The term "unskilful" in the context of the Bible often refers to a lack of maturity or proficiency, particularly in spiritual matters. This concept is primarily derived from the New Testament, where it is used to describe individuals who have not yet developed a deep understanding or capability in handling the Word of God.

Biblical References:

1. Hebrews 5:13 : "For everyone who lives on milk is still an infant, inexperienced in the message of righteousness." In this passage, the author of Hebrews contrasts spiritual maturity with immaturity. The "unskilful" are likened to infants who are only capable of consuming milk, symbolizing basic teachings, rather than solid food, which represents deeper, more complex doctrines. This metaphor underscores the need for believers to grow in their understanding and application of God's Word.

2. 1 Corinthians 3:1-2 : "Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly—as infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready." Here, the Apostle Paul addresses the Corinthian church, highlighting their spiritual immaturity. The term "unskilful" is implied in their inability to grasp more profound spiritual truths, necessitating a return to elementary teachings.

Theological Implications:

The concept of being "unskilful" in the Scriptures is not merely about intellectual understanding but also involves the practical application of biblical principles. It suggests a deficiency in spiritual discernment and the ability to live out one's faith effectively. This lack of skill can hinder a believer's growth and their ability to contribute to the edification of the church body.

Spiritual Growth and Maturity:

The Bible encourages believers to move beyond spiritual infancy and develop into mature followers of Christ. This growth process involves diligent study of the Scriptures, prayer, and active participation in the life of the church. Ephesians 4:14-15 states, "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head."

Practical Application:

To overcome being "unskilful," believers are encouraged to:

· Engage in Regular Bible Study: Delving into the Word of God with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and sound teaching helps believers gain a deeper understanding of biblical truths.

· Seek Discipleship and Mentorship: Learning from mature Christians can provide guidance and accountability, fostering spiritual growth.

· Practice Spiritual Disciplines: Prayer, fasting, and worship are essential practices that cultivate a closer relationship with God and enhance spiritual discernment.

· Apply Biblical Principles: Living out the teachings of the Bible in everyday life is crucial for developing spiritual skillfulness.

In summary, the term "unskilful" serves as a call to action for believers to pursue spiritual maturity, ensuring they are equipped to handle the Word of God with wisdom and understanding.552. apeiros -- without experience of
... unskillful, inexperienced. From a (as a negative particle) and peira; inexperienced,
ie Ignorant -- unskilful. see GREEK a. see GREEK peira. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/552.htm - 7k

That the Unskilful Venture not to Approach an Office of Authority.
... THE Book of Pastoral Rule, and Selected Epistles, OF GREGORY THE GREAT BISHOP OF
ROME, Chapter I. That the unskilful venture not to approach an office of ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter i that the unskilful.htm

Motions of the Sun and Moon.
... For it is manifest even to the unbelieving and unskilful, that the course of the
sun, which is useful and necessary to the world, and which is assigned by ...
/.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter xlv motions of the sun.htm

Against Order is against Reason.
... But he who is unskilful, and knows not the way of inquiry, as a traveller in a foreign
country, ignorant and wandering, if he will not employ a native of the ...
/.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter xxxiv against order is against.htm

How the Rude in Sacred Learning, and those who are Learned but not ...
... wise beyond all others, they scorn to follow others to things better understood:
and, in order to extort for themselves from the unskilful multitude a name for ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xxiv how the rude.htm

The New Testament Text and Its History.
... 3. Various readings have arisen in the manuscripts of the New Testament, as elsewhere,
from the mistakes, and sometimes from the unskilful corrections of the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxvi the new testament.htm

1 Cor. Ii. 6, 7
... just as children, looking on their books, know not the meaning of the letters, neither
know what they see; yea more, if even a grown man be unskilful in letters ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily vii 1 cor ii.htm

Index.
... Confessors, the Saint's difficulty in finding, iv.8, 13; harm done by ill-instructed,
v.6, 20, vi.6; one of them misleads the Saint, viii.15; unskilful, xx.28 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/index 2.htm

A Practical Discourse on Some Principles of Hymn-Singing
... and how few resources of expression it can have had,"being rudimental in form, without
suggestion of harmony, and in its performance unskilful, its probably ...
/.../a practical discourse on some.htm

Whitefield -- the Method of Grace
... so the greatest curse that God can possibly send upon a people in this world is
to give them over to blind, unregenerate, carnal, lukewarm, and unskilful guides ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/whitefield the method of.htm

Several Errors to be Avoided in Our Meditations on Heaven.
... being in accordance with sound theology. They remind us of those unskilful
guides who taught St. Theresa that, in order to reach ...
/.../boudreaux/the happiness of heaven/chapter viii several errors to.htm

Unskilful (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Unskilful (1 Occurrence). Hebrews 5:13 For every one that
useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. ...
/u/unskilful.htm - 6k

Useth (9 Occurrences)
... WBS). Hebrews 5:13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word
of righteousness: for he is a babe. (KJV WBS). Deuteronomy ...
/u/useth.htm - 8k

Unskilled (4 Occurrences)

/u/unskilled.htm - 7k

Unsightliness (1 Occurrence)

/u/unsightliness.htm - 6k

Experience (28 Occurrences)
... milk is unskillful (apeiros) in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe," while
the Revised Version (British and American) renders "unskilful" by "without ...
/e/experience.htm - 17k

Babe (15 Occurrences)
... (ASV YLT). Hebrews 5:13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the
word of righteousness: for he is a babe. (KJV ASV DBY WBS). ...
/b/babe.htm - 14k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus