The term "pondereth" is an archaic form of the verb "ponder," which means to consider something deeply and thoroughly, to weigh in the mind, or to reflect upon. In the context of the Bible, "pondereth" is often used to describe the act of meditating on God's Word, His works, or His ways. This reflective practice is seen as a vital aspect of spiritual growth and understanding.

Biblical Usage:

The concept of pondering is deeply rooted in the wisdom literature of the Bible, where it is associated with the pursuit of wisdom and understanding. In the Berean Standard Bible, the act of pondering is often linked with the heart and mind, emphasizing the importance of internal reflection in the life of a believer.

Proverbs 4:26 : "Make level paths for your feet, and all your ways will be sure." While the word "pondereth" is not directly used in this verse, the concept is implicit in the instruction to carefully consider one's path. The verse encourages believers to deliberate on their actions and decisions, ensuring they align with God's righteous ways.

Proverbs 21:2 : "All a man's ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart." Here, the idea of God weighing the heart can be seen as a divine form of pondering. While humans may justify their actions, it is God who truly understands and evaluates the intentions and thoughts of the heart.

Luke 2:19 : "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." This verse describes Mary, the mother of Jesus, as she reflects on the events surrounding the birth of Christ. Her pondering signifies a deep, contemplative meditation on the significance of these divine occurrences, highlighting the importance of reflection in recognizing God's work in one's life.

Theological Significance:

In the conservative Christian tradition, pondering is seen as an essential discipline for believers. It involves a deliberate and thoughtful engagement with Scripture, allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate understanding and guide one's life. Pondering is not merely an intellectual exercise but a spiritual practice that fosters a deeper relationship with God.

The act of pondering is also associated with discernment. By meditating on God's Word and His principles, believers are better equipped to discern His will and make choices that honor Him. This reflective practice is encouraged throughout Scripture as a means of cultivating wisdom and aligning one's life with God's purposes.

Practical Application:

For Christians, pondering involves setting aside time for quiet reflection and meditation on Scripture. It requires an open heart and mind, ready to receive insights from the Holy Spirit. This practice can be incorporated into daily devotions, prayer, and study of the Bible.

By engaging in the discipline of pondering, believers can deepen their understanding of God's character, His promises, and His commands. It allows for a more profound appreciation of the truths of the faith and encourages a life that is increasingly conformed to the image of Christ.

Guilt of Neglecting the Heathen.
... to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;
if thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter iii guilt of neglecting.htm

Of Compunction of Heart
... A good man will find sufficient cause for mourning and weeping; for whether he
considereth himself, or pondereth concerning his neighbour, he knoweth that no ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xxi of compunction of.htm

September 16 Morning
... SEPTEMBER 16 MORNING. The Lord pondereth the hearts."PROV.21:2. The Lord
knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/september 16 morning.htm

January 29 Morning
... The eyes of theLord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good."The ways
of man are before the eyes of theLord, and he pondereth all his goings ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/january 29 morning.htm

The Portrait of a Drunkyard
... ready to be slain; 12. If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he
that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the portrait of a drunkyard.htm

Providential Guidance
... to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;
if thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not He that pondereth the heart ...
/.../taylor/a retrospect/chapter xiv providential guidance.htm

"Show Me Thy Glory!"
... to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;
if thou sayest, 'Behold we knew it not,' doth not He that pondereth the heart ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter xxxii show me thy.htm

"The Least of These My Brethren"
... to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;
if thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not He that pondereth the heart ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 70 the least of.htm

The Doctrine of God
... Not one single thing occurring in any place escapes His knowledge.5:21""For the
ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of god.htm

The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles).
... hatred therewith. Prov.15:16. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes;
But the Lord pondereth the hearts. Prov.21:2. Whoso curseth ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxi the poetical books.htm

Pondereth (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Pondereth (4 Occurrences). ... (YLT). Proverbs 5:21 For the
ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings. ...
/p/pondereth.htm - 7k

Goings (42 Occurrences)
... becomes in the Revised Version (British and American) "My steps have held fast to
thy paths, my feet have not slipped"; Proverbs 5:21, "He pondereth all his ...
/g/goings.htm - 22k

Going (2561 Occurrences)
... becomes in the Revised Version (British and American) "My steps have held fast to
thy paths, my feet have not slipped"; Proverbs 5:21, "He pondereth all his ...
/g/going.htm - 10k

Ponderer (1 Occurrence)

/p/ponderer.htm - 6k

Pondering (6 Occurrences)

/p/pondering.htm - 8k

Keepeth (60 Occurrences)
... them. (ASV DBY JPS). Proverbs 24:12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it
not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and ...
/k/keepeth.htm - 23k

Sayest (66 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV). Proverbs 24:12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew
it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? ...
/s/sayest.htm - 26k

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