Topical Encyclopedia The concept of women being prone to self-indulgence is a theme that can be explored through various passages and narratives in the Bible. This entry examines the biblical portrayal of women in relation to self-indulgence, drawing from scriptural examples and teachings.Eve and the Fall The narrative of Eve in the Garden of Eden is often cited as an early example of self-indulgence. In Genesis 3:6 , it is written, "When the woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom, she took the fruit and ate it." Eve's decision to eat the forbidden fruit, despite God's command, is seen as an act of yielding to temptation and self-indulgence, prioritizing her desires over obedience to God. Delilah and Samson Delilah's account in Judges 16 illustrates another instance where a woman's actions are driven by self-interest. Delilah, motivated by the promise of wealth, betrays Samson by coaxing him into revealing the secret of his strength. Judges 16:18 states, "When Delilah realized that he had told her his whole heart, she sent word to the lords of the Philistines, saying, 'Come up once more, for he has revealed his whole heart to me.'" Her actions reflect a pursuit of personal gain at the expense of loyalty and integrity. Jezebel's Influence Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab, is often depicted as a symbol of self-indulgence and moral corruption. Her influence over Ahab and her role in promoting idolatry and persecution of the prophets are well-documented. In 1 Kings 21:25 , it is noted, "There was never anyone like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the LORD, incited by his wife Jezebel." Jezebel's actions and her manipulation of power for personal and political gain highlight a disregard for righteousness. Warnings in the New Testament The New Testament also addresses the theme of self-indulgence, offering warnings and guidance. In 1 Timothy 5:6 , Paul writes, "But she who lives for pleasure is dead even while she is still alive." This admonition serves as a caution against a lifestyle centered on self-gratification, emphasizing the spiritual consequences of such a path. Proverbs and Wisdom Literature The Book of Proverbs provides insights into the character and behavior of women, contrasting the virtuous woman with those who are self-indulgent. Proverbs 31:30 states, "Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." This verse underscores the value of godliness over superficial or self-centered pursuits. Cultural and Historical Context It is important to consider the cultural and historical context of these narratives. The portrayal of women in the Bible often reflects the societal norms and expectations of the time. While certain passages highlight negative traits, others celebrate the virtues and strengths of women who live in accordance with God's will. Conclusion The Bible presents a complex view of women, acknowledging both the potential for self-indulgence and the capacity for virtue and godliness. Through these narratives and teachings, the scriptures encourage a life of obedience, self-control, and reverence for God, transcending the temptations of self-indulgence. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 32:9-11Rise up, you women that are at ease; hear my voice, you careless daughters; give ear to my speech. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Letter cxxviii. To Gaudentius. An Account of the Organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church ... Against Jovinianus. Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... Church Fabrics and Services. St. Gregory the Great. The Last Days of the Old Eastern World The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire part i Resources Is it wrong for a Christian girl/woman to be a tomboy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the woman at the well? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of the story of the woman with the issue of blood? | GotQuestions.org Woman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Woman of Distinction: Fair and Graceful Woman of Distinction: Fond of Dress and Ornaments Woman of Distinction: Haughty in Their Deportment Woman of Distinction: Wore Their Hair Plaited and Adorned With Gold and Pearls Woman of the Poorer Classes Swarthy from Exposure to the Sun Woman were Required to Hear and Obey the Law Woman: (At Ease and Careless) of a State of Carnal Security Woman: (Chaste and Holy) of Saints Woman: (Delicate) of Backsliding Israel Woman: (Foolish) of Mere Professors Woman: (Forsaken) of Israel in Her Captivity Woman: (Gloriously Arrayed) of the Church of Christ Woman: (Lewd) of the Roman Apostasy Woman: Allowed to Join in the Temple-Music from the Time of David Woman: Considered a Valuable Booty in War Woman: Frequently: Active in Instigating to Iniquity Woman: Frequently: Fond of Self-Indulgence Woman: Frequently: Silly and Easily Led Into Error Woman: Frequently: Subtle and Deceitful Woman: Frequently: Zealous in Promoting Superstition and Idolatry Woman: Generally Lived in a Separated Apartment or Tent Woman: Generally Wore a Vail in the Presence of the Other Sex Woman: Good and Virtuous, Described Woman: had a Court of the Tabernacle Assigned to Them Woman: Loving and Affectionate Woman: Often Engaged in Agriculture Woman: Often Engaged in Attending Funerals As Mourners Woman: Often Engaged in Celebrating the Victories of the Nation Woman: Often Engaged in Domestic Employments Woman: Often Engaged in Drawing and Carrying Water Woman: Often Engaged in Embroidery Woman: Often Engaged in Grinding Corn Woman: Often Engaged in Spinning Woman: Often Engaged in Tending Sheep Woman: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Origin and Cause of the Name Woman: Originally Made by God in his own Image Woman: Originally Made for Man Woman: Originally Made: from One of Adam's Ribs Woman: Originally Made: Subordinate to Man Woman: Originally Made: To be an Helpmeet for Man Woman: Originally Made: To be the Glory of Man Woman: Punishment for Injuring, when With Child Woman: Safety in Childbirth Promised to the Faithful and Holy Woman: Salvation Promised Through the Seed of Woman: Submissive and Respectful to Husbands Woman: Tender and Constant to Her offspring Woman: To be Governed By, Considered a Calamity by the Jews Woman: To be Slain By, Considered a Great Disgrace Woman: To Wear Her Hair Long As a Covering Woman: Unfaithfulness of, when Married Found out by the Waters of Woman: Virtuous, Held in High Estimation Woman: Vows of, when Married not Binding Upon the Husband Woman: Young of Distinction, Dressed in Robes of Various Colours Woman: Young: Could not Marry Without Consent of Parents Woman: Young: Fond of Ornaments Woman: Young: Inherited Parents' Property when There Was No Male Heir Woman: Young: Kind and Courteous to Strangers Woman: Young: Not to be Given in Marriage Considered a Calamity Woman: Young: Often Taken Captive Woman: Young: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing when not Betrothed Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing, when Betrothed Woman: Young: Required to Learn from and Imitate Their Elders Related Terms Woman-servant (12 Occurrences) |
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