Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, "restraining" refers to the act of holding back, controlling, or limiting actions, emotions, or forces. This concept is evident in various passages throughout Scripture, where restraint is often portrayed as a virtue or a necessary action to maintain order, righteousness, and obedience to God's will.Divine Restraint God's restraint is a recurring theme in the Bible, where He exercises control over creation and human affairs. In Genesis 8:1-2, after the flood, God restrains the waters, allowing them to recede: "But God remembered Noah and all the animals and livestock that were with him in the ark, and God caused a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters subsided. The springs of the deep and the floodgates of the heavens were closed, and the rain from the sky was restrained." God's restraint is also evident in His patience and mercy towards humanity. In 2 Peter 3:9, it is written, "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." Here, God's restraint is shown in His desire for all to come to repentance rather than executing immediate judgment. Human Restraint The Bible frequently calls for individuals to exercise restraint, particularly in controlling one's tongue, emotions, and desires. Proverbs 10:19 states, "When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise." This highlights the importance of self-control in speech to avoid sin. Similarly, James 1:19 advises believers to be "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger," emphasizing the need for restraint in emotions and reactions. This aligns with the fruit of the Spirit described in Galatians 5:22-23, which includes self-control as a key characteristic of a life led by the Spirit. Restraint in Leadership Leaders in the Bible are often called to exercise restraint in their authority and power. In 1 Samuel 24, David exemplifies restraint when he spares King Saul's life, despite having the opportunity to kill him. David's decision to restrain himself from harming Saul, saying, "The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the LORD" (1 Samuel 24:6), demonstrates his respect for God's anointed and his trust in God's timing and justice. Restraint and Temptation The Bible also addresses the need for restraint in the face of temptation. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, Paul assures believers that "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it." This passage encourages believers to rely on God's provision and strength to exercise restraint and overcome temptation. Conclusion The concept of restraining in the Bible encompasses divine control, human self-discipline, and the wise exercise of authority. It is a principle that underscores the importance of self-control, patience, and reliance on God's guidance in the life of a believer. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Restrain.Strong's Hebrew 3803. kathar -- to surround... A primitive root; to enclose; hence (in a friendly sense) to crown, (in a hostile one) to besiege; also to wait (as restraining oneself) -- beset round ... /hebrew/3803.htm - 6k 7448. resen -- a halter, jaw Library 5Th Day. Restraining Grace. Of Restraining the Pleasures of the Senses. The Argument for Restraining Anger is Given Again. ... Restraining Prayer: is it Sin? God's Restraining Power. That it is Now Necessary, as it was not Before Man Sinned, to ... Another Account of the Strange Aberrations of Sophia, and the ... The Epistles to the Thessalonians. Letter viii. Who are the Cultivated? Of the Punishment of Faults, that it Cannot Take Place Without ... Thesaurus Restraining (9 Occurrences)... & vb. n.) of Restrain. Multi-Version Concordance Restraining (9 Occurrences). John 11:38 Jesus, however, again restraining His strong feeling, came to the tomb. ... /r/restraining.htm - 9k Grasp (20 Occurrences) Grasping (3 Occurrences) Control (88 Occurrences) Restrain (31 Occurrences) Influence (13 Occurrences) Incontinent (1 Occurrence) Tabernacle (333 Occurrences) Restrains (8 Occurrences) Restraint (34 Occurrences) Resources Who / What is the restrainer in 2 Thessalonians 2:6? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is common grace? | GotQuestions.org Will the Holy Spirit be present during the tribulation? | GotQuestions.org Restraining: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Restraining (9 Occurrences)John 11:38 Colossians 2:23 2 Thessalonians 2:6 2 Thessalonians 2:7 Genesis 20:18 1 Samuel 25:31 Psalms 65:7 Proverbs 10:19 Proverbs 27:16 Subtopics Related Terms |
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