Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of a "woman of distinction" often carries a dual connotation, highlighting both positive attributes and cautionary tales. The Bible provides numerous examples of women whose deportment, or manner of conduct, is marked by haughtiness—a trait that is consistently warned against in Scripture.Biblical References and Context The Bible frequently addresses the issue of pride and haughtiness, often using women as illustrative examples to convey broader spiritual truths. In Isaiah 3:16-17 , the prophet Isaiah speaks directly to the "daughters of Zion," saying, "The LORD also says: 'Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, walking with heads held high and wanton eyes, prancing and skipping as they go, jingling their bracelets, the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will make their foreheads bare.'" This passage highlights the consequences of prideful behavior, emphasizing that such deportment leads to divine judgment. Characteristics of Haughty Deportment Haughtiness in deportment is characterized by an attitude of superiority and arrogance. It often manifests in outward appearances and behaviors that seek to draw attention and admiration. Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse underscores the inherent danger in allowing pride to dictate one's actions and interactions. Historical and Cultural Insights In the ancient Near Eastern context, women of distinction often held positions of influence within their communities. However, the Bible cautions against allowing such status to foster a sense of entitlement or arrogance. The cultural practices of the time, such as the wearing of elaborate jewelry and clothing, could become expressions of haughtiness if not tempered by humility and reverence for God. Lessons from Biblical Narratives The account of Queen Jezebel serves as a poignant example of haughty deportment. Known for her idolatry and manipulation, Jezebel's prideful actions ultimately led to her downfall, as recorded in 2 Kings 9:30-37. Her life serves as a warning against the dangers of allowing pride to overshadow one's duty to God and others. In contrast, the Bible also presents women who, despite their distinguished status, exhibit humility and godliness. The Proverbs 31 woman, for instance, is described as being clothed with strength and dignity, yet she is also characterized by her wisdom and kindness (Proverbs 31:25-26). Her example demonstrates that true distinction is found in a heart aligned with God's will. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, haughtiness is antithetical to the Christian virtues of humility and servanthood. Jesus Himself taught, "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 14:11). This principle is foundational to understanding the biblical view of distinction, where true honor is bestowed by God upon those who walk humbly before Him. Practical Application For contemporary believers, the biblical admonitions against haughtiness serve as a call to self-examination and repentance. Women of distinction are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of humility, recognizing that their worth and identity are found in Christ alone. By embracing a posture of servanthood and grace, they reflect the character of God and fulfill their God-given roles with dignity and honor. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 3:16Moreover the LORD said, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: Resources What does the Bible say about being a godly woman? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to be a woman of God? | GotQuestions.org What can we learn from the woman caught in adultery? | 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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