In biblical literature, the concept of slipperiness is often used metaphorically to describe instability, deceit, or the precarious nature of certain paths or actions. The imagery of slipperiness conveys a sense of danger and the potential for downfall, both physically and spiritually.

Old Testament References

The notion of slipperiness is vividly depicted in the Old Testament, particularly in the Psalms and the prophetic books. In Psalm 35:6, David prays for his enemies, saying, "May their path be dark and slippery, as the angel of the LORD pursues them." Here, slipperiness is associated with divine judgment and the consequences of wickedness. The imagery suggests that those who oppose God's anointed will find themselves on treacherous ground, unable to maintain their footing.

Similarly, in Jeremiah 23:12, the prophet speaks of the false prophets, saying, "Therefore their path will become slippery; they will be driven away into the darkness and fall there." This passage highlights the deceitful nature of false prophets and the inevitable judgment that awaits them. The slippery path symbolizes the instability and danger inherent in leading others astray from God's truth.

New Testament Implications

While the New Testament does not explicitly use the term "slipperiness," the concept can be inferred in teachings about the narrow path and the dangers of straying from it. In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus warns, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." The broad road can be seen as a metaphor for a slippery path, one that is easy to follow but ultimately leads to spiritual ruin.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, slipperiness serves as a warning against the perils of sin and the importance of adhering to God's commandments. It underscores the need for vigilance and discernment in one's spiritual journey. The imagery of a slippery path calls believers to seek the firm foundation found in Christ, who is described as the "rock" in Matthew 7:24-25: "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock."

Practical Application

In practical terms, the biblical theme of slipperiness encourages believers to examine their lives for areas of potential compromise or instability. It serves as a reminder to avoid deceitful practices and to remain steadfast in faith. By aligning one's life with biblical principles, a believer can avoid the pitfalls of a slippery path and walk securely in the light of God's truth.

In summary, the biblical concept of slipperiness is a powerful metaphor for the dangers of sin, deceit, and spiritual instability. It calls believers to remain vigilant and grounded in their faith, trusting in the Lord to guide their steps on the path of righteousness.(n.) The quality of being slippery.4422. malat -- to slip away
... A primitive root; properly, to be smooth, ie (by implication) to escape (as if by
slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring ...
/hebrew/4422.htm - 6k

Of Loving Jesus Above all Things
... lasting. He who cleaveth to created things will fall with their slipperiness;
but he who embraceth Jesus will stand upright for ever. ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter vii of loving jesus.htm

Job.
... For an indirectness and a slipperiness attaches to the whole book, even in the Hebrew;
and, as orators say in Greek, it [5401] is tricked out with figures of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jerome/the principal works of st jerome/job.htm

Of the Manifold Abuse of Speech.
... We do not only fall by the slipperiness of our tongues, but we deliberately discipline
and train them to mischief. We bend our tongues as our bows for lies. ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section ii of the manifold.htm

'Physicians of no Value'
... The least persistent of men is strangely obstinate in his adherence to old ways,
in spite of all experience of their crooked slipperiness. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/physicians of no value.htm

Outside the Eden Gate.
... unnatural sharpness. Sometimes the spittle has a peculiar oiliness that
results in a certain slipperiness of statement. Sometimes ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/outside the eden gate.htm

Mahometans.
... wonderful ease and swiftness, like lightning, or the wind, Mahomet, and his Moslems
leading the way; whereas the wicked, what with the slipperiness and extreme ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/mahometans.htm

River and Rock
... Suppose a man upon the ice-slopes of the Alps was to say, 'I am going to ignore
slipperiness and gravitation,' he would before long find himself, if there was ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/river and rock.htm

Homeward Bound
... details of Hugh's long dying, not knowing that his work would speak to a generation
which measures a man's favour with God by the oily slipperiness with which ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter x homeward bound.htm

To Pammachius against John of Jerusalem.
... You so tuned your expressions as to neither displease the simple, nor offend your
own incontestably marked by deceit and slipperiness; what, then, are we to do ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/to pammachius against john of.htm

Confession and Absolution
... Oh, if thou didst but understand the frailty of life and the slipperiness of that
poor prop on which thou art resting, thou wouldst say, "Alas for my soul! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/confession and absolution.htm

Slipperiness (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Slipperiness (1 Occurrence). Psalms 35:6 Their way is
darkness and slipperiness, And a messenger of Jehovah their pursuer. (YLT). ...
/s/slipperiness.htm - 6k

Slipped (13 Occurrences)

/s/slipped.htm - 10k

Pursuer (4 Occurrences)
... (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Psalms 35:6 Their way is darkness
and slipperiness, And a messenger of Jehovah their pursuer. (YLT). ...
/p/pursuer.htm - 7k

Slippery (4 Occurrences)

/s/slippery.htm - 8k

Slipperiness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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