Presumptions are cognitive shortcuts we often take, bypassing investigation and verification in our quest for immediate understanding. While some presumptions are beneficial, allowing us to function in a continuously changing world, others limit our understanding, compassion, and faith. The Bible demonstrates multiple examples of the potential risks and consequences of presumptuous behavior, while also offering wisdom on how we can learn to manage it.
What does the Bible say about Presumptions?
The Bible warns that presumptions can be harmful and misguided. For instance, Job’s friends were sure that his suffering was due to sin, yet they were wrong. Their presumptions clouded their understanding and compassion. In contrast, the Bible emphasizes the importance of wisdom, discernment, and understanding in managing presumptions. It advises us to seek God’s wisdom, which is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and sincere. This kind of wisdom helps us to avoid rushing into conclusions based on limited understanding, thus managing presumptions.
Where do Presumptions fit in Christian Life according to the Bible?
Throughout the Bible, presumption is shown to be a hindrance to a faithful life. It can lead us astray from God’s ways, causing us to overstep boundaries. For example, King Uzziah assumed that he could burn incense in the temple, a role designated for the priests. His presumption led to pride, disobedience, and ultimately, God’s punishment. On the other hand, humility, the antithesis of presumption, is consistently highlighted in the Bible as a virtue. A humble spirit counters presumption because it involves understanding and accepting our limitations and need for God’s guidance.
Why are Presumptions Considered Dangerous Area in the Bible?
Presumptions are dangerous because they can be founded on incomplete or false information, leading us astray from the truth. They can also inflate our ego, distancing us from God and others. In the Bible, presumption often leads to sin, as individuals presume upon God’s grace and forgiveness and take advantage of it to justify their sinful actions. The danger is not just spiritual, but also relational. Presumptions can cause misunderstandings and conflicts among people. The Bible encourages us instead to communicate clearly and honestly, seek understanding and forgiveness, and foster peace and unity.
When does the Bible highlight Presumptions as Teachable Moments?
The Bible uses several instances of presumptions as teachable moments. For example, when King David presumed he could have Bathsheba because he was powerful, he sinned gravely. Yet, this moment of failure turned into a teaching moment about repentance and God’s grace. Another moment is when Peter assumed that he would never deny Jesus. His presumption led to his fall, but also his subsequent repentance and deeper understanding of Jesus’ teachings about forgiveness and human weakness. Through such instances, the Bible encourages us to learn from our presumptions, confront our misconceptions, and grow in wisdom and faith.
Below is our full list of bible verses on presumptions (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Presumptions
Numbers 15:30
“30 But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.”
Psalm 19:13
“13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.”
Related Themes: Addiction
2 Peter 2:10
“10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.”
James 4:13
“13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:”
Related Themes: Sovereignty Frustration Time Tomorrow Future
1 Samuel 15:23
“23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.”
Related Themes: Rebellion Fortune Manipulation Idolatry Disobedience
Numbers 14:44
“44 But they presumed to go up unto the hill top: nevertheless the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and Moses, departed not out of the camp.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
“5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Related Themes: Frustration Trust Letting Go Faith Life
Numbers 16:3
“3 And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?”
Psalm 19:12-13
“12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.”
Deuteronomy 17:13
“13 And all the people shall hear, and fear, and do no more presumptuously.”
John 3:16
“16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Life Love Money Omnipotence
2 Timothy 3:16
“16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
Related Themes: Criticism Education Business Education Learning
John 1:1
“1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
Related Themes: Omnipotence Greatness Earth Omnipresence Lust
Revelation 1:1
“1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:”
Related Themes: Earth Trespassing Omnipotence Criticism Gold
Philippians 4:13
“13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Related Themes: Strength Omnipotence Self Confidence Life Greatness
Luke 14:10
“10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.”
Ephesians 2:8-9
“8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Related Themes: Faith Grace Life Pride Repentance
Jeremiah 29:11
“11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
Related Themes: Hope New Beginnings Patience Frustration Life
Proverbs 18:13
“13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.”
Related Themes: Arguing Business Listening Communication Resolving Conflict
Proverbs 14:12
“12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”
Related Themes: Morality Life Morals Technology Division
1 Corinthians 13:7
“7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”
Related Themes: Loyalty Perseverance Fidelity Self Sacrifice Broken Heart
Genesis 11:4
“4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.”
Related Themes: Earth Technology
Psalm 131:1
“1 A Song of degrees of David. LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.”
Related Themes: Pride Humility Frustration
