Careful Consideration of Explicitly Stated Biblical Principles
Careful Consideration of Explicitly Stated Biblical Principles
The Bible emphasizes the importance of careful consideration and diligence in following God's principles. In Hebrews 12:15, believers are exhorted to "look diligently lest any one be failing of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up may give trouble, and through this many may be defiled" [4]. This verse highlights the need for vigilance and attention to one's spiritual state.
The concept of diligence is a recurring theme in biblical teachings. Torrey's Topical Textbook lists numerous scriptures that underscore the importance of being diligent in seeking God, obeying Him, and cultivating Christian graces [1]. For instance, Christ is presented as an example of diligence (Mark 1:35; Luke 2:49), and believers are encouraged to strive for perfection (Philippians 3:13-14) and to be diligent in their labors of love (Hebrews 6:10-12).
The biblical principle of prudence is also closely related to careful consideration. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, prudence involves being wise, getting knowledge, and understanding the ways of God [2]. Proverbs 14:15 states that "the simple believes every word, but the prudent man looks well to his going" [2]. This prudence is exemplified by Christ, who is described as being prudent in His interactions (Matthew 21:24-27; 22:15-21).
The heart is considered a crucial aspect of a person's being, influencing their actions and decisions. Proverbs 4:23 advises believers to "keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life" [5]. The Bible also emphasizes the importance of understanding and meditating on God's precepts, as expressed in Psalms 119:27, "Make me understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful things" [6].
In interpreting these biblical principles, various Christian traditions emphasize the importance of careful consideration. For example, John Gill notes that the exhortation in Hebrews 12:15 is directed towards both church officers and individual believers, highlighting the need for mutual watchfulness and care [7]. Similarly, Jamieson, Fausset & Brown comment on Hebrews 10:24, emphasizing the importance of considering one another to provoke love and good works [8].
The biblical emphasis on careful consideration is not limited to individual piety but also extends to communal life. Believers are encouraged to live soberly, righteously, and godly, and to walk honestly (Titus 2:12; 1 Thessalonians 4:12) [3]. By doing so, they demonstrate their commitment to following God's principles and living a life that is pleasing to Him.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Prudence — Exhibited in the manifestation of God's grace -- Eph 1:8. Exemplified by Christ -- Isa 52:13; Mt 21:24-27; 22:15-21. Intimately connected with wisdom -- Pr 8:12. The wise celebrated for -- Pr 16:21. They who have Get knowledge. -- Pr 18:15. Deal with knowledge. -- Pr 13:16. Look well to their goings. -- Pr 14:15. Understand the ways of God. -- Ho 14:9. Understand their own ways. -- Pr 14:8. Crowned with knowledge. -- Pr 14:18. Not ostentatious of knowledge. -- Pr 12:23. Foresee and avoid evil. -- Pr 22:3. Are preserved by it. -- Pr 2:11. Suppress angry fee”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Conduct, Christian — Believing God -- Mr 11:22; Joh 14:11,12. Fearing God -- Ec 12:13; 1Pe 2:17. Loving God -- De 6:5; Mt 22:37. Following God -- Eph 5:1; 1Pe 1:15,16. Obeying God -- Lu 1:6; 1Jo 5:3. Rejoicing in God -- Ps 33:1; Hab 3:18. Believing in Christ -- Joh 6:29; 1Jo 3:23. Loving Christ -- Joh 21:15; 1Pe 1:7,8. Following the example of Christ -- Joh 13:15; 1Pe 2:21-24. Obeying Christ -- Joh 14:21; 15:14. Living To Christ. -- Ro 14:8; 2Co 5:15. To righteousness. -- Mic 6:8; Ro 6:18; 1Pe 2:24. Soberly, righteously, and godly. -- Tit 2:12. Walking Honestly. -- 1”
- Hebrews “Hebrews 12:15 (YLT) — looking diligently over lest any one be failing of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up may give trouble, and through this many may be defiled;”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Heart, The — Issues of life are out of -- Pr 4:23. God Tries. -- 1Ch 29:17; Jer 12:3. Knows. -- Ps 44:21; Jer 20:12. Searched. -- 1Ch 28:9; Jer 17:10. Understands the thoughts of. -- 1Ch 28:9; Ps 139:2. Ponders. -- Pr 21:2; 24:12. Influences. -- 1Sa 10:26; Ezr 6:22; 7:27; Pr 21:1; Jer 20:9. Creates a new. -- Ps 51:10; Eze 36:26. Prepares. -- 1Ch 29:18; Pr 16:1. Opens. -- Ac 16:14. Enlightens. -- 2Co 4:6; Eph 1:18. Strengthens. -- Ps 27:14. Establishes. -- Ps 112:8; 1Th 3:13. Should be Prepared to God. -- 1Sa 7:3. Given to God. -- Pr 23:26. Perfect with God. -- 1Ki 8:”
- Psalms “Psalms 119:27 (LEB) — Make me understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful things.”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 12:14: Looking diligently,.... Acting the part of bishops, or overseers, as the word signifies; and so this exhortation either respects officers of the church of the Hebrews, whose business it was more especially to inspect into the principles and practices of the members of it, and take care that they did not imbibe false doctrines, or live immoral lives; or rather the several members of the church, whose business it is to watch over one another, since this epistle seems to be written to the whole church. Lest any man fail of the grace of God; not the free favour and lo”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 10:24: Here, as elsewhere, hope and love follow faith; the Pauline triad of Christian graces. consider--with the mind attentively fixed on "one another" (see on Heb 3:1), contemplating with continual consideration the characters and wants of our brethren, so as to render mutual help and counsel. Compare "consider," Psa 41:1, and Heb 12:15, "(All) looking diligently lest any fail of the grace of God." to provoke--Greek, "with a view to provoking unto love," instead of provoking to hatred, as is too often the case.”