Trivial
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The term "trivial" refers to matters of little importance or significance. In the context of the Bible, the concept of triviality can be understood through the lens of what is deemed valuable or worthy in the sight of God versus what is considered insignificant or fleeting in the eyes of the world.

Biblical Perspective on Trivial Matters

The Bible often contrasts the eternal with the temporal, urging believers to focus on what truly matters. In Matthew 6:19-21 , Jesus teaches, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." This passage highlights the triviality of earthly possessions compared to the eternal value of heavenly treasures.

Similarly, in Ecclesiastes, Solomon reflects on the vanity of worldly pursuits. Ecclesiastes 1:2 states, "Futility of futilities, says the Teacher, futility of futilities! Everything is futile!" Here, the term "futility" can be seen as synonymous with triviality, emphasizing the fleeting nature of earthly endeavors when they are not aligned with God's purposes.

Triviality in Daily Life

The New Testament encourages believers to discern what is truly important. In Philippians 4:8 , Paul writes, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things." This exhortation suggests that believers should focus their thoughts and actions on matters of substance and virtue, rather than on trivial or inconsequential things.

Warnings Against Trivial Disputes

The Bible also warns against engaging in trivial disputes and arguments. In 2 Timothy 2:23 , Paul advises, "But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling." This instruction underscores the importance of avoiding trivial controversies that do not contribute to spiritual growth or edification.

The Value of Wisdom Over Triviality

Proverbs frequently contrasts wisdom with folly, implying that wisdom is of great value while folly is trivial. Proverbs 4:7 states, "Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding." The pursuit of wisdom is portrayed as a noble and worthwhile endeavor, in contrast to the trivial pursuits of folly.

Eternal Perspective

The Bible encourages believers to adopt an eternal perspective, recognizing that many things deemed important by worldly standards are ultimately trivial in the grand scheme of God's kingdom. Colossians 3:2 instructs, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." This directive calls Christians to prioritize their spiritual lives and eternal destinies over temporary and trivial concerns.

In summary, the Bible provides guidance on distinguishing between what is trivial and what is of true significance, urging believers to focus on eternal values, wisdom, and godly pursuits.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (a.) Ordinary; commonplace; trifling; of little worth.

2. (a.) Found anywhere; common.

3. (a.) of little worth or importance; inconsiderable; trifling; petty; paltry; as, a trivial subject or affair.

4. (a.) of or pertaining to the trivium.

5. (n.) One of the three liberal arts forming the trivium.

Strong's Hebrew
7043. qalal -- to be slight, swift or trifling
... thing (1), small a thing (1), superficially (2), swift (1), swifter (5), treat us
with contempt (1), treated (1), treated and lightly (1), trivial (1), trivial ...
/hebrew/7043.htm - 6k
Library

What Sins are Trivial and what Heinous is a Matter for God's ...
... Chapter 78."What Sins are Trivial and What Heinous is a Matter for God's
Judgment. Now, what sins are trivial and what heinous ...
/.../augustine/the enchiridion/chapter 78 what sins are trivial.htm

Sins, However Great and Detestable, Seem Trivial when we are ...
... Chapter 80."Sins, However Great and Detestable, Seem Trivial When We are
Accustomed to Them. Add to this, that sins, however great ...
/.../augustine/the enchiridion/chapter 80 sins however great and.htm

The Daily Prayer of the Believer Makes Satisfaction for the ...
... Chapter 71."The Daily Prayer of the Believer Makes Satisfaction for the
Trivial Sins that Daily Stain His Life. Now the daily ...
/.../augustine/the enchiridion/chapter 71 the daily prayer of.htm

But Why do I Speak of These Trivial Things? the Immortal Gods ...
... Book II. 70 But why do I speak of these trivial things? The immortal gods
themselves? But why do I speak of these trivial things? ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/70 but why do i.htm

