Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of biblical teachings, the concept of avoiding is often associated with steering clear of sin, temptation, and behaviors that lead one away from a righteous path. The Bible provides numerous instructions and examples that emphasize the importance of avoiding certain actions, people, and situations to maintain spiritual integrity and obedience to God.
Avoiding Sin and TemptationThe Bible frequently admonishes believers to avoid sin and the occasions that lead to it. In
Proverbs 4:14-15 , it is written, "Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it; do not travel on it. Turn from it and pass on by." This passage underscores the importance of actively avoiding paths that lead to wickedness and sin.
The New Testament also provides guidance on avoiding temptation. In
1 Corinthians 10:13 , Paul reassures believers that "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it." This verse highlights God's provision of a way to avoid succumbing to temptation.
Avoiding False Teachings and HeresiesThe early church faced numerous challenges from false teachings and heresies. The apostle Paul, in his letters, often warned believers to avoid such deceptions. In
Romans 16:17 , he writes, "Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them." This instruction emphasizes the need to avoid those who distort the truth of the Gospel.
Similarly, in
2 Timothy 2:16-17 , Paul advises, "But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness, and the talk of such men will spread like gangrene." Here, the focus is on avoiding discussions and teachings that lead to ungodliness and spiritual decay.
Avoiding Foolish and Harmful DesiresThe Bible also warns against pursuing foolish and harmful desires that can lead to spiritual ruin. In
1 Timothy 6:9-10 , Paul cautions, "Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil." This passage highlights the importance of avoiding the pursuit of wealth and materialism, which can lead to spiritual downfall.
Avoiding Bad CompanyThe influence of others is a significant theme in the Bible, and believers are advised to avoid bad company that can corrupt good character. In
1 Corinthians 15:33 , Paul states, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" This warning serves as a reminder to avoid associations that can lead one away from a godly lifestyle.
Avoiding Quarrels and StrifeThe Bible encourages believers to avoid unnecessary quarrels and strife, promoting peace and unity instead. In
2 Timothy 2:23-24 , Paul instructs, "But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling. And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing." This passage emphasizes the importance of avoiding disputes that lead to division and instead fostering a spirit of kindness and patience.
Through these teachings, the Bible provides a comprehensive guide for believers on the importance of avoiding sin, false teachings, harmful desires, bad company, and quarrels, thereby encouraging a life of holiness and devotion to God.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Avoid.
Greek
1624. ektrepo -- to turn away ... Word Origin from ek and the same as trope Definition to turn away NASB Word Usage
avoiding (1), put out of joint (1), turn aside (1), turned aside (2).
... 2261. epios -- gentle, mild
... 2307 ). It describes the believer acting even-handedly, avoiding unnecessary
harshness or excess by into a situation that God reveals. ...
2720. kateuthuno -- to make straight
... to," intensifying 2116 , "make straight") -- properly, go straight by the most direct,
efficient route; to go in a direct () -- avoiding all , without any ...
4235. praos -- meek.
... Cognate: 4235 -- , ie the necessary balance of exercising power and avoiding harshness.
See 4236 (). Word Origin variant reading for praus, qv. meek. ...
Library
Commandment Third. On Avoiding Falsehood, and on the Repentance of ...
... The Pastor: Book Second."Commandments. Commandment Third. On Avoiding Falsehood,
and on the Repentance of Hermas for His Dissimulation. ...
On Avoiding Offence.
... Book IV. Chapter XV."On Avoiding Offence. "We know that we all have knowledge""common
knowledge in common things, and the knowledge that there is one God. ...
Commandment Second. On Avoiding Evil-Speaking, and on Giving Alms ...
... The Pastor: Book Second."Commandments. Commandment Second. On Avoiding
Evil-Speaking, and on Giving Alms in Simplicity. He said ...
On Avoiding Rash Judgment
... THE FIRST BOOK. ADMONITIONS PROFITABLE FOR THE SPIRITUAL LIFE CHAPTER XIV
On avoiding rash judgment. Look well unto thyself, and ...
The Fourteenth Chapter: Avoiding Rash Judgment
... BOOK ONE. THOUGHTS HELPFUL IN THE LIFE OF THE SOUL The Fourteenth Chapter:
Avoiding Rash Judgment. TURN your attention upon yourself ...
The Tenth Chapter: Avoiding Idle Talk
... BOOK ONE. THOUGHTS HELPFUL IN THE LIFE OF THE SOUL The Tenth Chapter: Avoiding
Idle Talk. SHUN the gossip of men as much as possible ...
Of Avoiding Heresies and Superstitions, and what is the Only True ...
... the divine institutes. Book IV. Of True Wisdom and Religion. Chap. XXX."Of Avoiding
Heresies and Superstitions, and What is the Only True Catholic Church. ...
Israel, Therefore, Avoiding the House of his Brother, Sent Forward ...
... The Sacred History Of Sulpitius Severus. Book I. Chapter X. Israel, therefore, avoiding
the house of his brother, sent forward his company to Salem? ...
Of Avoiding of Curious Inquiry into the Life of Another
... THE THIRD BOOK. ON INWARD CONSOLATION CHAPTER XXIV Of avoiding of curious
inquiry into the life of another. "My Son, be not curious ...
The Seventh Chapter: Avoiding False Hope and Pride
... BOOK ONE. THOUGHTS HELPFUL IN THE LIFE OF THE SOUL The Seventh Chapter:
Avoiding False Hope and Pride. VAIN is the man who puts his ...
Thesaurus
Avoiding (3 Occurrences)...Avoiding (3 Occurrences). 2 Corinthians 8:20 We are
avoiding this, that any man
should blame us concerning this abundance which is administered by us.
...Science (1 Occurrence)
... The meaning of the term here is "knowledge," "wisdom." The only other occurrence
of "science" is in the New Testament (1 Timothy 6:20, "avoiding.... ...
Vain-words (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Timothy 6:20 O Timotheus, the thing entrusted guard thou, avoiding the profane
vain-words and opposition of the falsely-named knowledge, (YLT). ...
Uninstructed (2 Occurrences)
... with Jesus. (DBY). 2 Timothy 2:23 and the foolish and uninstructed questions
be avoiding, having known that they beget strife, (YLT). ...
Opposing (13 Occurrences)
... (YLT). 1 Timothy 6:20 O Timotheus, the thing entrusted guard thou, avoiding the
profane vain-words and opposition of the falsely-named knowledge, (See NAS NIV). ...
Generous (17 Occurrences)
... (WEY). 2 Corinthians 8:20 We are avoiding this, that any man should blame us
concerning this abundance which is administered by us. (See NAS). ...
Invisible (5 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) An invisible person or thing; specifically, God, the Supreme Being. 3.
(n.) A Rosicrucian; -- so called because avoiding declaration of his craft. ...
Indolent (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Habitually lazy; avoiding labor and exertion; inactive;
as, an indolent man. Multi-Version Concordance Indolent (3 Occurrences). ...
Falsely-named (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Timothy 6:20 O Timotheus, the thing entrusted guard thou, avoiding the profane
vain-words and opposition of the falsely-named knowledge, (YLT). ...
False-named (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Timothy 6:20 O Timotheus, keep the entrusted deposit, avoiding profane, vain
babblings, and oppositions of false-named knowledge, (DBY). ...
Resources
Why didn't Solomon follow his own advice on women? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to make a covenant with your eyes? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Noble Eightfold Path? | GotQuestions.orgAvoiding: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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