“It is not meet” in the Bible refers to something that is not suitable, appropriate, or fitting. This phrase often indicates that a certain action or behavior is not right or proper within the context of moral or spiritual standards.
Scripture
18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”
19 Now out of the ground the Lord God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name.
20 The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field.
21 So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh.
22 And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man.
23 Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.”
24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
25 And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.
Meaning of “It is Not Meet” in Scripture
The phrase “It is not meet” appears in the King James Version of the Bible, conveying a sense of what is appropriate or suitable in moral and ethical contexts. For instance, in Matthew 15:26, when Jesus responds to the Canaanite woman seeking healing for her daughter, he states, “It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs.” Here, “it is not meet” highlights the cultural and theological boundaries of Jesus’ ministry at that moment. He uses the phrase to underline the propriety of prioritizing His mission to Israel before extending it to others, reflecting Israel’s status as God’s chosen people. This illustrates that actions are judged not only by their consequences but also by their appropriateness within given social and divine frameworks.
Furthermore, in the context of moral behavior, “it is not meet” encourages adherents to live according to the divine standards set forth in Scripture. In Ephesians 5:3, Paul writes, “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints.” The implication that these behaviors are “not meet” underscores a call to a higher moral conduct, aligning with the values of the faith community. The broader meaning captures the importance of discernment in living a life that reflects one’s faith—encouraging believers to act in ways that are fitting and honorable to God, while simultaneously reflecting on their communal identity and divine relationships.
The phrase “It is not meet” extends beyond singular instances to encompass a broader theological principle found throughout Scripture. The underlying theme of propriety can be traced to various aspects of worship and conduct within the community of believers. For example, in the instructions given for worship in the Law, the God of Israel continually sets forth regulations that define what is considered acceptable (“meet”) in His sight. This demonstrates that worship is not only about the heart’s intent but also about adhering to prescribed standards that signify respect and reverence toward God.
Additionally, the concept of propriety can also be applied to the teachings within the epistles, where the apostles address issues of moral behavior and community ethics. The call to exhibit behaviors that reflect one’s faith is a recurring motif, emphasizing that certain actions are incongruous with the identity of a believer. For instance, in passages where the Apostle James discusses the importance of controlling the tongue and living out faith through works, one can infer that expressions of faith must be aligned with actions deemed fit for those claiming to follow Christ. This alignment reinforces the idea that what is deemed “meet” is not arbitrary; it is deeply intertwined with one’s character and witness within the body of Christ, accentuating the cohesive relationship between belief and behavior in a faithful community.
The Concept of Appropriateness in Divine Contexts
The phrase “It is not meet” often conveys a sense of appropriateness or suitability in the context of God’s will and divine order. In biblical texts, this expression can indicate that certain actions, behaviors, or offerings do not align with God’s standards or intentions. It serves as a reminder that believers are called to discern what is fitting in their relationship with God and in their interactions with others, emphasizing the importance of aligning one’s life with divine principles.
The Call for Righteousness and Holiness
Another broader meaning of “It is not meet” relates to the call for righteousness and holiness among believers. This phrase can highlight the expectation that followers of God should strive for moral integrity and purity in their lives. When something is deemed “not meet,” it underscores the necessity for individuals to reflect on their actions and ensure they are living in a manner that is pleasing to God, thus fostering a community that embodies the values of love, justice, and mercy.
The Importance of Discernment in Spiritual Matters
Additionally, “It is not meet” can signify the importance of discernment in spiritual matters. This phrase encourages believers to evaluate their choices and the influences around them critically. It serves as a caution against engaging in practices or relationships that may lead one away from their faith or compromise their spiritual integrity. By recognizing what is not suitable, individuals are prompted to seek wisdom and guidance in their spiritual journey, fostering a deeper connection with God and a more profound understanding of His will.
How to Uphold Moral Integrity in Christian Living
Upholding moral integrity in Christian living is a journey that requires both intentionality and grace. It starts with a deep-rooted understanding of Scripture, allowing God’s Word to guide your decisions and actions. Regular prayer and reflection can help you align your heart with God’s will, making it easier to resist temptations that may compromise your values. Surrounding yourself with a community of fellow believers can provide support and accountability, reminding you that you’re not alone in this pursuit. Remember, it’s not about perfection but about progress; when you stumble, seek forgiveness and learn from your mistakes. Embrace the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, who empowers you to live out your faith authentically, reflecting Christ’s love and truth in every aspect of your life.
Bible References to “It is not meet”:
Matthew 15:21-28: 21 And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon.
22 And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.”
23 But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.”
24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
25 But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.”
26 But he answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”
27 She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”
28 Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
Mark 7:24-30: 24 And from there he arose and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And he entered a house and did not want anyone to know, yet he could not be hidden.
25 But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet.
26 Now the woman was a Gentile, a Syrophoenician by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter.
27 And he said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”
28 But she answered him, “Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”
29 And he said to her, “For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.”
30 And she went home and found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.
Luke 15:11-32: 11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons.
12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them.
13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living.
14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need.
And he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs.
16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.
17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger!
18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.
19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son.
20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.
23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate.
24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.
25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.”
26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant.
27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’
28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him.
29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends.
30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’
31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.
32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”
Acts 6:1-7: 1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.
2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.
3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.
4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch.
6 They set before the apostles, and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
1 Corinthians 10:23-33: 23 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.
24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.
25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience.
26 for “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.”
27 If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience.
28 But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience—
29 I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else’s conscience?
30 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks?
31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God,
33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.
Philippians 2:1-11: 1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,
2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
1 Timothy 5:3-16: 3 Honor widows who are truly widows.
4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.
5 She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day,
6 But she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives.
7 Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach.
8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
9 Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband,
10 and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.
11 But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when their passions draw them away from Christ, they desire to marry
12 incurring condemnation, because they have abandoned their former faith.
13 Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not.
14 So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander.
15 For some have already strayed after Satan.
16 If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.