The similar phrase 'Worldly Christianity' is one used by Bonhoeffer. It's J Gresham Machen that I want to line up most closely with. See his Christianity and culture here. Having done commentaries on Proverbs (Heavenly Wisdom) and Song of Songs (Heavenly Love), a matching title for Ecclesiastes would be Heavenly Worldliness. For my stance on worldliness, see 3 posts here.

10 Shortest verses in the New Testament



  1. John 11:35 – “Jesus wept.” (2 words, 9 letters)
  2. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 – “Rejoice evermore.” (2 words, 15 letters: shorter than the first in Greek)
  3. Luke 17:32 – “Remember Lot’s wife.” (3 words)
  4. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray without ceasing.” (3 words)
  5. 1 Thessalonians 5:20 – “Despise not prophesyings.” (3 words)
  6. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 – “Quench not the Spirit.” (4 words)
  7. 1 Thessalonians 5:25 – “Brethren, pray for us.” (4 words)
  8. Hebrews 13:1 - "Let brotherly love continue" (4 words)
  9. 2 Corinthians 13:13 -  "All the saints salute you" (5 words)
  10. Mark 4:14 - The sower soweth the word. (5 words)
Also John 6:48: I am that bread of life. (6 words but less letters than number ten)
Luke 20:30 - "The second" in modern versions (2 words and so actually the shortest)

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