Unseemliness refers to behavior or actions that are inappropriate, indecent, or not in accordance with accepted standards of morality and propriety. In the context of the Bible, unseemliness is often associated with conduct that is contrary to the holiness and righteousness expected of believers. The term is used to describe actions that are not fitting for those who are called to live according to God's standards.

Biblical References:

1. Romans 1:27 : "Likewise, the men abandoned natural relations with women and burned with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error." In this passage, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of unseemly behavior in the context of sexual immorality. The term "indecent acts" highlights actions that are contrary to God's design for human relationships.

2. 1 Corinthians 13:5 : "It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs." Here, the Apostle Paul describes love as not behaving in an unseemly or rude manner. Love, as the highest virtue, is characterized by behavior that is fitting and appropriate, avoiding actions that would be considered unseemly.

3. Ephesians 5:4 : "Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving." Paul admonishes believers to avoid unseemly speech, which includes obscenity and crude joking. Such behavior is inconsistent with the character of a follower of Christ and is contrasted with the attitude of thanksgiving.

4. 1 Corinthians 7:36 : "But if anyone thinks he is acting improperly toward his virgin, and if she is past her youth and it must be so, let him do as he wishes; he is not sinning; they should get married." In this context, unseemliness is related to the proper conduct in relationships, particularly concerning marriage. Paul provides guidance to ensure that actions are appropriate and honorable.

Theological Implications:

Unseemliness is a concept that underscores the importance of living a life that reflects the holiness and purity of God. Believers are called to conduct themselves in a manner that is worthy of their calling (Ephesians 4:1). This includes avoiding behaviors and speech that are inappropriate or indecent. The call to holiness is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, and unseemliness is seen as a deviation from this standard.

The Bible emphasizes the transformation that occurs in the life of a believer, where old, unseemly behaviors are put aside in favor of a new life in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). This transformation is empowered by the Holy Spirit, who enables believers to live in a way that is pleasing to God.

Practical Application:

Christians are encouraged to examine their lives and ensure that their actions, words, and thoughts align with the teachings of Scripture. This involves a conscious effort to avoid behaviors that are considered unseemly and to cultivate virtues such as love, kindness, and self-control. By doing so, believers can be a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel and reflect the character of Christ to the world around them.(n.) The quality or state of being unseemly; unbecomingness.808. aschemosune -- unseemliness
... unseemliness. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: aschemosune Phonetic
Spelling: (as-kay-mos-oo'-nay) Short Definition: unseemliness, shame ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/808.htm - 7k8604. tiphlah -- unsavoriness, unseemliness
... 8603, 8604. tiphlah. 8605 . unsavoriness, unseemliness. Transliteration:
tiphlah Phonetic Spelling: (tif-law') Short Definition: blame. ...
/hebrew/8604.htm - 6k

1 Cor. xiii. 4
... is so far from that feeling, that in suffering the most shameful things for him
whom she loves, she doth not even count the thing an unseemliness?" Again, he ...
/.../homily xxxiii 1 cor xiii.htm

Matt. xxvi. 36-38.
... When therefore thou seest great care about outward things, then be ashamed at
the great unseemliness. ... This therefore is full of unseemliness. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxxiii matt xxvi 36-38.htm

Matt. xiv. 13
... Will ye then that I let loose my tongue upon it, and show its unseemliness, how
great it is? ... 7. What then can be worse than this unseemliness, this absurdity? ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xlix matt xiv 13.htm

These Things, Since they are Asserted Upon the Warrant of the ...
... enter the world in such wise, that even though there had been no defilement from
intercourse with man, there should yet be the unseemliness attendant upon the ...
/.../11 these things since they.htm

Colossians iii. 18-25
... out to be even more unseemly than if naked, tell me now; if thou hadst ever put
on the dresses of a piper or a flute-player, would it not have been unseemliness ...
/.../homily x colossians iii 18-25.htm

On the Ten Points of Doctrine.
... be plain, not for adornment, but for necessary covering: not to minister to thy
vanity, but to keep thee warm in winter, and to hide the unseemliness of the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture iv on the ten.htm

A Diet of Public Worship in the Time of Knox.
... It was ordered, "lest that the Word of God and ministration of the Sacraments by
unseemliness of the place come into contempt," there should be made "such ...
//christianbookshelf.org/johnston/presbyterian worship/chapter iv a diet of.htm

Knowledge and Self-Confidence
... pleadings? Will he not with great unseemliness look about him? Will he
not ask the lower class of advocates how he shall behave? ...
/.../kleiser/the training of a public speaker/knowledge and self-confidence.htm

If, Therefore, You had not as yet Vowed unto God Widowed ...
... saw on the Cross of the Passion; "and He had not form or beauty, but His face cast
down, and His posture unseemly." [2281] Yet from this unseemliness of your ...
/.../augustine/on the good of widowhood /section 23 if therefore you.htm

The Human Nature of Christ his one Dove.
... and woven of various virtues, as chastity, prudence, faith, love, patience, and
other good things, which, covering, as they do, the unseemliness of the flesh ...
/.../chapter viii the human nature of.htm

Unseemliness (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The quality or state of being unseemly; unbecomingness.
Multi-Version Concordance Unseemliness (4 Occurrences). ...
/u/unseemliness.htm - 7k

Unseemly (9 Occurrences)

/u/unseemly.htm - 9k

Unsavory (3 Occurrences)
... (WBS). Jeremiah 23:13 And I have seen unseemliness in the prophets of Samaria: they
prophesied by Baal, and caused My people Israel to err. (See RSV). ...
/u/unsavory.htm - 7k

Unseasonable (1 Occurrence)

/u/unseasonable.htm - 7k

Shame (412 Occurrences)
... Proverbs 18:13), cruelty (Isaiah 50:6 Hebrews 12:2), poverty (Proverbs 13:18),
nothingness (Proverbs 9:7 the King James Version), unseemliness (1 Corinthians 11 ...
/s/shame.htm - 43k

Keeping (282 Occurrences)
... lo, I do come as a thief; happy 'is' he who is watching, and keeping his garments,
that he may not walk naked, and they may see his unseemliness,' -- (WBS NAS). ...
/k/keeping.htm - 36k

Souls (114 Occurrences)
... Job 24:12 From out of the populous city men groan, and the soul of the wounded crieth
out; yet God imputeth it not for unseemliness. (See NAS NIV). ...
/s/souls.htm - 37k

Unseemliness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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