiritual issue, where outward appearances are given precedence over the heart's condition.

Proverbs 31:30 :
"Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised."

While not directly mentioning "mincing," this verse from Proverbs provides a counterpoint to the behavior described in Isaiah. It emphasizes the value of fearing the LORD over external charm and beauty. The focus is on inner virtue rather than outward display, suggesting that true worth is found in godliness rather than in superficial appearances.

1 Peter 3:3-4 :
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight."

This New Testament passage echoes the Old Testament's call for modesty and humility. It advises against relying on external adornments for beauty, instead encouraging women to cultivate an inner beauty characterized by a gentle and quiet spirit. This teaching aligns with the critique of "mincing" as it shifts the focus from outward, attention-seeking behavior to the cultivation of inner virtues that are pleasing to God.

In summary, the concept of "mincing" in the Bible serves as a metaphor for vanity and pride, particularly in the context of women's behavior. The scriptures consistently call for a focus on inner beauty and godliness, warning against the dangers of prioritizing external appearances over spiritual integrity.Isaiah 3:16
Moreover the LORD said, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet:
Nave's Topical Index

The Seventh Book
... of women and made their steps more mincing than women ... any time been done or permitted
with general impunity ... had, as it is written in the Scriptures, entered "a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the seventh book.htm

The Incomparable Bridegroom and his Bride
... be given without any flinching and without any mincing of the ... work of the Church
becomes far more general than it ... that is not revealed in the Scriptures, or if ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/the incomparable bridegroom and his.htm

Christian Behavior
... obliged to; as private prayer, reading the scriptures, and Christian ... But to break
off from this general, and to ... And as Jacob said concerning the cruelty of his ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects.
... is "members of Christ," [567]444; soul to be preferred to, [568]463, purity of,
depends on soul, [569]463, [570]499; Priscillianists erred concerning, [571]484 ...
/.../on care to be had for the dead /doctrinal and moral treatises index.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... Remember me, O my God, concerning this; and ... men, are far from being so.2. This general
offer of ... From all these scriptures, therefore, it is manifest, 'that men ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... every inhabitant being present in the general assembly and ... Yea, further, where you
find the Scriptures and your ... thy wanton eye, with all thy mincing brats that ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... It is concerning one old Tod, that was hanged ... Reading the Scriptures, hearing sermons,
godly conference, repeating ... evil of cursing ariseth in general from the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... I told you then, also, what I saw concerning his wife and children, and how unwilling
they were to go with him on pilgrimage, insomuch that he was forced to go ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

Mincing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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