'Serious' in the Bible

But the Lord punished Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues because of Sarai, Abram’s wife.

The situation distressed Abraham greatly because of his son [Ishmael].

There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun: riches being kept and hoarded by their owner to his own misery.

This also is a grievous evil—exactly as he was born, so he shall die. So what advantage has he who labors for the wind?

Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they are testifying against You?”

So then, my dear ones, just as you have always obeyed [my instructions with enthusiasm], not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ].

Women must likewise be worthy of respect, not malicious gossips, but self-controlled, [thoroughly] trustworthy in all things.

Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in steadfastness [Christlike in character].