A wise opportunity to be prudent

The English word "opportunistic" means someone that takes advantage of a situation. This can be for good or bad or otherwise.

A person is defined to be "opportunistic" if he or she is ready to put internalized theory (or attitude) into externalized practice as actions (or evidenced behavior).

A Greek word used in the GNT (Greek New Testament) and LXX (Septuagint) is often translated as "wise" but is not the usual Greek word for "wise". There appears to be no single word that can adequately translate the Greek word. The definition of "opportunistic" provided appears to fit that word in the passages in which it appears both in the GNT and the LXX.

Romans 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, [kjv]

φασκοντες ειναι σοφοι εμωρανθησαν [gnt]

… sapientes stulti facti … [v]

The Greek «σοφοί» for "wise" and (noun) «μωρός» for "fool" (verb form is in this verse) is used to create the English word "sophomore" or, literally, "wise fool". At West Point, the term "yearling" is used instead of "sophomore".

The Latin word "stulta" ≈ "stupid, foolish" and is from the Latin word "stultus" ≈ "foolish, stupid" which is related to the English word "stupefied".

Is Paul talking about the past, present, future, or some or all of these?

Romans 1:22

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KJV: Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

Greek: φασκοντες ειναι σοφοι εμωρανθησαν

Latin: dicentes enim se esse sapientes stulti facti sunt

Wycliffe: For thei`seiynge that hem silf weren wise, thei weren maad foolis.

Luther: Da sie sich für weise hielten, sind sie zu Narren worden

Romans 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, [kjv]

φασκοντες ειναι σοφοι εμωρανθησαν [gnt]

… sapientes stulti facti … [v]

The primary way to deceive is to omit details. A second year college student often knows enough details to get into trouble since it is the details not known that could change their thinking.

Romans 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, [kjv]

φασκοντες ειναι σοφοι εμωρανθησαν [gnt]

… sapientes stulti facti … [v]

The word for "fool" is, in the Greek, that of "dull bloom" or "foolish bloom".

The modern Greek word "μωράνθη" (mo-RAN-thee) ≈ "dull bloom, foolish".

More: Salt salted with a salty salt

The modern Greek word "μωράνθη" (mo-RAN-thee) ≈ "dull bloom, foolish". appears to be similar in spirit to the "oxymoron" (sharing a base word) that is mode up of two Greek words.

The modern Greek word "οξύς" (o-KSEES) ≈ "acute, sharp, pointed" and is the basis for the chemical term "oxygen" in the sense of "acidic" or "sharp".
The ancient Greek word "μωρός" (mo-ROS) ≈ "dull, stupid, foolish" and is the source of the English word "moron".

The ancient Greek word "οξύμωρος" (o-KSEE-mo-ros) ≈ "pointedly foolish" and is the source of the English word "oxymoron" - something that is a contradiction in terms.

The ancient Greek word "σοφός" ≈ "clever, cunning" and is often translated as the English word "wise". This word may be from the PIE (Proto Indo-European) root "SEHP" ≈ "to taste, to try out".

The modern Greek word "σοφός" (so-FOS) ≈ "wise" and is the source of English words such as "sophomore" (wise fool).

The Latin word "sapiens" ≈ "discerning, wise, prudent" (related to the Greek) and is the source of the English phrase "homo sapiens" as "wise human being". Other English words from this word include "savant" and "sapient".

This Latin word is related to the Latin word "sapio" ≈ "taste of, smack of" and over time became associated with "good taste" as in "discernment" and "wisdom". Related English words include "savor" and "savvy" (and the ones above related to "sapiens").

Job 38:2 Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? [kjv]

τις ουτος ο κρυπτων με βουλην συνεχων δε ρηματα εν καρδια εμε δε οιεται κρυπτειν [lxx]

Who is this that hides counsel from me, and confines words in his heart, and thinks to conceal them from me? [bs3]

Who said that there weren't any college professors in Job's days?

