In the context of the Bible, "suspecting" refers to the act of harboring doubts or mistrust about someone's actions, intentions, or character. This concept is often explored in the Scriptures through narratives and teachings that address human relationships, discernment, and the nature of trust.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides several instances where suspicion plays a role in the unfolding of events. One notable example is found in the account of Joseph and his brothers. Joseph's brothers were suspicious of his dreams and the favoritism shown to him by their father, Jacob. This suspicion led to jealousy and ultimately to their decision to sell Joseph into slavery (Genesis 37:4-28). This narrative illustrates how suspicion, when left unchecked, can lead to destructive actions and familial discord.

Another example is the account of Hannah and Eli. In 1 Samuel 1:12-14, Eli, the priest, suspects Hannah of being drunk as she prays fervently in the temple. His suspicion is based on her silent prayers and emotional demeanor. However, upon learning the truth, Eli blesses her, demonstrating the importance of seeking understanding before forming judgments.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, suspicion is addressed in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus warns against judging others without first examining oneself. In Matthew 7:1-5 , He teaches, "Do not judge, or you will be judged. For with the same measure you use, it will be measured to you." This passage underscores the importance of self-reflection and humility in relationships, cautioning against the dangers of suspicion and judgment.

The Apostle Paul also addresses suspicion in his letters to the early churches. In 1 Corinthians 13:7 , Paul writes about love, stating that it "bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." This description of love suggests that believers are called to trust and give the benefit of the doubt, rather than succumbing to suspicion.

Discernment and Wisdom

While the Bible warns against unfounded suspicion, it also encourages discernment and wisdom. Believers are called to be wise and discerning, especially in matters of faith and doctrine. In 1 John 4:1 , the apostle John advises, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." This instruction highlights the balance between trust and discernment, urging believers to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in distinguishing truth from falsehood.

Practical Implications

In practical terms, the biblical perspective on suspicion encourages believers to cultivate trust and understanding in their relationships while remaining vigilant and discerning. The Scriptures advocate for a community built on love, where individuals are slow to judge and quick to forgive. By fostering an environment of trust and open communication, believers can overcome the divisive nature of suspicion and build stronger, more unified communities of faith.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Suspect.

Celsus, However, Suspecting that the Tendency of Such Teaching as ...
... Chapter LX. Celsus, however, suspecting that the tendency of such teaching
as he here gives is to? Celsus, however, suspecting ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter lx celsus however suspecting.htm

Celsus, in the Next Place, Suspecting, or Perhaps Seeing Clearly ...
... Chapter LIX. Celsus, in the next place, suspecting, or perhaps seeing
clearly enough? Celsus, in the next place, suspecting, or ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter lix celsus in the.htm

You Chose a Bad Introducer. If You Will Take My Counsel, Both You ...
... this; and if you believe it not, I still lament that you hunt through all sorts
of ancient and antiquated documents for grounds for suspecting other men of ...
/.../10 you chose a bad.htm

Fate of the Enemies of Jesus.
... The empire was certainly still further from suspecting that its future
destroyer was born. During nearly three hundred years it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter xxvii fate of the.htm

Prison Experiences for Conscience' Sake --Our Prison
... Suspecting we had been assigned to such work, the more we discussed in our minds
the subject, the more clearly the right way seemed opened to us; and we ...
/.../prison experiences for conscience sakeour.htm

The Work Awaiting the Worker
... When Paul first came to Jerusalem after his conversion and assayed to join himself
to the Christians there, they were all afraid of him, suspecting the teeth ...
/.../stalker/the life of st paul/chapter v the work awaiting.htm

The Collection for St Paul: the Farewell
... Ver.11. +Not that I speak thus in the tone of need+ (kath usteresin), as if I had
been wondering, and fretting, and suspecting you of forgetfulness or of ...
/.../moule/philippian studies/chapter xii the collection for.htm

The End of the Quarrel
... The marriage was unhappy; each accused the other of misconduct; and Henry, suspecting
the relations of Conrad with his stepmother, put them both in prison. ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter iii the end of.htm

The Omission of These Twelve Verses in Certain Ancient Copies of ...
... Church Lection? How is it possible to avoid suspecting that the phenomenon
to which Eusebius invites attention, (viz. that certain ...
/.../chapter xi the omission of.htm

Toleration
... home- thought, 'And how much more sorry I am that I myself cannot differ from my
fellow-Christians without growing angry with them, suspecting them, despising ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon xxi toleration.htm

Suspecting (1 Occurrence)
...Suspecting (1 Occurrence). Acts 25:18 But, when his accusers stood up, they did
not charge him with the misdemeanours of which I had been suspecting him. (WEY). ...
/s/suspecting.htm - 6k

Tablets (31 Occurrences)
... Knowledge of the "find" reached Chauncey Murch, DD, an American missionary stationed
at Luxor, who, suspecting the importance of the tablets, called the ...
/t/tablets.htm - 41k

Tell (3056 Occurrences)
... Knowledge of the "find" reached Chauncey Murch, DD, an American missionary stationed
at Luxor, who, suspecting the importance of the tablets, called the ...
/t/tell.htm - 33k

Tiberius (1 Occurrence)
... His fame has suffered especially from his suspecting nature, which extended the
law of majestas to offenses against his person and encouraged delation, which ...
/t/tiberius.htm - 15k

El-amarna
... Knowledge of the "find" reached Chauncey Murch, DD, an American missionary stationed
at Luxor, who, suspecting the importance of the tablets, called the ...
/e/el-amarna.htm - 31k

Elamarna
... Knowledge of the "find" reached Chauncey Murch, DD, an American missionary stationed
at Luxor, who, suspecting the importance of the tablets, called the ...
/e/elamarna.htm - 31k

Misdemeanours (1 Occurrence)
... Misdemeanours (1 Occurrence). Acts 25:18 But, when his accusers stood up, they did
not charge him with the misdemeanours of which I had been suspecting him. ...
/m/misdemeanours.htm - 6k

Suspects (2 Occurrences)

/s/suspects.htm - 7k

Suspicion (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of suspecting; the imagination or
apprehension of the existence of something (esp. something ...
/s/suspicion.htm - 7k

Snare (69 Occurrences)
... of feathered creatures. They accepted the bribe of good feeding and walked
into the snare, not suspecting danger. For this reason ...
/s/snare.htm - 31k

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