Insolence, characterized by rude and disrespectful behavior, is a theme addressed in various passages throughout the Bible. It is often associated with pride, arrogance, and a lack of reverence for God and others. The Bible consistently warns against such attitudes, highlighting the spiritual and social consequences of insolence.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, insolence is frequently linked with the downfall of individuals and nations. Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse underscores the peril of insolence, suggesting that it leads to ruin. The account of King Uzziah in 2 Chronicles 26:16-21 illustrates this principle. Uzziah's heart became proud, leading him to act unfaithfully by entering the temple of the Lord to burn incense, a duty reserved for priests. His insolence resulted in leprosy and his eventual downfall.

The prophets also spoke against insolence. Isaiah 13:11 declares, "I will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their iniquity; I will end the haughtiness of the arrogant and lay low the pride of the ruthless." Here, insolence is equated with wickedness and is subject to divine judgment.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, insolence is addressed in the context of Christian conduct and community life. Romans 1:30 lists "slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful" among those who have turned away from God. This passage highlights insolence as a characteristic of those who reject divine authority.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often contrasts insolence with humility and gentleness. In Titus 3:2 , believers are instructed "to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone." This teaching emphasizes the importance of humility and respect in Christian relationships, opposing the spirit of insolence.

Consequences and Warnings

The Bible warns that insolence leads to negative consequences both spiritually and socially. Proverbs 11:2 states, "When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom." This proverb suggests that insolence results in shame and dishonor, while humility brings understanding and respect.

Insolence is also seen as a barrier to receiving God's grace. James 4:6 reminds believers, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" This verse indicates that insolence, rooted in pride, is opposed by God, whereas humility opens the way for divine favor.

Practical Implications

For believers, the biblical teaching on insolence calls for self-examination and a commitment to humility. The Scriptures encourage a posture of respect and reverence towards God and others, fostering a community marked by love and mutual edification. By rejecting insolence and embracing humility, Christians are better able to reflect the character of Christ and live in harmony with one another.1. (n.) Pride or haughtiness manifested in contemptuous and overbearing treatment of others; arrogant contempt; brutal impudence.

2. (n.) The quality of being unusual or novel.

3. (n.) Insolent conduct or treatment; insult.

4. (v. t.) To insult.

5196. hubris -- wantonness, insolence, an act of wanton violence
... wantonness, insolence, an act of wanton violence. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: hubris Phonetic Spelling: (hoo'-bris) Short Definition: insult ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5196.htm - 7k

5195. hubrizo -- to run riot, to outrage, insult
... insult. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: hubrizo Phonetic Spelling:
(hoo-brid'-zo) Short Definition: I insult Definition: I insult, treat with insolence. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5195.htm - 7k

766. aselgeia -- licentiousness, wantonness
... 766 (from "brutal") -- properly, which and indulges in lawless insolence (wanton
caprice). [This is likewise the meaning of 766 in classical Greek (, 110).]. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/766.htm - 7k

2087. zadon -- insolence, presumptuousness
... 2086, 2087. zadon. 2088 . insolence, presumptuousness. Transliteration: zadon
Phonetic Spelling: (zaw-done') Short Definition: arrogance. ...
/hebrew/2087.htm - 6k

2685. chatsaph -- to show insolence or harshness
... chatsaph. 2686 . to show insolence or harshness. Transliteration: chatsaph Phonetic
Spelling: (khats-af') Short Definition: urgent. Word Origin (Aramaic) a prim ...
/hebrew/2685.htm - 6k

7736. shud -- waste
... waste A primitive root; properly, to swell up, ie Figuratively (by implication of
insolence) to devastate -- waste. 7735, 7736. shud. 7737 . Strong's Numbers
/hebrew/7736.htm - 5k

2195. zaam -- indignation
... indignation. Word Origin from zaam Definition indignation NASB Word Usage
indignation (21), insolence (1). angry, indignation, rage. ...
/hebrew/2195.htm - 6k

If any of the Ascetics, Without Bodily Necessity, Shall Behave ...
... Canon XIX. If any of the ascetics, without bodily necessity, shall behave
with insolence and disregard the? If any of the ascetics ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xix if any of.htm

