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Bible Dictionaries
Providence
Easton's Bible Dictionary
As regards sinful actions of men, they are represented as occurring by God's permission (Genesis 45:5; 50:20 . Compare 1 Samuel 6:6; Exodus 7:13; 14:17; Acts 2:3; 3:18; 4:27,28 ), and as controlled (Psalm 76:10 ) and overruled for good (Genesis 50:20; Acts 3:13 ). God does not cause or approve of sin, but only limits, restrains, overrules it for good.
The mode of God's providential government is altogether unexplained. We only know that it is a fact that God does govern all his creatures and all their actions; that this government is universal (Psalm 103:17-19 ), particular (Matthew 10:29-31 ), efficacious (Psalm 33:11; Job 23:13 ), embraces events apparently contingent (Proverbs 16:9,33; 19:21; 21:1 ), is consistent with his own perfection (2 Timothy 2:13 ), and to his own glory (Romans 9:17; 11:36 ).
These dictionary topics are from M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition, published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain.
Easton, Matthew George. Entry for 'Providence'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​ebd/​p/providence.html. 1897.