Topical Encyclopedia Contempt, defined as a feeling of disdain or scorn towards someone or something considered unworthy, is a sin that even the saints, the faithful followers of God, have sometimes been guilty of. The Bible provides several instances where individuals, despite their devotion and righteousness, fell into the trap of contempt, highlighting the human propensity to err and the need for humility and repentance.Miriam and Aaron Against Moses One of the most notable examples of contempt among the saints is found in the account of Miriam and Aaron against their brother Moses. In Numbers 12:1-2 , it is recorded: "Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because of the Cushite woman he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman. 'Does the LORD speak only through Moses?' they said. 'Does He not also speak through us?' And the LORD heard this." Here, Miriam and Aaron, both leaders and prophets in Israel, displayed contempt towards Moses, questioning his unique role and authority given by God. Their contempt was met with divine rebuke, as God defended Moses and punished Miriam with leprosy, demonstrating the seriousness of such an attitude. David's Contempt for Michal King David, a man after God's own heart, also exhibited contempt, albeit in a more personal context. In 2 Samuel 6:16, 20-23 , as the Ark of the Covenant was brought into Jerusalem, Michal, Saul's daughter and David's wife, "looked out the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, and she despised him in her heart." Later, when Michal confronted David, he responded with words that reflected a dismissive attitude towards her concerns. This incident reveals how even a revered king like David could fall into the sin of contempt, affecting his relationship with his wife. Jonah's Contempt for Nineveh The prophet Jonah is another example of a saint who harbored contempt, this time towards the city of Nineveh. Jonah's reluctance to preach to the Ninevites stemmed from his disdain for them and his desire to see them punished rather than forgiven. Jonah 4:1-2 states, "But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry. So he prayed to the LORD, 'Please, LORD, was this not what I said while I was still in my own country? That is why I was so quick to flee toward Tarshish. I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion—One who relents from sending disaster.'" Jonah's contempt for Nineveh led to his initial disobedience and later to his anger at God's mercy, illustrating how contempt can cloud judgment and hinder one's mission. The Disciples' Contempt for the Little Children Even the disciples of Jesus, who walked closely with Him, displayed moments of contempt. In Mark 10:13-14 , it is recorded: "People were bringing little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, 'Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'" The disciples' rebuke of those bringing children to Jesus showed a contemptuous attitude towards the seemingly insignificant, which Jesus corrected by emphasizing the value and importance of childlike faith. These examples serve as reminders that contempt is a sin that can affect anyone, regardless of their spiritual status or past faithfulness. The Bible calls for humility, love, and respect for all, urging believers to guard their hearts against contempt and to seek God's grace in overcoming it. Torrey's Topical Textbook James 2:6But you have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Sin against the Holy Ghost. Questions on the Explanations The Beginning of Justification. In what Sense Progressive. Psalm CXXIII. The Saints' Rest is not to be Expected on Earth. A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad! The Saints' Privilege and Profit; Herod and Peter. Evidences of Regeneration. The Wedding Garment Resources How does oppressing the poor show contempt for their Maker (Proverbs 14:31)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is eternal death? | GotQuestions.org Who was Malachi in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Contempt: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Contempt of Ministers, is a Despising of God Contempt: A Characteristic of the Wicked Contempt: Causes Saints to Cry to God Contempt: Forbidden Towards: Believing Masters Contempt: Forbidden Towards: Christ's Little Ones Contempt: Forbidden Towards: Parents Contempt: Forbidden Towards: The Poor Contempt: Forbidden Towards: Weak Brethren Contempt: Forbidden Towards: Young Ministers Contempt: Ministers should Give No Occasion For Contempt: Pride and Prosperity Prompt To Contempt: Saints Sometimes Guilty of Contempt: Self-Righteous Prompts To Contempt: The Wicked Exhibit Towards: Authorities Contempt: The Wicked Exhibit Towards: Christ Contempt: The Wicked Exhibit Towards: Parents Contempt: The Wicked Exhibit Towards: Saints Contempt: The Wicked Exhibit Towards: The Afflicted Contempt: The Wicked Exhibit Towards: The Poor Contempt: Towards the Church: Often Punished Contempt: Towards the Church: Often Turned Into Respect Related Terms |
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