The term "shrewdly" in the Bible often conveys a sense of astuteness, cleverness, or practical wisdom. It is associated with the ability to make sound judgments and navigate complex situations effectively. While the word can carry negative connotations in modern usage, in the biblical context, it often highlights a positive attribute when aligned with godly wisdom.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament, shrewdness is frequently linked to wisdom and discernment. For instance, in Proverbs, wisdom literature emphasizes the importance of understanding and prudence. Proverbs 12:16 states, "A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult." Here, prudence, akin to shrewdness, is portrayed as a virtue that enables one to manage emotions and respond wisely to provocation.

The Hebrew word often translated as "shrewd" is "עָרוּם" (arum), which can mean crafty or prudent, depending on the context. In Genesis 3:1 , the serpent is described as "more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made." This instance illustrates a negative use of shrewdness, where cunning is employed for deceitful purposes.

New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, shrewdness is presented as a commendable trait when used for righteous purposes. Jesus Himself advises His disciples to be shrewd in their dealings with the world. In Matthew 10:16 , He instructs, "Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." Here, shrewdness is coupled with innocence, suggesting that believers should be wise and discerning without compromising their integrity.

The Parable of the Shrewd Manager in Luke 16:1-9 further illustrates this concept. The manager is commended not for his dishonesty, but for his astuteness in securing his future. Jesus uses this parable to teach that the "sons of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the sons of light" (Luke 16:8), encouraging believers to exercise wisdom in their spiritual and earthly affairs.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, shrewdness is a reflection of God's wisdom imparted to His people. It is a gift that enables believers to navigate the complexities of life while maintaining their faith and moral integrity. The Bible encourages the development of shrewdness through the pursuit of wisdom, as seen in James 1:5 : "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

In summary, shrewdness in the biblical sense is a valuable trait that, when guided by divine wisdom, equips believers to live effectively and righteously in a fallen world. It is a call to be wise stewards of the knowledge and resources God has entrusted to His people, ensuring that their actions align with His will and purpose.145. aistheterion -- organ of perception
... "145 (, noun) focuses on the of and especially its . 144 (the cognate) is the
brand of sense-discernment which shrewdly sizes things up. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/145.htm - 7k

4993. sophroneo -- to be of sound mind, ie to be temperate
... Cognate: 4993 -- properly, ; having a that reflects true balance. For the
believer, 4993 ("think shrewdly") reflects what . This ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4993.htm - 7k

5430. phronimos -- sensibly
... See 5429 (). Word Origin adverb from phronimos Definition sensibly NASB Word Usage
shrewdly (1). wisely. Adverb from phronimos; prudently -- wisely. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5430.htm - 6k

Introduction
... And as Father Faber shrewdly says: when we ask for instruction in these things,
let us by all means make appeal to those whose names begin with S"let us, in ...
/.../aquinas/on prayer and the contemplative life/introduction.htm

Introduction to the Homilies on Psalms I. , Liii. , cxxx.
... believed on Him, to be the Judge of the rest of mankind.' It is true that Hilary
from time to time discriminates, and sometimes very shrewdly, between passages ...
/.../introduction to the homilies on.htm

A Homily for Humble Folks
... All his light had come through the Lord's own Word; and he shrewdly gave this caution
to those who thought themselves supremely wise above what is written ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/a homily for humble folks.htm

The Ugly Thread in the Weaving.
... It was shrewdly done and might have dissipated the fine spiritual atmosphere by
bitter strife and discussion had not Jesus quietly slipped away.[76]. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/the ugly thread in the.htm

To Gregory xi
... She shrewdly suggested that the mercenary troops who ravaged Italy, and were "the
very cause and nourishment of war," would gladly turn their arms against the ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to gregory xi 3.htm

Love Never Tests.
... We are safe only in the wisdom of our big Brother who drew his fangs in the wilderness
that day. He chooses shrewdly the spot for each following temptation. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/love never tests.htm

God Distinguished from Idols, that He May be the Exclusive Object ...
... Cicero truly and shrewdly derives the name religion from relego, and yet
the reason which he assigns is forced and farfetched"viz. ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 12 god distinguished from.htm

Chrysostom Evades Election to a Bishopric, and Writes his Work on ...
... collision between Paul and Peter at Antioch (Galatians 2:11 sqq.) away by turning
it into a theatrical and hypocritical farce, which was shrewdly arranged by ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/chapter iv chrysostom evades election to.htm

In Memory, Understanding [Or Intelligence], and Will, we have to ...
... But when the question is about any one's learning, then we ask not how solidly and
easily he remembers, or how shrewdly he understands; but what it is that he ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 11 in memory understanding or.htm

How Joseph, the Youngest of Jacob's Sons, was Envied by his ...
... Now Jacob was pleased with the dream: for, considering the prediction in his mind,
and shrewdly and wisely guessing at its meaning, he rejoiced at the great ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 how joseph the.htm

Shrewdly (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Shrewdly (2 Occurrences). Luke 16:8 "His lord
commended the dishonest manager because he had done wisely ...
/s/shrewdly.htm - 7k

Conjurer (1 Occurrence)
... hand. 3. (n.) One who conjectures shrewdly or judges wisely; a man of sagacity.
Multi-Version Concordance Conjurer (1 Occurrence). ...
/c/conjurer.htm - 7k

Shrewdness (3 Occurrences)

/s/shrewdness.htm - 7k

Shrewder (1 Occurrence)

/s/shrewder.htm - 6k

Esau (89 Occurrences)
... Rebekah had shrewdly used this fact to induce Isaac to fall in with her plan to
send Jacob to Mesopotamia; and Esau, seeing this, seems to have thought he ...
/e/esau.htm - 41k

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