In the context of the Bible, the term "struts" is often associated with pride, arrogance, and a haughty demeanor. The imagery of strutting is used to describe individuals who carry themselves with an inflated sense of self-importance, often in defiance of God’s commands and humility. This behavior is consistently admonished throughout Scripture, as it stands in stark contrast to the virtues of humility and meekness that are commended by God.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 6:16-19 · While the specific term "struts" is not used in this passage, the concept is closely related to the "haughty eyes" mentioned among the seven things the Lord detests. The Berean Standard Bible states: "There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community." Haughty eyes can be understood as a metaphor for the proud and arrogant demeanor akin to strutting.

2. Isaiah 3:16 · This verse provides a vivid depiction of the prideful behavior of the daughters of Zion. The BSB reads: "The LORD also says: 'Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, walking with heads held high and wanton eyes, prancing and skipping as they go, jingling their ankle bracelets.'" The imagery of prancing and skipping suggests a strutting behavior that reflects their arrogance and self-indulgence.

3. Psalm 12:8 · The psalmist laments the prevalence of wickedness and pride in society. The BSB states: "The wicked wander freely, and vileness is exalted among men." The idea of wandering freely can be associated with strutting, as it implies a bold and unrestrained display of arrogance.

Theological Implications:

The act of strutting, as depicted in the Bible, is a manifestation of human pride that often leads to a downfall. Scripture consistently warns against pride, emphasizing that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Strutting, therefore, is not merely a physical act but a spiritual condition that reflects a heart turned away from God.

Moral and Ethical Lessons:

From a moral and ethical standpoint, the Bible encourages believers to adopt a posture of humility and servitude, following the example of Jesus Christ, who, despite His divine nature, humbled Himself and became obedient to death (Philippians 2:5-8). The act of strutting is antithetical to the Christian call to live a life marked by humility, love, and service to others.

Practical Application:

In practical terms, Christians are urged to examine their own lives for any signs of pride or arrogance. The call to humility is a call to recognize one's dependence on God and to treat others with respect and love. By avoiding the pitfalls of strutting, believers can better reflect the character of Christ in their daily interactions and relationships.

The Epistle of the Bishops against Paul.
... 8. or in that he is haughty, and is puffed up, and assumes worldly dignities,
preferring to be called ducenarius [2412] rather than bishop; and struts in the ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xxx the epistle of the.htm

Letters of St. Bernard
... we live. So great evil everywhere struts about among us that it was scarcely
possible to do the little that has been done. We have ...
/.../st bernard of clairvauxs life of st malachy of armagh/letters of st bernard.htm

Eunomius Displays Much Folly and Fine Writing, but Very Little ...
... and fixes the charge of unbelief upon his opponents, and declares that an abiding
and indelible hatred for them has sunk into his soul, how he struts in his ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 4 eunomius displays much.htm

'Me a Christian!'
... He was a petty kinglet, permitted by the grace of Rome to live and to pose as if
he were the real thing, and yet he struts and claps his wings and crows on his ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/me a christian.htm

The Poor Rich and the Rich Poor
... whom there are thousands; of whom there are dozens listening to me at this moment;
who ignores dependence and is not conscious of sin, and so struts about in ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the poor rich and the.htm

The victory of Unarmed Faith
... here, 'brass' there, 'brass' everywhere; and, not content with one shield dangling
at his back, he has a man to carry another in front of him as he struts. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the victory of unarmed faith.htm

The Last Smile of the Muse
... reason.". "Look at the conqueror," said he. "He crows triumphantly. He
struts and plumes himself as a proud sign of victory. And ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/i the last smile of.htm

1 Cor. viii. 1
... But count the tent-maker as well as thy brother, as him that is borne upon a chariot
and hath innumerable servants and struts in the market-place: nay, rather ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xx 1 cor viii.htm

A Supplementary Chapter to the Bible in Spain
... The majo or Tomfool struts about the streets dressed something like a merry Andrew
with jerkin and tight hose, a faja or girdle of crimson silk round his waist ...
/.../a supplementary chapter to the.htm

The Treatise
... The hypocrite misses both and struts about with other good works by which he praises
himself and not God, and puts his trust in himself more than in God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/a treatise on good works/the treatise.htm

Struts (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Struts (1 Occurrence). Psalms 73:9 They have set their
mouth in the heavens. Their tongue walks through the earth. (See RSV). ...
/s/struts.htm - 6k

Strutting (1 Occurrence)

/s/strutting.htm - 6k

Strut (1 Occurrence)

/s/strut.htm - 7k

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