The term "smoothest" in the context of the Bible often refers to the quality of being free from roughness or harshness, whether in physical texture, speech, or behavior. This concept can be found in various passages where smoothness is associated with deceit, flattery, or the allure of sin.

Smooth Speech and Deception

In the Scriptures, smooth speech is frequently linked to deceit and manipulation. Proverbs 5:3 warns against the seductive words of the adulteress: "For the lips of the adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil." Here, smoothness is a metaphor for the enticing and deceptive nature of sinful temptation. The smooth words are contrasted with the eventual bitterness and destruction that follow, as described in Proverbs 5:4-5.

Similarly, Psalm 55:21 describes the duplicity of a treacherous friend: "His speech is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are softer than oil, yet they are drawn swords." This verse highlights the danger of trusting in those whose outwardly pleasant words mask harmful intentions.

Flattery and False Assurance

Smoothness is also associated with flattery, which can lead individuals away from truth and righteousness. In Romans 16:18, the Apostle Paul warns the church about those who use smooth talk to deceive: "For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the hearts of the naive." This passage underscores the importance of discernment in the face of persuasive but misleading rhetoric.

The Allure of Sin

The smoothness of sin is a recurring theme in the Bible, illustrating how sin can appear attractive and harmless at first glance. In Genesis 3:1, the serpent's smooth and cunning words lead Eve to question God's command, resulting in the fall of humanity. The serpent's approach is characterized by subtlety and smoothness, making the temptation seem reasonable and desirable.

Contrast with Righteousness

In contrast to the smoothness associated with deceit and sin, the Bible often portrays righteousness as straightforward and sincere. The words of the righteous are described as honest and true, lacking the smoothness that characterizes deceitful speech. Proverbs 10:32 states, "The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse."

Conclusion

The concept of smoothness in the Bible serves as a caution against being swayed by appearances or persuasive words that lack substance and truth. Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom and discernment, relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to navigate the complexities of human interaction and the temptations of the world.

"The Pharaoh Drew Nigh"
... Kenkenes dogged it faithfully, for it found the smoothest way, and, besides, the
wild beasts had been frightened from the track of a multitude. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xliii the pharaoh drew.htm

The Way to the Sea
... camped. The fugitives had chosen the smoothest path for travel, keeping
along the Bitter Lakes that their cattle might feed. Their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xliv the way to.htm

"What Mean These Stones?" Josh. Iv. 21
... Aye, aye, and one will pick the heaviest, one that will make his knees totter; and
another will choose the squarest, and yet another the smoothest, but each ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xxix what mean these stones.htm

A Love-Song of the Bride of Christ, in Early Summertide.
... Her swiftest steed. Runs loose with speed. By smoothest road and river. The summer
winds, those youths so fair. On whispering wings who glide,. ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/a love-song of the bride.htm

At an Irish Funeral
... The walks, each consisting of four rows of ashes, the tufts of trees sprinkled up
and down, interspersed with the smoothest and greenest lawns, are beautiful ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/at an irish funeral.htm

Not Seldom, Clad in Radiant Vest,
... Not seldom Evening in the west. Sinks smilingly forsworn. The smoothest
seas will sometimes prove. To the confiding Bark, untrue; ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/cclxv not seldom clad in.htm

Christian Beneficence.
... generous breast, In blessing others only blest, With kindness large and free, Delights
the widow's tears to stay, To teach the blind their smoothest way, And ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/774 christian beneficence.htm

The Adventures of Saint Anthony of Italy.
... And they thus both being agreed, habited as a page in green sarcenet, her buskins
of the smoothest kid-skin, and her rapier of Lydian steel, secured over her ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter seven the adventures of.htm

The Complaint: Or, Night Thoughts.
... From that for which we doat, felicity! The smoothest course of nature has its
pains; And truest friends, through error, wound our rest. ...
/.../young/youngs night thoughts/the complaint or night thoughts.htm

The Memphite Empire
... A zigzag pathway on its smoothest slope ends, about seventeen feet below the summit,
at the extremity of a small and slightly inclined tableland, upon which ...
/.../chapter iithe memphite empire.htm

Smoothest (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Smoothest (1 Occurrence). Psalms 65:10 Thou dost
satiate its furrows, thou smoothest its clods, thou makest ...
/s/smoothest.htm - 6k

Ostraca
... Upon the smoothest of these pieces of unglazed pottery the poorest might
write in ink his memoranda, receipts, letters or texts. ...
/o/ostraca.htm - 10k

Clods (7 Occurrences)
... Psalms 65:10 Thou dost satiate its furrows, thou smoothest its clods, thou makest
it soft with showers; thou blessest the springing thereof. (DBY). ...
/c/clods.htm - 8k

Smoothes (1 Occurrence)

/s/smoothes.htm - 6k

Smootheth (1 Occurrence)

/s/smootheth.htm - 6k

Satiate (3 Occurrences)
... Psalms 65:10 Thou dost satiate its furrows, thou smoothest its clods, thou makest
it soft with showers; thou blessest the springing thereof. (DBY). ...
/s/satiate.htm - 7k

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