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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Surly</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/s/surly.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/1_samuel/25-3.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/s/surly.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Surly</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/s/surging_waters.htm" title="Surging Waters">◄</a> Surly <a href="/topical/s/surmise.htm" title="Surmise">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>The term "surly" is not directly found in the Bible; however, the concept of surliness, characterized by a bad-tempered or unfriendly demeanor, can be explored through various scriptural principles and examples. The Bible frequently addresses attitudes and behaviors that align with what might be considered surly, emphasizing the importance of kindness, patience, and humility.<br><br><b>Biblical Principles Against Surliness</b><br><br>1. <b>Kindness and Gentleness</b>: The Bible consistently encourages believers to exhibit kindness and gentleness, which are contrary to a surly disposition. In <a href="/ephesians/4-31.htm">Ephesians 4:31-32</a> , Paul writes, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." This passage highlights the call to replace negative attitudes with positive, Christ-like behaviors.<br><br>2. <b>Patience and Self-Control</b>: <a href="/proverbs/15-18.htm">Proverbs 15:18</a> states, "A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms a dispute." This proverb underscores the value of patience and self-control, virtues that counteract a surly temperament. The fruit of the Spirit, as listed in <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a> , includes "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control," all of which are antithetical to surliness.<br><br>3. <b>Humility and Servanthood</b>: <a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3-4</a> advises, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." A surly attitude often stems from pride and self-centeredness, whereas humility and servanthood foster a spirit of cooperation and peace.<br><br><b>Examples of Surliness in Scripture</b><br><br>1. <b>Nabal</b>: In <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/25.htm">1 Samuel 25</a>, Nabal is described as "harsh and evil in his dealings" (<a href="/1_samuel/25-3.htm">1 Samuel 25:3</a>). His surly behavior towards David's men nearly leads to disaster for his household, illustrating the destructive potential of such an attitude. Abigail, Nabal's wife, intervenes with wisdom and humility, averting the crisis and exemplifying the virtues that counteract surliness.<br><br>2. <b>Jonah</b>: The prophet Jonah exhibits a surly attitude in his reluctance to preach to Nineveh and his displeasure at God's mercy towards the city. <a href="/jonah/4.htm">Jonah 4:1-3</a> describes his anger and frustration, revealing a heart resistant to God's compassion and grace. Jonah's account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of harboring a surly spirit against God's will.<br><br>3. <b>The Elder Brother in the Parable of the Prodigal Son</b>: In <a href="/luke/15-28.htm">Luke 15:28-30</a> , the elder brother's surly reaction to his father's celebration of the prodigal son's return highlights his resentment and lack of compassion. His attitude contrasts with the father's joy and forgiveness, emphasizing the importance of grace and reconciliation.<br><br><b>Admonitions for Believers</b><br><br>Believers are called to reflect the character of Christ, who embodies love, patience, and humility. <a href="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19-20</a> advises, "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man's anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires." This instruction serves as a guide for overcoming surliness and cultivating a spirit that honors God and fosters harmonious relationships.<br><br>In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly use the term "surly," it provides ample guidance on avoiding such attitudes through the cultivation of virtues that reflect the heart of Christ.<a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>1. (<I>a.</I>) Arrogant; haughty.<p>2. (<I>a.</I>) Gloomily morose; ill-natured, abrupt, and rude; severe; sour; crabbed; rough; sullen; gloomy; as, a surly groom; a surly dog; surly language; a surly look.<p>3. (<I>a.</I>) Rough; dark; tempestuous.<a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/miller/the_yoke/chapter_xvii_the_son_of.htm"><span class="l">The Son of the Murket</span></a> <br><b>...</b> tutors because thou couldst sing. Thou wast a stubborn lad, as pretty as<br> a mimosa and as <b>surly</b> as a caged lion. I can see thee now <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xvii the son of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/kane/greater_things_the_story_of_saint_stanislaus_kostka_/chapter_iv_off_to_vienna.htm"><span class="l">Off to vienna</span></a> <br><b>...</b> I want to walk.". And though a peasant might often be afraid to accept the favor<br> from a noble, or be <b>surly</b> and churlish, the folk never were so with Stanislaus. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter iv off to vienna.htm</font><p><a href="/library/kleiser/fifteen_thousand_useful_phrases/section_xi_miscellaneous_phrases.htm"><span class="l">Miscellaneous Phrases</span></a> <br><b>...</b> A keenly receptive and intensely sensitive temperament. A kind of fantastic<br> patchwork. A kind of <b>surly</b> reluctance. A laudable stimulus. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section xi miscellaneous phrases.htm</font><p><a href="/library/kingsley/twenty-five_village_sermons/sermon_xxv_the_courage_of.htm"><span class="l">The Courage of the Saviour</span></a> <br><b>...</b> He is confident in his own strength, he is rough and hard, and does not care for<br> pain; and when he thrusts his head into a fight, like a <b>surly</b> dog, he does it <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon xxv the courage of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/champness/broken_bread/vi_his_chains_fell_off.htm"><span class="l">"His Chains Fell Off. " Acts xii. 7</span></a> <br><b>...</b> What a blessed change! How the chains of winter have fallen off, and that <b>surly</b><br> east-wind jailer been dismissed without noise or clamour. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/vi his chains fell off.htm</font><p><a href="/library/farrar/gathering_clouds_a_tale_of_the_days_of_st_chrysostom/chapter_lxviii_the_martyrdom.htm"><span class="l">The Martyrdom</span></a> <br><b>...</b> In two days Secundus and Cythegius, with their quaternion of soldiers, arrived,<br> and issued the <b>surly</b> order that next morning the journey to Pityus must be begun <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter lxviii the martyrdom.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_j/gods_promises_tests.htm"><span class="l">God's Promises Tests</span></a> <br><b>...</b> We do not know how long his Egyptian bondage had lasted, nor how long before that<br> his endurance of the active ill-will of his <b>surly</b> brothers had gone on. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/gods promises tests.