The LXX gets to the heart of deception. Deception is often done by "concealing" or "hiding" words.

Job 38:2

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KJV: Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?

Hebrew: מי זה מחשיך עצה במלין בלי דעת׃

Greek: τις ουτος ο κρυπτων με βουλην συνεχων δε ρηματα εν καρδια εμε δε οιεται κρυπτειν

Brenton: Who is this that hides counsel from me, and confines words in his heart, and thinks to conceal them from me?

2 Timothy 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. [kjv]

παντοτε μανθανοντα και μηδεποτε εις επιγνωσιν αληθειας ελθειν δυναμενα [gnt]

Paul gets to the same issues with the professors of his day.

If one ever stopped "learning", the research grants would end. There is no need to hurry to any "truth". The primary goal is not "truth" or actually solving the problem, but finding ways to extend the consulting work.

Philosophers are people who know less and less about more and more, until they know nothing about everything. Scientists are people who know more and more about less and less, until they know everything about nothing. Konrad Lorenz (Austrian zoologist)

More: Konrad Lorenz

2 Timothy 3:7

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KJV: Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Greek: παντοτε μανθανοντα και μηδεποτε εις επιγνωσιν αληθειας ελθειν δυναμενα

A person is defined to be "opportunistic" if he or she is ready to put internalized theory (or attitude) into externalized practice as actions (or evidenced behavior). Here are some analogies for "opportunistic".

Psychology terms: attitude influences behavior
Scientific terms: put theory into practice
Theological (informal) terms: put orthodoxy into othopraxy.

More: Psychology: attitude influences behavior

More: Theory and practice

Ephesians 1:8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; [kjv]

ης επερισσευσεν εις ημας εν παση σοφια και φρονησει [gnt]

Here is a comparison.

logical head knowledge: "σοφός" ≈ "clever, cunning" as in "wisdom".
intuitive gut feeling: "φρόνιμος" ≈ "sensible, mindful" as in "gut feeling".

The ancient Greek word "φρόνιμος" ≈ "sensible, mindful" and comes from the ancient Greek word "φρήν" ≈ "midriff, stomach". A "sensible" approach requires that trade-offs be made.

In relating to his Greek audience, Paul will use the Greek word for "wise" in the sense that they would know it. Jesus, however, does not use the Greek word for "wise" in a good sense. Instead, Jesus uses the word for "prudent" in a positive manner.

More: A prudent approach to a wise understanding

More: A wise fool should not be prudish about being prudent

Many English translations slide the meaning. Why? Here is one example.

Matthew 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. [kjv]

25:2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. [kjv]

πεντε δε εξ αυτων ησαν μωραι και πεντε φρονιμοι [gnt]

Logical head knowledge: "σοφός" ≈ "clever, cunning" as in "wisdom".

English: wise (head knowledge) vs. foolish (stupid)

Intuitive gut feeling: "φρόνιμος" ≈ "sensible, mindful" as in "gut feeling".

Greek: sensible/prudent vs. foolish (not sensible/prudent)

The Greek for "foolish" is that of being "childish".

There are "ten" virgins.

Matthew 25:2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. [kjv]

πεντε δε εξ αυτων ησαν μωραι και πεντε φρονιμοι [gnt]

The TR (Textus Receptus) changes the order of "foolish" and "prudent", mistranslated as "wise", which breaks a play on words.

Greek word order: five but out-of [but a shad-ow] them were foolish and five prudent.

The ancient Greek word "φρόνιμος" ≈ "sensible, mindful" and comes from the ancient Greek word "φρήν" ≈ "midriff, stomach". A "sensible" approach requires that trade-offs be made.

The ancient Greek word "μωρός" ≈ "foolish, stupid" as in the English word "moron". The modern Greek word "μωρό" (mo-RO) ≈ "baby, infant".

