The concept of skillfulness is woven throughout the biblical narrative, often highlighting the importance of wisdom, craftsmanship, and the diligent use of one's abilities in service to God and others. The term "skilfully" is associated with the execution of tasks with precision, wisdom, and expertise, reflecting a heart aligned with divine purpose.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, skillfulness is prominently featured in the context of craftsmanship and artistry, particularly in the construction of the Tabernacle. Exodus 31:1-5 introduces Bezalel, whom God filled "with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in all kinds of craftsmanship, to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze." This passage underscores the divine origin of skill, suggesting that true skillfulness is a gift from God, intended for His glory.

The building of the Temple under King Solomon also highlights the value of skill. In 1 Kings 7:14 , Hiram of Tyre is described as "a man of great skill, understanding, and knowledge in working with bronze." His expertise was crucial in the creation of the Temple's furnishings, demonstrating that skillfulness is essential in the service of God’s dwelling place.

Wisdom Literature

The wisdom literature of the Bible often associates skill with wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 22:29 states, "Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men." This proverb emphasizes that skill, when combined with diligence, leads to recognition and honor. It suggests that skillfulness is not merely a technical ability but is deeply connected to wisdom and moral integrity.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, while the term "skilfully" is not explicitly used, the concept is evident in the parables and teachings of Jesus. The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) illustrates the importance of using one's abilities wisely and productively. The servants who skilfully invest their talents are commended, while the one who fails to do so is rebuked. This parable reinforces the idea that skillfulness involves stewardship and accountability before God.

Spiritual Gifts and the Church

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, speaks to the diversity of gifts within the body of Christ, each requiring skillful use for the edification of the church. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 , Paul writes, "There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people." This passage highlights that skillfulness in spiritual gifts is essential for the unity and growth of the church.

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, skillfulness is portrayed as a divine endowment, a reflection of God's creativity and wisdom. It is a call to excellence, stewardship, and service, urging believers to develop and use their skills for the glory of God and the benefit of others.3190. yatab -- to be good, well, glad, or pleasing
... ly), dress, earnestly, find favour, give, be glad, do (be, make) good((-ness)),
be (make) merry, please (+ well), shew more (kindness), skilfully, X very small ...
/hebrew/3190.htm - 7k

Argument. --He Skilfully Replies to a Passage which the Heretics ...
... Chapter XXVII. Argument."He Skilfully Replies to a Passage Which the Heretics
Employed in Defence of Their Own Opinion. But since ...
/.../chapter xxvii argument he skilfully replies.htm

He Then Clearly and Skilfully Criticises the Doctrine of the ...
... Section 7. He then clearly and skilfully criticises the doctrine of the impossibility
of comparison with the things made after the Son, and exposes the ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 7 he then clearly.htm

He Next Skilfully Confutes the Partial, Empty and Blasphemous ...
... Book II. Section 4. He next skilfully confutes the partial, empty and blasphemous
statement of Eunomius on the subject of the absolutely existent. ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 4 he next skilfully.htm

Then Returning to the Words of Peter, "God Made Him Lord and ...
... Section 4. Then returning to the words of Peter, "God made Him Lord and Christ,"
he skilfully explains it by many arguments, and herein shows Eunomius as an ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 4 then returning to.htm

A Refutation of this Dogma on the Ground of Familiar Human ...
... indeterminately, and to decompose and dissipate its materials in every casual and
unregulated way, just as the wisdom by which it was skilfully constructed at ...
/.../dionysius/the works of dionysius/ii a refutation of this.htm

Jesus at the Well. A Word to Preachers.
... become a preacher. II.--- Interest your Audience. How skilfully Jesus
went to work to lay hold of this giddy woman! He spoke of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xxxii jesus at the well.htm

Gregory of Nyssa: Dogmatic Treatises, Etc
... Section 4. He next skilfully confutes the partial, empty and blasphemous statement
of Eunomius on the subject of the absolutely existent. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/

The Prudent Steward.
... the children of light, look after their own affairs; and it is intimated that the
one class attends to its business more earnestly and more skilfully than the ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xxv the prudent steward.htm

A Treatise of Novatian Concerning the Trinity
... Chapter XXVII. Argument.--He Skilfully Replies to a Passage Which the Heretics
Employed in Defence of Their Own Opinion. Chapter XXVIII. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/novatian/a treatise of novatian concerning the trinity/

Separation to God.
... There may be danger that the questioner cannot see: Satan's baits often skilfully
conceal a sharp hook; but supposing that the thing be harmless, it does not ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part i separation to god.htm

Skilfully (13 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Skilfully (13 Occurrences). 2 Peter 1:16 For,
skilfully devised fables not having followed out, we did ...
/s/skilfully.htm - 10k

Breastpiece (21 Occurrences)
... 28:28 And they shall bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings of
the ephod with a thread of blue, that it may be upon the skilfully woven band ...
/b/breastpiece.htm - 12k

Workmanship (15 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:8 And the skilfully woven band, which is upon it, wherewith to gird it
on, shall be like the work thereof and of the same piece: of gold, of blue ...
/w/workmanship.htm - 11k

Finely (27 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:8 And the skilfully woven band, which is upon it, wherewith to gird it
on, shall be like the work thereof and of the same piece: of gold, of blue ...
/f/finely.htm - 14k

Thread (32 Occurrences)
... 28:28 And they shall bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings of
the ephod with a lace of blue, that it may be upon the skilfully woven band of ...
/t/thread.htm - 16k

Tunic (24 Occurrences)
... shalt take the garments, and put upon Aaron the coat, and the robe of the ephod,
and the ephod, and the breastplate, and gird him with the skilfully woven band ...
/t/tunic.htm - 13k

Wherewith (182 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:8 And the skilfully woven band, which is upon it, wherewith to gird it
on, shall be like the work thereof and of the same piece; of gold, of blue ...
/w/wherewith.htm - 38k

Pieces (209 Occurrences)
... and shalt put them on the two shoulder-pieces of the ephod underneath, in the forepart
thereof, close by the coupling thereof, above the skilfully woven band ...
/p/pieces.htm - 40k

Skilful (38 Occurrences)

/s/skilful.htm - 21k

Left-handed (3 Occurrences)
Left-handed. Lefthanded, Left-handed. Leftover . Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Judges 3:15; 20:16), one unable to use the right hand skilfully, and who therefore ...
/l/left-handed.htm - 8k

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