Topical Bible: Lion: Proverb of

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In biblical literature, the lion is frequently used as a symbol of strength, courage, and majesty. The lion's characteristics are often employed in proverbs and sayings to convey moral and spiritual lessons. The lion's imagery is deeply embedded in the cultural and religious context of the Bible, serving as a powerful metaphor for both positive and negative attributes.

Symbol of Strength and Courage

The lion is often depicted as the epitome of strength and bravery. In Proverbs 28:1 , it is written, "The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion." This proverb contrasts the cowardice of the wicked with the boldness of the righteous, using the lion as a symbol of fearless confidence. The righteous, like a lion, stand firm and unafraid, secure in their integrity and faith.

Symbol of Majesty and Authority

The lion is also a symbol of majesty and authority. In the ancient Near East, the lion was often associated with kingship and divine power. This is reflected in the biblical portrayal of the lion as a creature of regal bearing. Proverbs 30:30 states, "a lion, mighty among beasts, and refusing to retreat before anything." Here, the lion's refusal to retreat underscores its role as a leader and ruler among animals, embodying the qualities of leadership and dominion.

Symbol of Danger and Ferocity

While the lion is often a positive symbol, it can also represent danger and ferocity. The lion's predatory nature is used to illustrate the perilous consequences of certain behaviors. In Proverbs 22:13 , the sluggard says, "There is a lion outside! I will be slain in the streets!" This proverb highlights the irrational fears and excuses of the lazy, who exaggerate dangers to avoid responsibility and work.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons

The lion's imagery in proverbs serves to impart moral and spiritual lessons. The boldness of the righteous, the majesty of leadership, and the dangers of slothfulness are all conveyed through the lion's characteristics. These proverbs encourage believers to emulate the positive attributes of the lion, such as courage and leadership, while avoiding the pitfalls of fear and laziness.

In summary, the lion in biblical proverbs is a multifaceted symbol, representing both admirable and cautionary traits. Its use in scripture provides rich insights into the moral and spiritual teachings of the Bible, offering guidance for righteous living and leadership.

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Ecclesiastes 9:4
For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.
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Library

A String of Pearls
... now. The proverb warns that it is no trifle to rouse the lion from his lair,
and that when he begins to growl there is danger. The ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a string of pearls.htm

One Lion Two Lions no Lion at All
... The lion was his friend ... It is an old proverb, that lazy people generally take the
most trouble, and so they do; and when men are unwilling to come to Christ it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/one lion two lions no.htm

Letter ix. To Maximus the Philosopher.
... 1. Speech is really an image of mind: so I have learned to know you from your letters,
just as the proverb tells us we may know "the lion from his claws." [1873 ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter ix to maximus the.htm

The Wrath of God
... Hast thou an arm like God?' Job 40:9. [2] God's wrath is terrible. The Spanish
proverb is, The lion is not so fierce as he is painted. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/3 3 the wrath of god.htm

That Christ is Both Man and God, Compounded of Both Natures, that ...
... He couched and lay down as a lion, and as a lion's whelp. ... English (qv) gives the
more literal reading, which the Septuagint treats as a proverb, unfolding its ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/10 that christ is both.htm

Solomon
... It was still more a proverb among the old Rabbis, the lawyers and scribes of the ...
wood from Ophir, and its sea of molten brass; of his ivory lion-throne, and ...
/.../kingsley/the water of life and other sermons/sermon xi solomon.htm

The victory of Unarmed Faith
... He made an experimental syllogism, and from most practical premises (major a lion,
minor a bear ... if he was a dog; and any stick will do, as the proverb says, to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the victory of unarmed faith.htm

Physical Characteristics.
... His Eyes were lion-like (Cedren.), piercingly bright (Paneg.313, c.19; also Eumen ...
But the very proverb on which Victor bases this interpretation would seem to ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/section 3 physical characteristics.htm

On Reading this Epistle, Marcellus, with the Kindest Consideration ...
... The text gives infrendebat; the Codex Bobiensis has infringebat.[It seems to be
a proverb, and I have so marked it. We should say, "he chafed like a lion," etc ...
/.../6 on reading this epistle.htm

The Figurative Language of Scripture.
... us that, under the future reign of the Messiah, the wolf shall dwell with the lamb,
the leopard lie down with the kid, the lion eat straw ... (6.) A proverb is a ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxv the figurative language.htm