Whether God Provides for all Things Directly
... directly. 3. Again, Augustine says [Enchirid.17): "it is better not to know
some things than to know them," eg, trivial things. The ...
/.../aquinas/nature and grace/article three whether god provides.htm

The Weight of Sand
... importance of trifles. If trivial acts are unimportant, what signifies the
life of man? For ninety-nine and a half per cent. of every ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the weight of sand.htm

Monotony and Crises
... after that, in all probability. 'The trivial round, the common task' make
up by far the largest percentage of our lives. It is as in ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/monotony and crises.htm

The Ideal Devout Life
... The monotony of trivial, constantly recurring doings, the fluctuations in the
thermometer of our own spirits; the stiff bits of road that we have all to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the ideal devout life.htm

The Early Years of Jesus
... pious imagination to write the story of the youth of Jesus, and the account of the
nativity and its antecedents fares as ill, being pitifully trivial where it ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/v the early years of.htm

The Enchiridion
... Changed. Chapter 71.--The Daily Prayer of the Believer Makes Satisfaction
for the Trivial Sins that Daily Stain His Life. Chapter ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/the enchiridion/

Thesaurus
Trivial (3 Occurrences)
... 3. (a.) of little worth or importance; inconsiderable; trifling; petty; paltry;
as, a trivial subject or affair. ...Trivial (3 Occurrences). ...
/t/trivial.htm - 7k

Trifle (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A thing of very little value or importance;
a paltry, or trivial, affair. 2. (n.) A dish composed ...
/t/trifle.htm - 7k

Triune

/t/triune.htm - 13k

Nice (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (superl.) Foolish; silly; simple; ignorant; also, weak;
effeminate. 2. (superl.) of trifling moment; unimportant; trivial. ...
/n/nice.htm - 7k

Insect (6 Occurrences)
... In a wider sense, the word is often loosely applied to various small invertebrates.
4. (n.) Fig.: Any small, trivial, or contemptible person or thing. ...
/i/insect.htm - 8k

Fond (6 Occurrences)
... 6. (superl.) Doted on; regarded with affection. 7. (superl.) Trifling; valued by
folly; trivial. 8. (vt) To caress; to fondle. 9. (vi) To be fond; to dote. ...
/f/fond.htm - 8k

Frivolous (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Trivial; of little weight or importance;
slight; as, a frivolous argument. 2. (a.) Given to trifling ...
/f/frivolous.htm - 7k

Form (153 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) Show without substance; empty, outside appearance; vain, trivial, or
conventional ceremony; conventionality; formality; as, a matter of mere form. ...
/f/form.htm - 45k

Trifling (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Trifle. 2. (a.) Being of small value or importance; trivial;
paltry; as, a trifling debt; a trifling affair. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/t/trifling.htm - 7k

Troad (3 Occurrences)

/t/troad.htm - 7k

Resources
Who was Moses in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6)? | GotQuestions.org

What is antinomy? | GotQuestions.org

Trivial: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Trivial (3 Occurrences)

1 Corinthians 6:2
Don't you know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
(See RSV NIV)

1 Samuel 18:23
Saul's servants spoke those words in the ears of David. David said, "Does it seems to you a light thing to be the king's son-in-law, seeing that I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed?"
(See NAS)

1 Kings 16:31
It happened, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took as wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshiped him.
(See NAS NIV)

Subtopics

Trivial

Related Terms

Troas (6 Occurrences)

Ourselves (129 Occurrences)

Joined (146 Occurrences)

Week (18 Occurrences)

Trivial (3 Occurrences)

Mysia (2 Occurrences)

Mitylene (1 Occurrence)

Assos (2 Occurrences)

Later (89 Occurrences)

Spread (257 Occurrences)

Anthropology

Asia (22 Occurrences)

Brethren (528 Occurrences)

Providence (3 Occurrences)

Archaeology

Minor (2 Occurrences)

Lord's (548 Occurrences)

Triune Immersion
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