More: Word: five

More: Matthew 25:1-13 Parable of the ten virgins

Ephesians 1:8

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KJV: Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

Greek: ης επερισσευσεν εις ημας εν παση σοφια και φρονησει

A variation of this "gut feeling" type of sensible mind is the ancient Greek word "σωφρονισμός" ≈ "teaching of morality or moderation" as in "self control" and which in the GNT is often translated as "sober" or of "right mind".

Details are left as a future topic.

Let us look at some verses that use this word keeping in mind the definition of opportunistic.

A person is defined to be "opportunistic" if he or she is ready to put internalized theory (or attitude) into externalized practice as actions (or evidenced behavior).

The modern Greek word "φρόνιμος" (FRO-nee-mos) ≈ "sensible, prudent".

*G5429 *14 φρόνιμος (fron'-ee-mos) : from G5424; thoughtful, i.e. sagacious or discreet (implying a cautious character; while 4680 denotes practical skill or acumen; and G4908 indicates rather intelligence or mental acquirement); in a bad sense conceited (also in the comparative):--wise(-r).

Usage

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φρονιμοι *8

Matthew 10:16 ... of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and ...
Matthew 25:2 ... of them were wise, and five were foolish.
Matthew 25:4 But the wise took oil in their ...
Matthew 25:9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be ...
Romans 11:25 ... mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that ...
Romans 12:16 ... to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
1 Corinthians 4:10 ... Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we ...
2 Corinthians 11:19 ... fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.

φρονιμος *2

Matthew 24:45 ... is a faithful and wise servant, whom his ...
Luke 12:42 ... that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord ...

φρονιμοις *2

Matthew 25:8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of ...
1 Corinthians 10:15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.

φρονιμω

Matthew 7:24 ... I will liken him unto a wise man, which built ...

φρονιμωτεροι

Luke 16:8 ... in their generation wiser than the children of light.

Both the Greek word here defined as "opportunistic" and the opposite word in Greek, with prefix "α-", are used four times in the LXX and once in the GNT.

These five verses can help better define the words. In the LXX, the corresponding Hebrew word can help in the definition.

Remember that the goal is to determine what Jesus means when he uses the word. Often, words used by Jesus can have multiple meanings where all meanings make sense at some level.

Psalms 94:8 Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise? [kjv]

συνετε δη αφρονες εν τω λαω και μωροι ποτε φρονησατε [lxx]

The Hebrew as "senseless" is the Greek "brutish" or "not opportunistic".

The Hebrew here for "wise" is that of having understanding in a sensible way.

The opposites in Hebrew and Greek here appear to be "senseless" and "sensible".

The English word "brute" comes, through French, from the Latin word "brutus" ≈ "dull, stupid, insensible". It is related to the ancient Greek word "βαρύς" ≈ "heavy, weighty, deep" which is the source of the English word "barometer".

*H1197 בָּעַר (baw-ar') : a primitive root; to kindle, i.e. consume (by fire or by eating); also (as denominative from H1198) to be(-come) brutish:--be brutish, bring (put, take) away, burn, (cause to) eat (up), feed, heat, kindle, set ((on fire)), waste.

*H7919 שָׂכַל (saw-kal') : a primitive root; to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent:--consider, expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give) skill(-ful), have good success, teach, (have, make to) understand(-ing), wisdom, (be, behave self, consider, make) wise(- ly), guide wittingly.

Psalms 94:8

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KJV: Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise?

Hebrew: בינו בערים בעם וכסילים מתי תשכילו׃

Greek: συνετε δη αφρονες εν τω λαω και μωροι ποτε φρονησατε

Proverbs 9:16 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, [kjv]

ος εστιν υμων αφρονεστατος εκκλινατω προς με ενδεεσι δε φρονησεως παρακελευομαι λεγουσα [lxx]

saying, Whoso is most senseless of you, let him turn aside to me; and I exhort those that lack prudence, saying, [bs3]

This verse in the LXX translates different Hebrew words than the previous verse.

