Definition and General Understanding:

Skilfulness refers to the ability to perform tasks with expertise, precision, and competence. In the biblical context, it often denotes a God-given talent or wisdom in various crafts, arts, or leadership. Skilfulness is seen as a gift from God, enabling individuals to fulfill specific roles or tasks for His glory and the benefit of His people.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 31:1-5 : "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in all kinds of craftsmanship—to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut gemstones for settings, and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every craft.'"

· This passage highlights the divine origin of skilfulness, as Bezalel is endowed by God with the Spirit to perform intricate craftsmanship for the construction of the Tabernacle. It underscores the belief that true skill is a gift from God, intended for His purposes.

2. 1 Chronicles 15:22 : "Chenaniah the head Levite was the director of the music because he was skillful."

· Here, Chenaniah's appointment as the director of music is attributed to his skillfulness. This indicates that skill is not only valued in physical crafts but also in the arts, such as music, which plays a significant role in worship and the life of the community.

3. Proverbs 22:29 : "Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men."

· This proverb emphasizes the honor and recognition that come with skilfulness. It suggests that those who are diligent and skilled in their work will gain prominence and respect, potentially influencing leaders and nations.

4. Psalm 78:72 : "So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands."

· David's leadership is characterized by both integrity and skilfulness. This combination is presented as essential for effective and righteous leadership, indicating that skill must be accompanied by moral character.

Theological Implications:

Skilfulness in the Bible is often linked with divine inspiration and purpose. It is not merely a human achievement but a manifestation of God's grace and provision. The Bible encourages the development and use of skills for the service of God and others, reflecting His creativity and order.

Practical Application:

Believers are encouraged to recognize and cultivate their God-given skills, using them to serve the community and glorify God. Whether in craftsmanship, music, leadership, or any other field, skilfulness should be pursued with diligence and humility, acknowledging its divine source and purpose.8394. tebunah -- an understanding
... or towbunah {to-boo-naw'}; from biyn; intelligence; by implication, an argument;
by extension, caprice -- discretion, reason, skilfulness, understanding, wisdom ...
/hebrew/8394.htm - 6k

Fragment xviii.
... Animals in harness cannot but be carried over a precipice by the inexperience and
badness of their driver, even as by his skilfulness and excellence they will ...
/.../justin/fragments from the lost writings of justin/fragment xviii.htm

Treatise xi. Exhortation to Martyrdom, Addressed to Fortunatus.
... in the field; nor will he who seeks to gain the crown of contest be rewarded on
the racecourse, unless he first considers the use and skilfulness of his powers ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise xi exhortation to martyrdom.htm

The Sheep and their Shepherd
... you as his flock, sets store by every lamb of the fold, and so feeds you according
to the integrity of his heart, and guides you by the skilfulness of his hands ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the sheep and their shepherd.htm

Of Fleeing from Vain Hope and Pride
... wither away. Be not vain of thy skilfulness or ability, lest thou displease
God, from whom cometh every good gift which we have. 3 ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter vii of fleeing from.htm

That we must Rest in God Above all Goods and Gifts
... Thee above every creature, above all health and beauty, above all glory and honour,
above all power and dignity, above all knowledge and skilfulness, above all ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xxi that we must.htm

A Comparison with a Man who is Trying to Hit a Mark.
... cannot perceive that they have strayed from the direction of the intended straight
line because they have no distinct mark to prove the skilfulness of their aim ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter v a comparison with.htm

Centenary Commemoration
... THE WISE RULER. Psalm 78:72. "So he fed them according to the integrity of
his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.". ...
/.../centenary commemoration 2.htm

Treatise v. An Address to Demetrianus.
... failing in the fields, the sailor at sea, the soldier in the camp, innocence in
the market, justice in the tribunal, concord in friendships, skilfulness in the ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise v an address to.htm

Epistle xxv. To Maximus of Salona.
... Moreover, if any occasion of hindering thy journey has arisen from the judges, or
the military force, or the people, we acknowledge the skilfulness with which ...
/.../gregory/the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xxv to maximus of.htm

"As Thy Days, So Shall Thy Strength Be"
... been overcome with horror because you have been afraid the work was marred, like
the vessel on the potter's wheel, by reason of your own want of skilfulness. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/as thy days so shall.htm

Skilfulness (2 Occurrences)
...Skilfulness (2 Occurrences). Psalms 78:72 So he fed them according to the integrity
of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands. ...
/s/skilfulness.htm - 7k

Skilfully (13 Occurrences)

/s/skilfully.htm - 10k

Skill (26 Occurrences)

/s/skill.htm - 19k

Ruleth (21 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Psalms 78:72 And he ruleth them according to the integrity of his heart,
And by the skilfulness of his hands leadeth them! (YLT). ...
/r/ruleth.htm - 12k

Equity (19 Occurrences)
... which is found in Proverbs 17:26 Isaiah 59:14 Malachi 2:6 in place of the King James
Version "equity." Ecclesiastes 2:21 has "skilfulness" and the Revised ...
/e/equity.htm - 13k

Shepherded (2 Occurrences)
... Psalms 78:72 So he was their shepherd according to the integrity of his heart, And
guided them by the skilfulness of his hands. (See JPS NAS NIV). ...
/s/shepherded.htm - 7k

Leadeth (42 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Psalms 78:72 And he ruleth them according to the integrity of his heart,
And by the skilfulness of his hands leadeth them! (YLT). ...
/l/leadeth.htm - 18k

Fed (62 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). Psalms 78:72 So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart;
and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands. (KJV DBY WBS). ...
/f/fed.htm - 25k

Skilful (38 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Psalms 78:72 So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and
guided them by the skilfulness of his hands. (Root in KJV JPS ASV DBY YLT RSV). ...
/s/skilful.htm - 21k

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