Manners

Passages on this topic

From Nave’s Topical Bible (1896), a historical reference index. The groupings are Nave’s; the verses are shown in the text used across this site.

(Social customs)

Obeisance to strangers

• Genesis 18:2 And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.
• Genesis 19:1 Now the two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When Lot saw them, he got up to meet them, bowed facedown,

Standing while guests eat

• Genesis 18:8 Then Abraham brought curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and he set them before the men and stood by them under the tree as they ate.

In presence of

Superiors

• Genesis 31:35 Rachel said to her father, “Sir, do not be angry that I cannot stand up before you; for I am having my period.” So Laban searched but could not find the household idols.
• Job 29:8 the young men saw me and withdrew, and the old men rose to their feet.

The aged

• Leviticus 19:32 You are to rise in the presence of the elderly, honor the aged, and fear your God. I am the LORD.

Courteousness enjoined

• 1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble.

Rules for guests

• Proverbs 23:1–2 When you sit down to dine with a ruler, consider carefully what is set before you, and put a knife to your throat if you possess a great appetite.
• 1 Corinthians 10:27 If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat anything set before you without raising questions of conscience.

See Salutations