*H6612 פְּתִי פֶּתִי פְּתָאִי (peth-ee') : or pethiy {peh'-thee}; or pthaeiy {peth-aw-ee'}; from H6601; silly (i.e. seducible):--foolish, simple(-icity, one).

*H3820 לֵב (labe) : a form of H3824; the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything:--+ care for, comfortably, consent, X considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart((-ed)), X heed, X I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), X regard((-ed)), X themselves, X unawares, understanding, X well, willingly, wisdom.

Proverbs 9:16

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KJV: Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,

Hebrew: מי פתי יסר הנה וחסר לב ואמרה לו׃

Greek: ος εστιν υμων αφρονεστατος εκκλινατω προς με ενδεεσι δε φρονησεως παρακελευομαι λεγουσα

Brenton: saying, Whoso is most senseless of you, let him turn aside to me; and I exhort those that lack prudence, saying,

Proverbs 17:21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy. [kjv]

καρδια δε αφρονος οδυνη τω κεκτημενω αυτην ουκ ευφραινεται πατηρ επι υιω απαιδευτω υιος δε φρονιμος ευφραινει μητερα αυτου [lxx]

and the heart of a fool is grief to its possessor. A father rejoices not over an uninstructed son; but a wise son gladdens his mother. [bs3]

The Hebrew for "fool" is that of a "scoffer". The last part of the LXX is not in the Hebrew translated by the KJV (King James Version).

*H3684 כְּסִיל (kes-eel') : from H3688; properly, fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or silly:--fool(-ish).

Proverbs 17:21

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KJV: He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.

Hebrew: ילד כסיל לתוגה לו ולא ישמח אבי נבל׃

Greek: καρδια δε αφρονος οδυνη τω κεκτημενω αυτην ουκ ευφραινεται πατηρ επι υιω απαιδευτω υιος δε φρονιμος ευφραινει μητερα αυτου

Brenton: and the heart of a fool is grief to its possessor. A father rejoices not over an uninstructed son; but a wise son gladdens his mother.

Proverbs 30:2 Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man. [kjv]

αφρονεστατος γαρ ειμι παντων ανθρωπων και φρονησις ανθρωπων ουκ εστιν εν εμοι [lxx]

For I am the most simple of all men, and there is not in me the wisdom of men. [bs3]

*H1198 בַּעַר (bah'-ar) : from H1197; properly, foot (as consumed); i.e. (by exten.) of cattle brutishness; (concretely) stupid:--brutish (person), foolish.

*H998 בִּינָה (bee-naw') : from H995; understanding:--knowledge, meaning, X perfectly, understanding, wisdom.

Proverbs 30:2

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KJV: Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man.

Hebrew: כי בער אנכי מאיש ולא בינת אדם לי׃

Greek: αφρονεστατος γαρ ειμι παντων ανθρωπων και φρονησις ανθρωπων ουκ εστιν εν εμοι

Brenton: For I am the most simple of all men, and there is not in me the wisdom of men.

2 Corinthians 11:19 For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise. [kjv]

ηδεως γαρ ανεχεσθε των αφρονων φρονιμοι οντες [gnt]

Do "wise" people suffer (or permit) "fools"? Or do those who are "opportunistic" suffer "fools".

The Greek for "fools" is, literally, the opposite of "opportunistic". That is, this "fool" is not stupid, but not taking advantage of what is sensible.

*G878 *11 ἄφρων (af'-rone) : from G1 (as a negative particle) and G5424; properly, mindless, i.e. stupid, (by implication) ignorant, (specially) egotistic, (practically) rash, or (morally) unbelieving:--fool(-ish), unwise.

Usage

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αφρων *4

Luke 12:20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy ...
1 Corinthians 15:36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not ...
2 Corinthians 12:6 ... I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: ...
2 Corinthians 12:11 I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: ...

