Taking Advantage
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Definition and Context:
Taking advantage refers to the act of exploiting or unfairly benefiting from someone else's situation, often at their expense. In the biblical context, this behavior is generally viewed as contrary to the principles of love, justice, and righteousness that God commands His people to uphold.

Biblical References and Principles:
The Bible provides numerous teachings that warn against taking advantage of others. These teachings are rooted in the broader biblical principles of love, justice, and mercy.

1. Exodus 22:21-22 :
"You must not exploit or oppress a foreign resident, for you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt. You must not mistreat any widow or orphan."
This passage highlights God's command to the Israelites not to exploit vulnerable individuals, such as foreigners, widows, and orphans. The Israelites are reminded of their own past as foreigners in Egypt, emphasizing empathy and fairness.

2. Leviticus 19:13 :
"You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand."
Here, the law explicitly forbids defrauding or robbing one's neighbor, underscoring the importance of honesty and integrity in dealings with others.

3. Proverbs 22:22-23 :
"Do not rob a poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted at the gate, for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them."
This proverb warns against exploiting the poor and afflicted, assuring that God Himself will defend their cause and bring justice to those who take advantage of them.

4. Micah 2:1-2 :
"Woe to those who devise iniquity and plot evil on their beds! When morning dawns, they accomplish it because it is in their power. They covet fields and seize them; they take houses and deprive a man of his home, a man of his inheritance."
The prophet Micah condemns those who use their power to exploit others, taking what is not rightfully theirs. This passage reflects God's disdain for such unjust actions.

5. James 5:4 :
"Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts."
In the New Testament, James addresses the issue of withholding wages, a form of exploitation. The cries of the oppressed reach God, who is attentive to their plight.

Moral and Ethical Implications:
The biblical injunctions against taking advantage of others are grounded in the character of God, who is just and compassionate. Believers are called to reflect these attributes in their interactions with others. The Bible consistently teaches that exploiting others is a violation of God's law and is contrary to the love and respect that should characterize relationships among His people.

Practical Applications:
1. Business and Employment: Christians are encouraged to conduct business with integrity, ensuring fair treatment and just compensation for employees and partners.
2. Personal Relationships: In personal interactions, believers are called to act with kindness and fairness, avoiding manipulation or exploitation of others' weaknesses or circumstances.
3. Social Justice: The biblical call to defend the rights of the poor and vulnerable remains relevant, urging Christians to advocate for justice and equity in society.

Conclusion:
While the Bible does not condone taking advantage of others, it provides a framework for understanding and practicing justice, mercy, and love in all areas of life. Through adherence to these principles, believers can honor God and reflect His character in their dealings with others.
Topical Bible Verses
1 Peter 3:8
Finally, be you all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brothers, be pitiful, be courteous:
Topicalbible.org

Luke 6:31
And as you would that men should do to you, do you also to them likewise.
Topicalbible.org

1 Corinthians 7:1-40
Now concerning the things whereof you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
Topicalbible.org

1 Corinthians 7:1
Now concerning the things whereof you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
Topicalbible.org

Library

Of this Weakness of His, He Saith in Another Place...
... who not for its sake do evangelize but seek the kingdom of God, so that all these
things should be added unto them, others were taking advantage thereof, of ...
/.../augustine/of the work of monks /section 13 of this weakness.htm

The Death of Saint George.
... Whereat the noble Champion taking advantage, leaped from his horse, and, throwing
down his sword, seized him in his arms before he could rise, and pressed his ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter twenty one the death.htm

Making Haste to be Rich.
... What is the real difference, I should like to know, between taking advantage of
a man in bargaining, and getting his money by passing upon him a forged note? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arthur/words for the wise/making haste to be rich.htm

The Last King of Judah
... This, however, was contrary to the inclinations of the human heart; and Satan, taking
advantage of the circumstances, caused false prophets to arise among the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 36 the last king.htm

The Siege and Taking of Gamala.
... 1. Now all those Galileans who, after the taking of Jotapata, had revolted from
the ... and one that advised them to nothing but what was for their own advantage. ...
/.../chapter 1 the siege and.htm

Introduction.
... Taking advantage of the excellent comparative table presented by Mr. MR James in
his edition of the text, the translator has endeavoured to point out to the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the vision of paul/introduction.htm

The Epistle Written by Malchion,
... the injured unfairly in their suit, [1394] and promising to help them for a price,
yet deceiving them all the while and to their loss, taking advantage of the ...
/.../malchion/the epistle of malchion/i the epistle written by malchion.htm

The Question of Fear and the Answer of Faith
... No doubt Job meant to say, that if God would allow him to argue his case before
him, it was his firm belief that God, so far from taking advantage of his ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the question of fear and.htm

The Fiery Furnace
... The wise men of his realm, taking advantage of this and of his return to idolatry,
proposed that he make an image similar to the one seen in his dream, and set ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 41 the fiery furnace.htm

Ep. cxxvi. While Gregory was at Xantharis an Opportunity Presented ...
... (While Gregory was at Xantharis an opportunity presented itself for seeing Olympius,
but a return of illness prevented him from taking advantage of it. ...
/.../cyril/select letters of saint gregory nazianzen/ep cxxvi while gregory was.htm

Resources
What does it mean to take the Lord's name in vain? | GotQuestions.org

Why is "You shall not murder" in the Ten Commandments? | GotQuestions.org

How can I overcome exam/test anxiety? | GotQuestions.org

Taking: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Taking

Taking Action

Taking Advantage

Taking Care of Animals

Taking Care of Elders

Taking Care of Neighbors

Taking Care of Our Body

Taking Care of Poor

Taking Care of Siblings

Taking Care of the Earth

Taking Care of Widows

Taking Care of Your Body

Taking Care of Your Family

Taking Care of Yourself

Taking Drugs

Taking People to Court

Taking Risks

Taking Time for Yourself

Related Terms

Adjuration (2 Occurrences)

Assumption (1 Occurrence)

Fowler (3 Occurrences)

Feasting (39 Occurrences)

Relief (32 Occurrences)

Zadok (50 Occurrences)

Acceptance (24 Occurrences)

Trap (35 Occurrences)

Parting (27 Occurrences)

Broken (559 Occurrences)

Eve (5 Occurrences)

Election (6 Occurrences)

Married (152 Occurrences)

Space (98 Occurrences)

Purpose (448 Occurrences)

Crushing (93 Occurrences)

Barnabas (33 Occurrences)

Farewell (13 Occurrences)

Furnace (35 Occurrences)

Taller (7 Occurrences)

Thronged (5 Occurrences)

Tax-farmers (14 Occurrences)

Refusal (1 Occurrence)

Mincing (1 Occurrence)

Paul's (34 Occurrences)

Bondman's (3 Occurrences)

Busy (13 Occurrences)

Baskets (20 Occurrences)

Body-covers (25 Occurrences)

Bribery (2 Occurrences)

Bold (21 Occurrences)

Bite (13 Occurrences)

Cooked (35 Occurrences)

Attachment (1 Occurrence)

Arts (48 Occurrences)

Apprehension (3 Occurrences)

Animal (163 Occurrences)

Stature (22 Occurrences)

Surprise (27 Occurrences)

Suggestion (25 Occurrences)

Seems (99 Occurrences)

Sisera (18 Occurrences)

Behaviour (115 Occurrences)

Backs (46 Occurrences)

Property (212 Occurrences)

Bitter (203 Occurrences)

Supplied (22 Occurrences)

Rolled (38 Occurrences)

Blessing (357 Occurrences)

Duty (90 Occurrences)

Violently (92 Occurrences)

Attacks (45 Occurrences)

Asleep (50 Occurrences)

Pleasure (331 Occurrences)

Respect (204 Occurrences)

Chief (696 Occurrences)

Common (118 Occurrences)

Addition (112 Occurrences)

Position (189 Occurrences)

Demetrius (3 Occurrences)

Fortunes (30 Occurrences)

Evil-doers (122 Occurrences)

Fish (66 Occurrences)

Truly (468 Occurrences)

Protest (37 Occurrences)

Sleep (136 Occurrences)

Removal (42 Occurrences)

Prisoners (170 Occurrences)

Drinking (114 Occurrences)

Placed (297 Occurrences)

Faith (769 Occurrences)

Behalf (140 Occurrences)

Desires (151 Occurrences)

Persons (156 Occurrences)

Exchange (41 Occurrences)

Credit (39 Occurrences)

Along (500 Occurrences)

Putting (278 Occurrences)

Taking Action in Faith
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