The term "shrewder" is often associated with wisdom, discernment, and astuteness in decision-making. In the biblical context, it is frequently linked to the ability to navigate complex situations with prudence and insight. The concept of shrewdness is addressed in various passages throughout the Bible, where it is sometimes commended and at other times cautioned against, depending on the motives and outcomes associated with it.

Biblical References:

1. Parable of the Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:1-9): One of the most direct references to shrewdness in the Bible is found in the Parable of the Shrewd Manager. Jesus tells the account of a manager who, upon learning he will be dismissed, cleverly reduces the debts of his master's debtors to secure favor with them. Jesus concludes the parable by saying, "For the sons of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the sons of light" (Luke 16:8). Here, shrewdness is highlighted as a quality that, while often used for self-serving purposes, can be instructive for believers in terms of being wise and strategic in their spiritual lives.

2. Serpents and Doves (Matthew 10:16): Jesus instructs His disciples, "Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16). This verse underscores the necessity for believers to be discerning and wise in their interactions with the world, balancing shrewdness with purity and integrity.

3. Proverbs on Wisdom and Prudence: The Book of Proverbs frequently associates shrewdness with wisdom and prudence. Proverbs 14:8 states, "The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them" . Here, shrewdness is portrayed as a positive attribute that enables individuals to navigate life effectively and avoid deception.

4. Negative Connotations of Shrewdness: While shrewdness can be a positive trait, the Bible also warns against its misuse. In 2 Corinthians 4:2, Paul speaks against deceitful practices, emphasizing the importance of integrity: "Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God" . This highlights the potential for shrewdness to be employed in ways that are contrary to God's will.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, shrewdness is a double-edged sword. It is a gift that, when used rightly, can advance God's kingdom and protect His people. However, when misused, it can lead to manipulation and deceit. The Bible encourages believers to cultivate a shrewdness that is aligned with godly wisdom, characterized by a heart that seeks to honor God and serve others.

Practical Application:

In practical terms, Christians are called to develop a shrewdness that is informed by Scripture and guided by the Holy Spirit. This involves being alert to the realities of the world, making wise decisions, and maintaining a posture of humility and righteousness. By doing so, believers can effectively engage with the world while remaining faithful to their calling in Christ.

It is the Same in the Case of Girls. ...
... I fancy Jane Austen was stronger, sharper and shrewder than Charlotte Bronte; I
am quite certain she was stronger, sharper and shrewder than George Eliot. ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 41 it is the.htm

A Stubborn Foe Routed.
... They sought a private talk with Jesus. No shrewder thing was ever done. When you
fail, quit your service and get away for a private interview with Jesus. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/a stubborn foe routed.htm

Christianity and Business
... perils that will come to it from sentimentalism, mysticism, silliness, and he asks:
"Why is it that the children of this world are so much shrewder than the ...
/.../peabody/mornings in the college chapel/lvii christianity and business.htm

About Discerning the Thoughts, with an Illustration from a Good ...
... gold it is made like some coin of great value; and not only shrewdly to recognize
coins stamped with the heads of usurpers, but with a still shrewder skill to ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xx about discerning the.htm

Abraham's Four Surrenders
... for time are disappointed. I have no doubt that the men of Sodom said that
Lot was. A MUCH SHREWDER MAN. than his uncle Abram, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/men of the bible/i abrahams four surrenders.htm

Refutation of the Calumnies by which this Doctrine is Always ...
... But Valla, though otherwise not greatly skilled in sacred matters, seems to me to
have taken a shrewder and more acute view, when he shows that the dispute is ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 23 refutation of the.htm

Carey's Immediate Influence in Great Britain and America
... John Foster's shrewder common sense never wavered, but inspired his pen alike in
the heat of controversy and in his powerful essays and criticisms. ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xiii careys immediate influence.htm

Naparima and Montserrat
... The men stood by themselves; the women by themselves; the children grouped in front;
and a merrier, healthier, shrewder looking party I have seldom seen. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter x naparima and montserrat.htm

The Fifth Book
... Therefore some of those of whom I speak, who are either shrewder than the rest or
have been sharpened by necessity, have lost their homes and farms by such ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the fifth book.htm

Appendix (D).
... iii. c. 4, pp. 274-5,) has a brief and unsatisfactory dissertation on the
same subject; but he arrives at a far shrewder conclusion. ...
/.../burgon/the last twelve verses of the gospel according to s mark/appendix d.htm

Shrewder (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Shrewder (1 Occurrence). Luke 16:8 "And the master
praised the dishonest steward for his shrewdness; for ...
/s/shrewder.htm - 6k

Shrewd (14 Occurrences)
... 16:8 "And the master praised the dishonest steward for his shrewdness; for, in relation
to their own contemporaries, the men of this age are shrewder than the ...
/s/shrewd.htm - 10k

Relation (86 Occurrences)
... 16:8 "And the master praised the dishonest steward for his shrewdness; for, in relation
to their own contemporaries, the men of this age are shrewder than the ...
/r/relation.htm - 33k

Praised (101 Occurrences)
... 16:8 "And the master praised the dishonest steward for his shrewdness; for, in relation
to their own contemporaries, the men of this age are shrewder than the ...
/p/praised.htm - 36k

Contemporaries (2 Occurrences)
... 16:8 "And the master praised the dishonest steward for his shrewdness; for, in relation
to their own contemporaries, the men of this age are shrewder than the ...
/c/contemporaries.htm - 7k

Shrewdly (2 Occurrences)

/s/shrewdly.htm - 7k

Shrewdness (3 Occurrences)
... 16:8 "And the master praised the dishonest steward for his shrewdness; for, in relation
to their own contemporaries, the men of this age are shrewder than the ...
/s/shrewdness.htm - 7k

Sons (2429 Occurrences)
... 16:8 "And the master praised the dishonest steward for his shrewdness; for, in relation
to their own contemporaries, the men of this age are shrewder than the ...
/s/sons.htm - 65k

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