5896 irreverence

A complete absence of the proper sense of awe, respect and wonder that is inspired and demanded by the character and activity of the living God. Irreverence involves disrespect for the character, deeds, words, law and ministers of God. As such, it brings judgment upon those who behave in this way.

Irreverence as the root of sin

Ro 3:10,18 See also Ps 36:1; Ps 10:4-5; Ps 55:19; Ro 1:21

Rebellion leads to irreverence Jer 5:23-24 See also Isa 29:13; Mt 15:3-9

Causes of irreverence

Arrogance Ps 10:4-5 See also Dt 17:19-20

Self-deception Ps 36:1-2

Prosperity Pr 30:9 See also Ps 10:4-5

Kinds of irreverence

Insulting God Ps 69:9 See also Ps 74:22-23; Heb 10:29

Misusing God’s name Ex 20:7 See also Lev 19:12; Lev 24:10-16

Insulting God’s representatives 1Ki 21:10-13 See also Dt 17:12; Ac 6:11

Ignoring God’s law Nu 15:30 See also Isa 63:17; Jer 44:10; Am 2:7; 1Th 5:20

Worshipping idols Eze 20:39 See also Lev 18:21; Lev 20:1-3

Sacrificial worship Lev 22:2 See also Lev 21:6; 1Sa 2:17; Mal 1:6-8

Towards holy objects and places 2Sa 6:6-7 See also Ps 74:7-8; Ps 79:1; Jer 7:30

Attacking God’s people Ps 22:7-8 See also 2Ki 19:9-12,16; Ps 31:18; Ps 35:15-16; Ps 74:10,18; Ps 89:50-51; Eze 35:12; Da 7:8,21-22; Zep 2:10-11 The insults of unbelievers are sometimes prompted by the sins of God’s people: Eze 36:20-23; Ro 2:24

Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit Mt 12:31-32 pp Mk 3:29 pp Lk 12:10 Jesus Christ’s opponents were beyond hope, so long as they continued to say that the work of the Holy Spirit was the work of Satan (Mt 12:24) See also 1Co 12:3 Jesus Christ was accused of blasphemy: Jn 10:33; Mt 26:63-65 pp Mk 14:63-64

Social consequences of irreverence

In family relationships Mt 15:4 See also Ex 21:17 pp Lev 20:9; Pr 20:20; Pr 30:11

Oppression and cruelty Ps 10:9-11 See also Ps 73:2-11; Ps 94:4-7; Pr 8:13

Social irresponsibility Pr 17:5 See also Pr 14:31; Jer 34:16; Eze 22:11-12; Lk 18:2; Ro 1:28-32; 1Co 11:20-22

Irreverence brings condemnation and judgment

Dt 17:12-13; Ps 55:19 See also Nu 14:23; 2Ch 26:5,16; 2Ch 36:15-16; Pr 1:29-31; Pr 3:34; Pr 28:14; Hos 10:3; Hos 12:14; Heb 10:29; Jude 15

Particular warnings about the consequences of irreverence 1Sa 12:14-15 See also Dt 28:58-59; Mal 2:1-2

See also