The term "thinketh" is an archaic form of the verb "think," often found in older translations of the Bible. It is used to describe the process of considering, reasoning, or reflecting upon something. In the context of Scripture, "thinketh" is significant as it relates to the inner thoughts and intentions of the heart, which are of great importance in biblical teaching.

Biblical Usage:

The word "thinketh" appears in several key passages, emphasizing the importance of one's thoughts and their alignment with God's will. One of the most notable uses is found in Proverbs 23:7, which states, "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he" (KJV). This verse underscores the principle that a person's true character and actions are a reflection of their inner thoughts and attitudes.

The Heart and Mind:

In biblical anthropology, the heart is often seen as the seat of thought, emotion, and will. The Bible frequently addresses the condition of the heart, urging believers to cultivate thoughts that are pure and aligned with God's truth. Philippians 4:8 instructs, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things." This passage highlights the importance of directing one's thoughts toward virtuous and godly matters.

Moral and Spiritual Implications:

The thoughts of an individual are not merely private musings but have moral and spiritual implications. Jesus, in His teachings, often pointed to the thoughts and intentions of the heart as the root of sin. In Matthew 5:28 , He states, "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Here, Jesus emphasizes that sinful actions begin with sinful thoughts, thus calling for a transformation of the mind.

Renewal of the Mind:

The Apostle Paul speaks extensively about the renewal of the mind as a crucial aspect of the Christian life. In Romans 12:2 , he exhorts believers, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." This transformation involves a deliberate and ongoing process of aligning one's thoughts with the truths of Scripture and the character of Christ.

Guarding the Mind:

Scripture also warns of the dangers of allowing ungodly thoughts to take root. In 2 Corinthians 10:5 , Paul writes, "We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." This verse calls believers to actively guard their minds, ensuring that their thoughts are subject to Christ's lordship.

Practical Application:

Believers are encouraged to engage in practices that foster godly thinking, such as meditation on Scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. Psalm 1:2 describes the blessed man whose "delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night." Such meditation helps to shape the believer's thoughts and attitudes, leading to a life that honors God.

In summary, "thinketh" in the biblical context is not merely about cognitive processes but involves the moral and spiritual dimensions of thought. The Bible calls for a transformation of the mind, aligning one's thoughts with God's truth and will, which is essential for living a life that reflects the character of Christ.

A Short Excusation of Him that Made this Book Teaching How all ...
... For me thinketh that she should be full well had excused of her plaint, taking
regard to the time and the manner that she said it in. ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the nineteenth chapter.htm

A Good Declaring of Certain Doubts that May Fall in this Word ...
... me think, make me weep full heartily for pity of the Passion of Christ, sometime
for my wretchedness, and for many other reasons, that me thinketh be full holy ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the eighth chapter.htm

That Men Should have Great Wariness So that they Understand not ...
... And thus me thinketh that it needeth greatly to have much wariness in understanding
of words that be spoken to ghostly intent, so that thou conceive them not ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the one and 4.htm

On Temptation
... punishment. He then adds that solemn and important caution, "Let him that thinketh
he standeth, take heed lest he fall." [1:Cor.10:12]. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 82 on temptation.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... ends of the world are come.12. Wherefore, let him that thinketh he standeth
take heed lest he fall.". It is said of this passage, that ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture li perseverance of saints.htm

Philippians iii. 3-Jan
... "For ye have heard, of my manner of life in time past," he says, "in the Jews' religion"
(Galatians 1:13.); and again here; "if any other man thinketh to have ...
/.../homily x philippians iii 3-jan.htm

Casting Blame.
... "Charity," says S. Paul, "is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth not
in iniquity, but ... "Charity thinketh no evil," but how is it with you? ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/xlv casting blame.htm

1 Cor. Iii. 18, 19
... Let no man deceive himself. If any man (enhumin omitted.) thinketh that he is wise
in this world, let him become a fool, that he may become wise. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily x 1 cor iii.htm

How Almighty God Will Goodly Answer for all those that for the ...
... AND therefore me thinketh, that they that set them to be contemplatives should not
only have active men excused of their complaining words, but also me ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the twentieth chapter.htm

That in the Time of this Word all the Creatures that ever have ...
... Thee thinketh, peradventure, that thou art full far from God because that this cloud
of unknowing is betwixt thee and thy God: but surely, an it be well ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the fifth chapter.htm

Thinketh (17 Occurrences)
...Thinketh (17 Occurrences). ... If any man thinketh that he is wise among you in this
world, let him become a fool, that he may become wise. (ASV). ...
/t/thinketh.htm - 11k

Unseemly (9 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 7:36 But if any man thinketh that he behaveth himself unseemly toward
his virgin 'daughter', if she be past the flower of her age, and if need so ...
/u/unseemly.htm - 9k

Thinkest (11 Occurrences)

/t/thinkest.htm - 9k

Foremost (14 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). 2 Samuel 18:27 And the watchman said, Me thinketh the running
of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. ...
/f/foremost.htm - 10k

Tarrying (9 Occurrences)
... Psalms 40:17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art
my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God. (KJV ASV). ...
/t/tarrying.htm - 8k

Reckoneth (9 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Isaiah 10:7 And he -- he thinketh not so, And his heart reckoneth not so,
For -- to destroy 'is' in his heart, And to cut off nations not a few. (YLT). ...
/r/reckoneth.htm - 8k

Requireth (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 7:36 But if any man thinketh that he behaveth himself unseemly toward
his virgin 'daughter', if she be past the flower of her age, and if need so ...
/r/requireth.htm - 7k

Easily (15 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own,
is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; (KJV WBS NIV). ...
/e/easily.htm - 11k

Dismay (16 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 19:17 And the land of Judah shall be a dismay unto Egypt: every one that
thinketh of it shall be afraid for himself, because of the counsel of Jehovah ...
/d/dismay.htm - 11k

Whereof (94 Occurrences)
... Philippians 3:4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man
thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: (KJV). ...
/w/whereof.htm - 36k

What does it mean that “as a man thinks, so is he” in Proverbs 23:7? | GotQuestions.org

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