The concept of being untrustworthy is addressed throughout the Bible, often in the context of moral and ethical behavior. In Scripture, trustworthiness is closely linked to righteousness, integrity, and faithfulness, while being untrustworthy is associated with deceit, betrayal, and sin.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, the theme of trustworthiness is frequently explored through the actions and character of individuals. Proverbs, a book rich in wisdom literature, often contrasts the trustworthy with the untrustworthy. Proverbs 11:13 states, "A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence." This highlights the value placed on reliability and the dangers of betrayal.

The account of Samson and Delilah in Judges 16 illustrates the consequences of misplaced trust. Delilah's betrayal of Samson for personal gain exemplifies untrustworthiness, leading to Samson's downfall. Similarly, the deceit of Jacob in obtaining Esau's blessing (Genesis 27) shows the familial strife and long-term consequences that can arise from untrustworthy actions.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, trustworthiness is a key characteristic expected of believers. Jesus Himself emphasizes the importance of being faithful in small matters as a reflection of one's character. In Luke 16:10 , Jesus teaches, "Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much."

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, often addresses the need for trustworthiness among Christians. In 1 Corinthians 4:2 , he writes, "Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful." This underscores the expectation that those who serve God must be reliable and trustworthy in their duties.

Character Studies

Several biblical figures exemplify trustworthiness, while others serve as warnings against untrustworthy behavior. Joseph, despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, remains trustworthy in Potiphar's house and later in prison, ultimately rising to a position of great responsibility in Egypt (Genesis 39-41).

Conversely, Judas Iscariot is a prime example of untrustworthiness in the New Testament. His betrayal of Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16) is one of the most infamous acts of treachery in Scripture, leading to profound consequences for himself and others.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The Bible consistently teaches that trustworthiness is a reflection of one's relationship with God. Being untrustworthy is not only a breach of human relationships but also a violation of divine principles. The call to be trustworthy is a call to live a life of integrity, reflecting God's own faithfulness and truth.

In summary, the Bible presents trustworthiness as a vital component of a godly life, while untrustworthiness is depicted as a serious moral failing with significant consequences. Believers are encouraged to cultivate trustworthiness in all aspects of their lives, aligning their actions with the teachings and example of Christ.802. asunthetos -- not keeping covenant
... Word Origin from alpha (as a neg. prefix) and suntithemi Definition not keeping
covenant NASB Word Usage untrustworthy (1). covenant-breaker. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/802.htm - 6k

571. apistos -- incredible, unbelieving
... From a (as a negative particle) and pistos; (actively) disbelieving, ie Without
Christian faith (specially, a heathen); (passively) untrustworthy (person), or ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/571.htm - 8k

Discourse of the Same Elder on the Untrustworthy Sort of ...
... The Conferences of John Cassian. Chapter II. Discourse of the same elder
on the untrustworthy sort of friendship. There are many ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter ii discourse of the.htm

To Sir Roundell Palmer, QC , MP ,
... premisses altogether. I insist, on the contrary, that the Evidence relied
on is untrustworthy,"untrustworthy in every particular. How ...
/.../to sir roundell palmer q c.htm

Dedication: to Sir Roundell Palmer, QC , MP
... premisses altogether. I insist, on the contrary, that the Evidence relied
on is untrustworthy,"untrustworthy in every particular. How ...
/.../dedication to sir roundell palmer.htm

"The Lord is Good"
... and what are we doing but this very thing, when we allow ourselves to misjudge Him,
and attribute to Him actions and feelings that are unkind and untrustworthy ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 7 the lord is.htm

I Remember Indeed that one of These People, when He was Convicted ...
... all that is bad," set to work upon the very books which I had translated, and in
his new translation inserted all that I had left out as untrustworthy, so that ...
/.../20 i remember indeed that.htm

The Epistle of the Same Phileas of Thmuis to Meletius, Bishop of ...
... rule which are being attempted, yea, rather which are being done by thee, we, in
an ingenuous manner held them to be untrustworthy, regarding them to be such ...
/.../phileas/the writings of phileas/the epistle of the same.htm

The Preacher as a Man.
... Besides, a study of the influences by which he was transmuted from the unstable
and untrustworthy precipitancy of his earlier career into the rocklike firmness ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture vi the preacher as.htm

Of the Need for Some Protest against the Psychics and their Self ...
... Plainly, your habit is to furnish cookshops in the prisons to untrustworthy martyrs,
for fear they should miss their accustomed usages, grow weary of life, (and ...
/.../on fasting in opposition to the psychics/chapter xiiof the need for.htm

Prayerfulness.
... We can not defend prayer philosophically; but either "he that asketh receiveth,"
or the Bible is misleading and untrustworthy. TRUE PRAYER. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/rees/the heart-cry of jesus/chapter ix prayerfulness.htm

Perils to the virgins Themselves Attendant Upon Not-Veiling.
... mind; she must necessarily be imperilled by the public exhibition [327] of herself,
while she is penetrated by the gaze of untrustworthy and multitudinous' eyes ...
/.../tertullian/on the veiling of virgins/chapter xiv perils to the virgins.htm

Untrustworthy (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Untrustworthy (1 Occurrence). Romans 1:31 without
understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection ...
/u/untrustworthy.htm - 6k

Uncertain (13 Occurrences)
... mind; distrustful. 2. (a.) Irresolute; inconsonant; variable; untrustworthy;
as, an uncertain person; an uncertain breeze. 3. (a ...
/u/uncertain.htm - 12k

Unreliable (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Not reliable; untrustworthy. See Reliable.
Multi-Version Concordance Unreliable (2 Occurrences). Psalms ...
/u/unreliable.htm - 7k

Unturned (1 Occurrence)

/u/unturned.htm - 6k

Untrue (50 Occurrences)

/u/untrue.htm - 22k

Cross (157 Occurrences)
... on September 14, since the 4th century. The evidence for this fact is late
and untrustworthy. It is certain that the West celebrated ...
/c/cross.htm - 50k

First (4693 Occurrences)
... is manifest that on such principles it is possible to establish what one will, and
that any historical literature might be proved untrustworthy, and reshaped ...
/f/first.htm - 101k

Education (4 Occurrences)
... which represents both public, elementary and college education as highly developed
even in patriarchal times, is generally regarded as altogether untrustworthy...
/e/education.htm - 40k

Sadducees (14 Occurrences)
... they would not have been tolerated (Ant., XVIII, i, 4). 2. Talmudic Account of the
Sadducees: As noted above, the Talmud account is untrustworthy, late and ...
/s/sadducees.htm - 31k

Canonicity
... The Deuteronomic element, eg in Joshua, Judges, 1, 2 Sam, 1, 2 Ki, proves them,
in these parts, to be later than Josiah, and historically untrustworthy. ...
/c/canonicity.htm - 37k

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