The term "tendeth" is an archaic English word derived from the verb "tend," which means to incline, direct, or move in a particular direction. In the context of the Bible, "tendeth" is often used in older translations to describe the inclination or direction of one's actions, thoughts, or life path. While the Berean Standard Bible does not use the term "tendeth," understanding its meaning can provide insight into the moral and spiritual teachings of Scripture.

Biblical Context and Usage

In the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, "tendeth" appears in several passages, often in the context of wisdom literature, such as Proverbs. These passages highlight the consequences of one's choices and the direction in which they lead. For example, Proverbs 11:19 (KJV) states, "As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death." This verse emphasizes the principle that living righteously leads to life, while pursuing evil leads to death.

In the Berean Standard Bible, the equivalent concept is expressed with more contemporary language. Proverbs 11:19 reads, "Genuine righteousness leads to life, but the pursuit of evil brings death." The essence of the message remains the same, underscoring the importance of aligning one's life with God's righteous standards.

Theological Implications

The concept of "tendeth" in Scripture underscores the biblical teaching that human actions and decisions have inherent moral and spiritual directions. From a conservative Christian perspective, this aligns with the belief in the moral order established by God, where righteousness and obedience to God's commandments lead to blessings and life, while sin and rebellion result in judgment and death.

The use of "tendeth" in biblical wisdom literature serves as a reminder of the importance of intentional living. Believers are encouraged to examine the direction of their lives and ensure that their actions are in harmony with God's will. This involves a conscious effort to pursue righteousness, seek wisdom, and avoid the pitfalls of sin.

Practical Application

Understanding the concept of "tendeth" invites believers to reflect on their spiritual journey and the trajectory of their lives. It calls for a commitment to personal holiness and a dedication to following the path that leads to eternal life. In practical terms, this means engaging in regular self-examination, prayer, and study of Scripture to align one's life with God's purposes.

Furthermore, the principle of "tendeth" encourages believers to be mindful of the influences and choices that shape their lives. By surrounding themselves with godly influences and making decisions that honor God, Christians can ensure that their lives "tend" toward righteousness and the abundant life promised in Christ.

In summary, while the term "tendeth" may not appear in modern translations like the Berean Standard Bible, its underlying concept remains a vital part of biblical teaching. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of living a life directed toward God and His righteousness.

How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, when Error Prevaileth, and ...
... well founded on the word"they should exercise their spiritual sagacity, and set
their gift of discerning a work, to see which of the two tendeth most to ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xvi how to make.htm

The New Nature
... In this indeed lieth a strange difference. We know not to what that first nature
tendeth, who can tell what bitterness it shall bring forth? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the new nature.htm

The Testament of Asher Concerning Two Faces of vice and virtue.
... And though there is love, it is but wickedness concealing the evil, even as it beareth
a name that seemeth good, but the end of the doing tendeth unto evil. ...
/.../the testaments of the twelve patriarchs/x the testament of asher concerning.htm

Fret not Thyself
... He tells us why we should not fret. "Fret not thyself; it tendeth only to evil-doing"
(v.8). Fretfulness has a tendency to make us doubt God and his wisdom ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk thirty fret not thyself.htm

Do Your Best --Leave the Rest.
... The old version seems a bit puzzling, "Fret not thyself in anywise to do evil."
The revision reads, "Fret not thyself, it tendeth only to evil doing." The ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on service/do your bestleave the rest.htm

The 23Rd Psalm of David.
... THE 23RD PSALM OF DAVID. The Lord, the earth who ruleth, And with His hand controlleth,
Whose goodness never endeth, He watcheth me and tendeth. ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/the 23rd psalm of david.htm

What is Forbidden in the Sixth Commandment?
... A69: The Sixth Commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own life, or the
life of our neighbour unjustly, or whatsoever tendeth thereunto. ...
/.../the westminster shorter catechism/question 69 0 0 what is forbidden.htm

November 17 Evening
... There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more
than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty."The liberal soul shall be made fat ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/november 17 evening.htm

Appendix. An Ordination Charge.
... You will know the meaning of that great text for ministers, "The talk of the lips
tendeth only to penury,""that is, it shallows the spirit within. ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/appendix an ordination charge.htm

Meditations of the Blessed State of a Regenerate Man in Heaven.
... The beatifical vision of God is that only that can content the infinite
mind of man. For every thing tendeth to its centre. God ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations of the blessed state.htm

Tendeth (7 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Tendeth (7 Occurrences). ... (YLT). Psalms 37:8 Cease from
anger, and forsake wrath: Fret not thyself, it tendeth only to evil-doing. ...
/t/tendeth.htm - 8k

Tends (8 Occurrences)
... it. (WEB NIV). Psalms 37:8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; fret not
thyself, it tendeth only to evil-doing. (See RSV). Proverbs ...
/t/tends.htm - 8k

Penury (4 Occurrences)
... pen'-u-ri (machcor): In Proverbs 14:23, with sense of "poverty," "want": "The talk
of the lips tendeth only to penury." In the New Testament the word in Luke 21 ...
/p/penury.htm - 8k

Tending (11 Occurrences)

/t/tending.htm - 11k

Labour (119 Occurrences)
... our streets. (KJV). Proverbs 10:16 The labour of the righteous tendeth to
life: the fruit of the wicked to sin. (KJV DBY). Proverbs ...
/l/labour.htm - 35k

Withholdeth (7 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Proverbs 11:24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is
that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. ...
/w/withholdeth.htm - 8k

Increaseth (21 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Proverbs 11:24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is
that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. ...
/i/increaseth.htm - 12k

Tenderness (4 Occurrences)

/t/tenderness.htm - 8k

Revenue (10 Occurrences)
... silver. (KJV ASV DBY WBS). Proverbs 10:16 The labour of a righteous man tendeth
to life; the revenue of a wicked man, to sin. (DBY). ...
/r/revenue.htm - 10k

Pursueth (28 Occurrences)
... YLT). Proverbs 11:19 As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth
evil pursueth it to his own death. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). ...
/p/pursueth.htm - 14k

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