The Subject of Plagiarisms Resumed. The Greeks Plagiarized from ...
... Solon having written:". "For surfeit insolence begets,. When store of wealth attends.".
Theognis writes in the same way:". "For surfeit insolence begets,. ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter ii the subject of plagiarisms.htm

Matt. xxvi. 67, 68
... For neither did He fail in any things of gentleness, nor they of insolence
and cruelty, in what they did, in what they said. All ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxxv matt xxvi 67.htm

In Charging Basil with not Defending his Faith at the Time of the ...
... Therefore the routine of insolence and abusiveness is checked from repeating itself
by long-suffering: whereas if insolence is met with insolence and abuse ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 9 in charging basil.htm

A Remarkable and Original Reply to These Utterances
... Let our sophist then use his art to display his insolence, and vaunt his strength
in reproaches against us, showing off his strokes in the intervals of the ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 3 a remarkable and.htm

Commandment Eighth. We Ought to Shun that which is Evil, and do ...
... 203] from wicked luxury, from indulgence in many kinds of food and the extravagance
of riches, and from boastfulness, and haughtiness, and insolence, and lies ...
/.../pastor/the pastor books first second third/commandment eighth we ought to.htm

How Aristobulus was the First that Put a Diadem About his Head ...
... this very time it was that these ill men came to the king, and told him in what
a pompous manner the armed men came, and with what insolence Antigonus marched ...
/.../chapter 3 how aristobulus was.htm

John viii. 48, 49
... "I have not a devil, but I honor Him [1491] that sent me." Where there was need
to instruct them, to pull down their excessive insolence, to teach them not to ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lv john viii 48.htm

Of the Justice and Patience of the Christians.
... by injustice, because he is without virtue, and is subject to vice and sin; and
forgetful of his frailty, he is puffed up with a mind elated with insolence. ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xxiii of the justice and.htm

The Christians are not the Only Contemners of the Gods Contempt of ...
... however, some consolation for your private household gods under these affronts,
that you treat your public deities with still greater indignity and insolence. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/ad nationes/chapter x name christians are.htm

Insolence (11 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Insolence (11 Occurrences). ... Psalms 94:4 How long shall
they utter and speak insolence all the workers of iniquity boast themselves? ...
/i/insolence.htm - 10k

Insolent (16 Occurrences)
... 3. (a.) Proceeding from or characterized by insolence; insulting; as, insolent words
or behavior. Multi-Version Concordance Insolent (16 Occurrences). ...
/i/insolent.htm - 11k

Insult (25 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) Gross abuse offered to another, either by word or act; an act or
speech of insolence or contempt; an affront; an indignity. ...
/i/insult.htm - 13k

Willful (3 Occurrences)
... performed his whole work on Mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit
of the willful proud heart of the king of Assyria, and the insolence of his ...
/w/willful.htm - 7k

Irritate (2 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) To excite anger or displeasure in; to provoke; to tease; to exasperate;
to annoy; to vex; as, the insolence of a tyrant irritates his subjects. ...
/i/irritate.htm - 7k

Insofar (1 Occurrence)

/i/insofar.htm - 6k

Rahab (14 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Insolence; pride, a poetical name applied to Egypt
in Psalm 87:4; 89:10; Isaiah 51:9, as "the proud one.". ...
/r/rahab.htm - 16k

Pride (277 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) Proud or disdainful behavior or treatment; insolence or arrogance of demeanor;
haughty bearing and conduct; insolent exultation; disdain. ...
/p/pride.htm - 37k

Contumely (2 Occurrences)
... (n.) Rudeness compounded of haughtiness and contempt; scornful insolence; despiteful
treatment; disdain; contemptuousness in act or speech; disgrace. ...
/c/contumely.htm - 7k

Arrogancy (16 Occurrences)
... ARROGANCY. ar'-o-gan-si: Excessive pride, leading to boastfulness and insolence
(1 Samuel 2:3 Proverbs 8:13 Isaiah 13:11 Jeremiah 48:29). ...
/a/arrogancy.htm - 11k

Who is the king of the North in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.org

Who is the king of the South in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.org

Dealing with mean people-what does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.org

Insolence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus