Definition: to indicate the faults of (someone or something) in a disapproving way* Approximate Number of Occurrences in Scripture (64) Read: Numbers chapter 12 for full context of this account Numbers 12:1, 8 (NLT) 1 While they were at Hazeroth, Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because he had married a Cushite woman. 8 “I speak to him face to face, clearly, and not in riddles! He sees the LORD as he is. So why were you not afraid to criticize my servant Moses?” That Was Th

Definition: casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true* Approximate Number of Occurrences in Scripture (41) Read: Luke 24:13-34 for full context of this account Luke 24:17-18 (NIV) 17 He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?" They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know

Definition: to speak to or treat with disrespect or scornful abuse* Approximate Number of Occurrences in Scripture (48) Read: 1 Kings 12:1-24 for full context of this account 1 Kings 12:10-11 (NLT) 10 The young men replied, “This is what you should tell those complainers who want a lighter burden: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! 11 Yes, my father laid heavy burdens on you, but I’m going to make them even heavier! My father beat you with whips, but I will

Definition: to make an untrue statement with intent to deceive.* Approximate Number of Occurrences in Scripture (357) Read: Acts 5:1-11 for full context of this account Acts 5:3 (NIV) Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? That Was Then Very likely, whoever coined the phrase “oh, it’s just a little white lie” never read Acts 5. Anani

Definition: to tease or laugh at in a scornful or contemptuous manner. * Approximate Number of Occurrences in Scripture (72) Read: 2 Kings 2:23-25 for full context of this account 2 Kings 2:23 (NIV) From there Elisha went up to Bethel. As he was walking along the road, some youths came out of the town and jeered at him. "Go on up, you baldhead!" they said. "Go on up, you baldhead!" That Was Then This account comes almost immediately after Elisha grabs the baton of prophetic

Definition: to annoy or irritate (a person) with persistent fault-finding or continuous urging * Approximate Number of Occurrences in Scripture (4) Read: Judges chapter 16 for full context of this account Judges 16:16-17 (NIV) 16 With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was tired to death. 17 So he told her everything. "No razor has ever been used on my head," he said, "because I have been a Nazirite set apart to God since birth. If my head were shaved, my st

Definition: an angry argument or disagreement, typically between people who are usually on good terms* Approximate Number of Occurrences in Scripture (44) Read: the entire first chapter of 1 Samuel, chapter 2:11-21, and chapter 3 for full context of this account 1 Samuel 1:6-7 (NIV) 6 And because the LORD had closed her womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. 7 This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the LORD, her rival prov

Definition: to state one's intention to take hostile action against someone in retribution for something done or not done * Approximate Number of Occurrences in Scripture (15) Read: 2 Chronicles chapter 20 for full context of this account 2 Chronicles 20:2 (MSG) Jehoshaphat received this intelligence report: "A huge force is on its way from beyond the Dead Sea to fight you. There's no time to waste—they're already at Hazazon Tamar, the oasis of En Gedi." That Was Then This i

Definition: to damage or weaken (someone or something), especially gradually or insidiously * Approximate Number of Occurrences in Scripture (6) Read: Matthew 13:53-58 for full context of this account Matthew 13:57 (NIV) And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor." That Was Then Most of us have at least one family member or childhood friend who loves to remind us that “they knew us when…” Sadly