Dictionary of Bible Themes Putting God first--living according to his word--serves the glory of God and also the best interests of believers, by giving them true wisdom for daily living. Hebrews 11:6The wisdom of making faith a priority Psalms 31:19See also Putting the fear of God before other considerations Exodus 1:17Nehemiah 5:15 Proverbs 1:7 Psalms 1:1-2 Preferring God's way to sinful advice Proverbs 3:13-14; 8:19,32The precious wisdom of obeying God: Numbers 31:161 Kings 12:28 Following sinful advice: Numbers 13:30See also Choosing imaginative action rather than laziness or fearfulness 1 Samuel 25:33Ephesians 5:16 Matthew 25:10,26-27,44-45; 26:40 Examples of failure to do this: Psalms 40:1See also Patient waiting rather than impetuous action Psalms 27:14; 37:5-6; 62:5; 123:2Proverbs 3:5-6 Isaiah 40:31 Hosea 12:6 John 2:4-5 Revelation 2:10 Hebrews 6:19 The wisdom of making hope a priority See also Psalms 147:10-11Luke 16:9 See also Putting true riches above earthly wealth Deuteronomy 15:8Matthew 6:24; 19:21 Matthew 19:29 pp Mk 10:21 pp Lk 18:22 Hebrews 11:26pp Mk 10:29-30 pp Lk 18:29-30 2 Corinthians 4:17-18See also Putting eternal joy before temporal hardship Acts 14:22; 16:25Romans 8:18 2 Timothy 2:10 Hebrews 10:34 1 Corinthians 13:13 The wisdom of making love a priority Proverbs 18:24Paul's concern that love, rather than competition over spiritual gifts, should be made a priority. See also Loyalty rather than opportunism Ruth 1:162 Timothy 4:10 Galatians 5:16 Demas' love for this world rather than loyalty Following the Spirit rather than sinful human nature See also Psalms 147:10-11Merely "human" activity betrays a failure of love for God. Isaiah 31:1-3Romans 8:5 Romans 12:9 See also Inner sincerity rather than outward appearance 1 Samuel 16:7Ephesians 6:5 Colossians 3:22 James 2:18 See also Actions rather than mere words Matthew 7:21-221 John 3:18 Romans 12:18 See also Peace rather than disharmony Romans 14:19Hebrews 12:14 Proverbs 12:19 See also Truth rather than falsehood Acts 5:4Colossians 3:9 See also 1460 truth5571 surgery 6166 flesh, sinful nature 6644 eternal life 8020 faith 8030 trust 8283 joy 8292 love 8318 patience 8337 reverence & behaviour 8809 riches 9610 hope |
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