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_g/building_in_troublous_times.htm"><span class="l">Building in Troublous Times</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Now, it is easy to represent this as a piece of impolitic narrowness, and to say<br> that its <b>surly</b> bigotry was rightly punished by the evils that it brought down <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/building in troublous times.htm</font><p><a href="/library/watts/the_psalms_of_david/psalm_93_3_0_3d_m_as.htm"><span class="l">Psalm 93:3. 3D M. As the Old 122D Psalm. The Same.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> 3 In vain the noisy crowd, Like billows fierce and loud, Against thine empire rage<br> and roar; In vain, with angry spite, The <b>surly</b> nations fight, And dash like <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms of david/psalm 93 3 0 3d m as.htm</font><p><a href="/library/wesley/the_journal_of_john_wesley/wesley_in_st_albans_abbey.htm"><span class="l">Wesley in St. Albans Abbey</span></a> <br><b>...</b> things before. And they were not helped by two <b>surly</b>, ill-mannered clergymen,<br> who seemed to be just as wise as themselves. The congregation <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/wesley in st albans abbey.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/s/surly.htm"><span class="l"><b>Surly</b> (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 2. (a.) Gloomily morose; ill-natured, abrupt, and rude; severe; sour; crabbed; rough;<br> sullen; gloomy; as, a <b>surly</b> groom; a <b>surly</b> dog; <b>surly</b> language; a <b>surly</b><b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/surly.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/surging.htm"><span class="l">Surging (10 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/surging.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/g/growl.htm"><span class="l">Growl (11 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 2. (vt) To express by growling. 3. (n.) The deep, threatening sound made by a <b>surly</b><br> dog; a grumbling sound. Multi-Version Concordance Growl (11 Occurrences). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/g/growl.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/g/grumble.htm"><span class="l">Grumble (13 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vi) To murmur or mutter with discontent; to make<br> ill-natured complaints in a low voice and a <b>surly</b> manner. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/g/grumble.htm - 10k</font><p><a href="/topical/i/ill-natured.htm"><span class="l">Ill-natured (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Of habitual bad temper; <b>surly</b>; peevish;<br> fractious; cross; crabbed; as, an ill-natured person. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/i/ill-natured.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/frown.htm"><span class="l">Frown (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vi) To contract the brow in displeasure, severity,<br> or sternness; to scowl; to put on a stern, grim, or <b>surly</b> look. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/frown.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/rugged.htm"><span class="l">Rugged (7 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 6. (n.) Rough to the ear; harsh; grating; -- said of sound, style, and the like.<br> 7. (n.) Sour; <b>surly</b>; frowning; wrinkled; -- said of looks, etc. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/rugged.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/m/mizar.htm"><span class="l">Mizar (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> in the district (za`ura, wady za`arah, and Khirbet Mazara) may be a reminiscence<br> of the name of a hill in the district called Mits`ar; and <b>surly</b> none other <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/m/mizar.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/churl.htm"><span class="l">Churl (6 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 1. (n.) A rustic; a countryman or laborer. 2. (n.) A rough, <b>surly</b>, ill-bred man;<br> a boor. 3. (n.) A selfish miser; an illiberal person; a miser. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/churl.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/churlish.htm"><span class="l">Churlish (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Like a churl; rude; cross-grained; ungracious;<br><b>surly</b>; illiberal; stingy. 2. (a.) Wanting pliancy <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/churlish.htm - 7k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/brothers-keeper.html">Am I my brother's keeper? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Abigail-in-the-Bible.html">Who was Abigail in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/David-and-Nabal.html">What is the story of David and Nabal? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/surly.htm">Surly: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Surly (1 Occurrence)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_samuel/25-3.htm">1 Samuel 25:3</a></span><br />Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail; and the woman was of good understanding, and of a beautiful face: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb.<br /><span class="source">(See NIV)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/s/surly.htm">Surly</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/infer.htm">Infer (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/rezon.htm">Rezon (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/amalekite.htm">Amalekite (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/amalek.htm">Amalek (35 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/semitic.htm">Semitic</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/semites.htm">Semites</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/suspect.htm">Suspect (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/surmised.htm">Surmised (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/surly.htm">Surly (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/strange.htm">Strange (234 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/chemosh.htm">Chemosh (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/u/urim.htm">Urim (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/thummim.htm">Thummim (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/covenant.htm">Covenant (309 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/fire.htm">Fire (602 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/ark.htm">Ark (212 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/heaven.htm">Heaven (653 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/separate.htm">Separate (115 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/apocryphal.htm">Apocryphal</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kingdom.htm">Kingdom (409 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God (45911 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/acts.htm">Acts (271 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/religion.htm">Religion (23 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/s/surging_waters.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Surging Waters"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Surging Waters" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/s/surmise.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Surmise"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Surmise" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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