αφρονων *3

Romans 2:20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form ...
2 Corinthians 11:19 For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.
1 Peter 2:15 ... that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

αφρονες *2

Luke 11:40 Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make ...
Ephesians 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what ...

αφρονα *2

2 Corinthians 11:16 ... think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, ...

*G878 *11 ἄφρων (af'-rone) : from G1 (as a negative particle) and G5424; properly, mindless, i.e. stupid, (by implication) ignorant, (specially) egotistic, (practically) rash, or (morally) unbelieving:--fool(-ish), unwise.

Words: αφρονα=2 αφρονες=2 αφρονων=3 αφρων=4

2 Corinthians 11:19

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KJV: For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.

Greek: ηδεως γαρ ανεχεσθε των αφρονων φρονιμοι οντες

Proverbs 11:22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion. [kjv]

ωσπερ ενωτιον εν ρινι υος ουτως γυναικι κακοφρονι καλλος [lxx]

As an ornament in a swine's snout, so is beauty to an ill-minded women. [bs3]

The LXX uses the Greek word here defined as "opportunistic" with a prefix of "bad". These words may help define the Greek desired word.

The Hebrew is in a poetry by similarity (or contrast) which can help decipher the meaning of the Greek words.

Someone may "appear" nice but inside, they may lack "sense".

Proverbs 11:22

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KJV: As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.

Hebrew: נזם זהב באף חזיר אשה יפה וסרת טעם׃

Greek: ωσπερ ενωτιον εν ρινι υος ουτως γυναικι κακοφρονι καλλος

Brenton: As an ornament in a swine's snout, so is beauty to an ill-minded women.

Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. [kjv]

προ συντριβης ηγειται υβρις προ δε πτωματος κακοφροσυνη [lxx]

Pride goes before destruction, and folly before a fall. [bs3]

The Greek word for "pride" is the source of the English word "hubris".

Proverbs 16:18

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KJV: Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Hebrew: לפני שבר גאון ולפני כשלון גבה רוח׃

Greek: προ συντριβης ηγειται υβρις προ δε πτωματος κακοφροσυνη

Brenton: Pride goes before destruction, and folly before a fall.

Proverbs 19:19 A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again. [kjv]

κακοφρων ανηρ πολλα ζημιωθησεται εαν δε λοιμευηται και την ψυχην αυτου προσθησει [lxx]

A malicious man shall be severely punished, and if he commit injury, he shall also lose his life. [bs3]

When one saves those without "sense", one must often do it again and again and again.

Proverbs 19:19

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KJV: A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.

Hebrew: גרל חמה נשא ענש כי אם תציל ועוד תוסף׃

Greek: κακοφρων ανηρ πολλα ζημιωθησεται εαν δε λοιμευηται και την ψυχην αυτου προσθησει

Brenton: A malicious man shall be severely punished, and if he commit injury, he shall also lose his life.

Some verses are now covered with just the Greek word here given the meaning of "opportunistic".

Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: [kjv]

πας ουν οστις ακουει μου τους λογους τουτους και ποιει αυτους ομοιωθησεται ανδρι φρονιμω οστις ωκοδομησεν αυτου την οικιαν επι την πετραν [gnt]

The man building his house on the rock is not "wise" or "clever" in the English sense. He is opportunistic. A person is defined to be "opportunistic" if he or she is ready to put internalized theory (or attitude) into externalized practice as actions (or evidenced behavior).

Matthew 7:24

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KJV: Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

Greek: πας ουν οστις ακουει μου τους λογους τουτους και ποιει αυτους ομοιωσω αυτον ομοιωθησεται ανδρι φρονιμω οστις ωκοδομησεν αυτου την οικιαν αυτου επι την πετραν

In Matthew 10:16, Jesus uses four creatures in one verse: sheep, wolves, serpents and doves (pigeons) as "birds".

Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. [kjv]

ιδου εγω αποστελλω υμας ως προβατα εν μεσω λυκων γινεσθε ουν φρονιμοι ως οι οφεις και ακεραιοι ως αι περιστεραι [gnt]

"Wolves" operate in groups and look for any weakness in their prey. Wolves and dogs can interbreed. A "wolf-dog" is in contrast to a "sheep-dog".

The "serpents" are not "wise" in the English sense. They are opportunistic and prudent. So, no "wise crackers" here!

The "doves" or "pigeons" (same bird) or "birds" are not "harmless" in the English sense. They are without frills (insect antennas), with smooth feathers, preened of pests. not fact-checked, etc. Is this how "birds" of "prey" or "pray" want to appear?

More: Matthew 7:6-12 The hunt for holy hounds

More: Flipping the pigeon bird as reality or perception

Matthew 10:16

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KJV: Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Greek: ιδου εγω αποστελλω υμας ως προβατα εν μεσω λυκων γινεσθε ουν φρονιμοι ως οι οφεις και ακεραιοι ως αι περιστεραι

Matthew 24:45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? [kjv]

τις αρα εστιν ο πιστος δουλος και φρονιμος ον κατεστησεν ο κυριος επι της οικετειας αυτου του δουναι αυτοις την τροφην εν καιρω [gnt]

Matthew 24:45

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KJV: Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?

Greek: τις αρα εστιν ο πιστος δουλος και φρονιμος ον κατεστησεν ο κυριος αυτου επι της θεραπειας οικετειας αυτου του διδοναι δουναι αυτοις την τροφην εν καιρω

In the parable of the ten virgins, it appears that five were "opportunistic" and five were the opposite.

Matthew 25:2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. [kjv]

πεντε δε εξ αυτων ησαν μωραι και πεντε φρονιμοι [gnt]

Matthew 25:2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. [kjv]

πεντε δε εξ αυτων ησαν μωραι και πεντε φρονιμοι [gnt]

25:4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. [kjv]

αι δε φρονιμοι ελαβον ελαιον εν τοις αγγειοις μετα των λαμπαδων εαυτων [gnt]

25:8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. [kjv]

αι δε μωραι ταις φρονιμοις ειπαν δοτε ημιν εκ του ελαιου υμων οτι αι λαμπαδες ημων σβεννυνται [gnt]

25:9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. [kjv]

απεκριθησαν δε αι φρονιμοι λεγουσαι μηποτε ου μη αρκεση ημιν και υμιν πορευεσθε μαλλον προς τους πωλουντας και αγορασατε εαυταις [gnt]

Matthew 25:2

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KJV: And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

Greek: πεντε δε ησαν εξ αυτων φρονιμοι ησαν μωραι και αι πεντε μωραι φρονιμοι

Matthew 25:4

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KJV: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

Greek: αι δε φρονιμοι ελαβον ελαιον εν τοις αγγειοις αυτων μετα των λαμπαδων αυτων εαυτων

Matthew 25:8

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KJV: And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

Greek: αι δε μωραι ταις φρονιμοις ειπον ειπαν δοτε ημιν εκ του ελαιου υμων οτι αι λαμπαδες ημων σβεννυνται

Matthew 25:9

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KJV: But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

Greek: απεκριθησαν δε αι φρονιμοι λεγουσαι μηποτε ουκ ου μη αρκεση ημιν και υμιν πορευεσθε δε μαλλον προς τους πωλουντας και αγορασατε εαυταις

Luke 12:42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? [kjv]

και ειπεν ο κυριος τις αρα εστιν ο πιστος οικονομος ο φρονιμος ον καταστησει ο κυριος επι της θεραπειας αυτου του διδοναι εν καιρω το σιτομετριον [gnt]

Luke 12:42

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KJV: And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?

Greek: και ειπεν δε ο κυριος τις αρα εστιν ο πιστος οικονομος και ο φρονιμος ον καταστησει ο κυριος επι της θεραπειας αυτου του διδοναι εν καιρω το σιτομετριον

In the parable of the steward and the lord, some pastors have trouble providing a good explanation of what Jesus is saying since the example is of an "unjust" steward.

Luke 16:8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. [kjv]

και επηνεσεν ο κυριος τον οικονομον της αδικιας οτι φρονιμως εποιησεν οτι οι υιοι του αιωνος τουτου φρονιμωτεροι υπερ τους υιους του φωτος εις την γενεαν την εαυτων εισιν [gnt]

It appears that Jesus is saying that many are "opportunistic" in the decisions of this world but have trouble doing the same for decisions about heaven.

Luke 16:8

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KJV: And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.

Greek: και επηνεσεν ο κυριος τον οικονομον της αδικιας οτι φρονιμως εποιησεν οτι οι υιοι του αιωνος τουτου φρονιμωτεροι υπερ τους υιους του φωτος εις την γενεαν την εαυτων εισιν

Romans 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. [kjv]

ου γαρ θελω υμας αγνοειν αδελφοι το μυστηριον τουτο ινα μη ητε εν εαυτοις φρονιμοι οτι πωρωσις απο μερους τω ισραηλ γεγονεν αχρι ου το πληρωμα των εθνων εισελθη [gnt]

Paul is warning them of being "opportunistic" in their own "conceits", a word in the KJV that does not appear in the Greek. Rather, the are not to be "opportunistic" in themselves.

The last part of this verse explains, in part, why most Jews since the time of Jesus have not recognized Jesus as the Messiah.

Romans 11:25

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KJV: For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

Greek: ου γαρ θελω υμας αγνοειν αδελφοι το μυστηριον τουτο ινα μη ητε παρ εν εαυτοις φρονιμοι οτι πωρωσις απο μερους τω ισραηλ γεγονεν αχρις αχρι ου το πληρωμα των εθνων εισελθη

This is stated by Jesus in Luke 18:25 as he enters Jerusalem for the passover and the crucifixion.

Luke 19:42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. [kjv]

λεγων οτι ει εγνως εν τη ημερα ταυτη και συ τα προς ειρηνην νυν δε εκρυβη απο οφθαλμων σου [gnt]

Luke 19:42

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KJV: Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.

Greek: λεγων οτι ει εγνως και συ και γε εν τη ημερα σου ταυτη και συ τα προς ειρηνην σου νυν δε εκρυβη απο οφθαλμων σου

Jesus associated with tax collectors, sinners and others of "low estate".

Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. [kjv]

το αυτο εις αλληλους φρονουντες μη τα υψηλα φρονουντες αλλα τοις ταπεινοις συναπαγομενοι μη γινεσθε φρονιμοι παρ εαυτοις [gnt]

Romans 12:16

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KJV: Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Greek: το αυτο εις αλληλους φρονουντες μη τα υψηλα φρονουντες αλλα τοις ταπεινοις συναπαγομενοι μη γινεσθε φρονιμοι παρ εαυτοις

1 Corinthians 4:10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised. [kjv]

ημεις μωροι δια χριστον υμεις δε φρονιμοι εν χριστω ημεις ασθενεις υμεις δε ισχυροι υμεις ενδοξοι ημεις δε ατιμοι [gnt]

1 Corinthians 4:10

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KJV: We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.

Greek: ημεις μωροι δια χριστον υμεις δε φρονιμοι εν χριστω ημεις ασθενεις υμεις δε ισχυροι υμεις ενδοξοι ημεις δε ατιμοι

1 Corinthians 10:15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. [kjv]

ως φρονιμοις λεγω κρινατε υμεις ο φημι [gnt]

1 Corinthians 10:15

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KJV: I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.

Greek: ως φρονιμοις λεγω κρινατε υμεις ο φημι

Was the serpent in the garden "wise" in the modern English sense?

Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? [kjv]

ο δε οφις ην φρονιμωτατος παντων των θηριων των επι της γης ων εποιησεν κυριος ο θεος και ειπεν ο οφις τη γυναικι τι οτι ειπεν ο θεος ου μη φαγητε απο παντος ξυλου του εν τω παραδεισω [lxx]

Was the serpent "opportunistic"?

A person is defined to be "opportunistic" if he or she is ready to put internalized theory (or attitude) into externalized practice as actions (or evidenced behavior).

Genesis 3:1

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KJV: Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

Hebrew: והנחש היה ערום מכל חית השדה אשר עשה יהוה אלהים ויאמר אל האשה אף כי אמר אלהים לא תאכלו מכל עץ הגן׃

Greek: ο δε οφις ην φρονιμωτατος παντων των θηριων των επι της γης ων εποιησεν κυριος ο θεος και ειπεν ο οφις τη γυναικι τι οτι ειπεν ο θεος ου μη φαγητε απο παντος ξυλου του εν τω παραδεισω

Did Pharaoh pick out a man who was "wise" in the modern English sense? The Pharaoh selected Joseph himself.

Genesis 41:33 Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt. [kjv]

νυν ουν σκεψαι ανθρωπον φρονιμον και συνετον και καταστησον αυτον επι γης αιγυπτου [lxx]

41:39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: [kjv]

ειπεν δε φαραω τω ιωσηφ επειδη εδειξεν ο θεος σοι παντα ταυτα ουκ εστιν ανθρωπος φρονιμωτερος και συνετωτερος σου [lxx]

Was Joseph "opportunistic"? A person is defined to be "opportunistic" if he or she is ready to put internalized theory (or attitude) into externalized practice as actions (or evidenced behavior).

Genesis 41:33

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KJV: Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.

Hebrew: ועתה ירא פרעה איש נבון וחכם וישיתהו על ארץ מצרים׃

Greek: νυν ουν σκεψαι ανθρωπον φρονιμον και συνετον και καταστησον αυτον επι γης αιγυπτου

Genesis 41:39

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KJV: And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:

Hebrew: ויאמר פרעה אל יוסף אחרי הודיע אלהים אותך את כל זאת אין נבון וחכם כמוך׃

Greek: ειπεν δε φαραω τω ιωσηφ επειδη εδειξεν ο θεος σοι παντα ταυτα ουκ εστιν ανθρωπος φρονιμωτερος και συνετωτερος σου

*G5431 *1 φροντίζω (fron-tid'-zo) : from a derivative of G5424; to exercise thought, i.e. be anxious:--be careful.

Usage

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φροντιζωσιν

Titus 3:8 ... that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. ...

Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. [kjv]

πιστος ο λογος και περι τουτων βουλομαι σε διαβεβαιουσθαι ινα φροντιζωσιν καλων εργων προιστασθαι οι πεπιστευκοτες θεω ταυτα εστιν καλα και ωφελιμα τοις ανθρωποις [gnt]

Does "opportunistic" fit the word here translated as "careful"?

Titus 3:8

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KJV: This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Greek: πιστος ο λογος και περι τουτων βουλομαι σε διαβεβαιουσθαι ινα φροντιζωσιν καλων εργων προιστασθαι οι πεπιστευκοτες τω θεω ταυτα εστιν τα καλα και ωφελιμα τοις ανθρωποις

After the resurrection, on the road to Emaeus in Luke 24, Jesus could have showed his hands as an eye witness testimony. Instead, Jesus says the following.

Luke 24:25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: [kjv]

και αυτος ειπεν προς αυτους ω ανοητοι και βραδεις τη καρδια του πιστευειν επι πασιν οις ελαλησαν οι προφηται [gnt]

Is Jesus saying that to not know and believe all that the prophets have said makes one an "idiot"? The ancient Greek word used here in the GNT is "ἀνόητος" ≈ "foolish, stupid, idiot" and means, literally "not thinking".

More: Not thinking about an idiot being a layperson