In the Bible, wicked people are defined as those who commit acts of wrongdoing, reject God’s commandments, and act unjustly towards others. They are often characterized by a lifestyle of sin, opposition to righteousness, and deceitfulness, as seen in passages such as Psalm 1:1-6 and Proverbs 4:16-17.
Scripture
12 A worthless person, a wicked man, goes about with crooked speech,
13 winks with his eyes, signals with his feet, points with his finger,
14 with perverted heart devises evil,
continually sowing discord.
15 Therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly;
in a moment he will be broken beyond healing.
16 There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him:
17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil,
19 a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.
Wicked People Defined in the Bible
In the Bible, the concept of wickedness encompasses not only individual actions but also a broader disposition towards life that is fundamentally opposed to God’s will and character. Wicked people are often depicted as those who lack moral integrity, pursuing selfish ambitions and engaging in behaviors that harm others. For instance, Psalm 1:1 highlights the idea that the wicked walk in the counsel of the ungodly, signifying a deliberate choice to align themselves with values and philosophies that are contrary to divine truth. The Proverbs further detail this idea; Proverbs 4:16-17 illustrates that wicked individuals are consumed by their sinful nature, unable to sleep unless they have caused harm, which speaks to an unsettling comfort in transgression.
The biblical narrative emphasizes that wickedness ultimately leads to spiritual and communal decay. In Jeremiah 17:9, the state of the heart, described as “deceitful above all things,” underscores the importance of internal motives that drive external actions. Furthermore, the consequences of living wickedly are abundantly clear. For example, Proverbs 3:33 states that the Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, while Psalm 37:9 asserts that evildoers will be cut off, contrasting the fate of the wicked with that of the righteous. This dichotomy serves as a moral compass within scripture, illustrating that the pursuit of righteousness—rooted in love, justice, and humility—brings peace and divine favor, while wickedness alienates one from the presence and blessings of God. In this way, the Bible not only defines wickedness but also invites individuals to reflect on their choices and align their lives with God’s righteousness.
In addition to the previously mentioned characteristics, the Bible often portrays wicked individuals as those who exhibit an arrogant disregard for the law and justice of God. This defiance can manifest in oppression, deceit, and hostility towards the righteous. In books such as Ezekiel, the wicked are described as those who exploit the vulnerable and engage in practices that distort justice and truth. Their actions reflect a fundamental hardness of heart, leading them to justify immoral decisions as they pursue power and status at the expense of others.
Moreover, the Book of Psalms frequently contrasts the fate of the wicked with that of the faithful, highlighting a theological principle of divine retribution. For instance, the wicked are often depicted as transient, like grass that fades away, while the righteous are likened to a tree planted by streams of water that flourishes despite adversity. This imagery reinforces the temporality of wickedness and emphasizes that, although it may appear momentarily prosperous, it ultimately leads to destruction. Such portrayals encourage believers to remain steadfast in their commitment to righteousness, reminding them of the long-term consequences of their actions and the ultimate justice of God, which prevails against all moral corruption.
The Nature of Wickedness
In the Bible, wickedness is often characterized by a rejection of God’s laws and a pursuit of selfish desires. Wicked people are depicted as those who act contrary to divine principles, engaging in behaviors that harm others and disrupt societal harmony. This nature of wickedness is not merely about individual actions but reflects a broader disposition of the heart that is resistant to righteousness and truth.
Consequences of Wickedness
The Bible frequently outlines the consequences that befall wicked individuals. These consequences can manifest in various forms, including spiritual separation from God, societal downfall, and personal suffering. The narrative often emphasizes that wickedness leads to destruction, both in this life and in the afterlife, serving as a warning to those who stray from the path of righteousness.
The Call to Repentance
Despite the grim portrayal of wickedness, the Bible also offers a message of hope and redemption. It calls wicked individuals to repentance, emphasizing that transformation is possible through faith and a return to God. This aspect highlights the belief in God’s mercy and the opportunity for all to turn away from wickedness and embrace a life aligned with divine will.
How to Embrace Righteousness and Strengthen Your Faith
Embracing righteousness is a journey that begins with a sincere desire to align your life with God’s will, and it’s a path that requires both intention and action. Start by immersing yourself in Scripture, allowing the Word to guide your thoughts and actions; the more you understand God’s character and His desires for you, the easier it becomes to reflect His righteousness in your daily life. Prayer is your lifeline—use it to seek strength and wisdom, and don’t hesitate to ask for help in areas where you struggle. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can encourage and challenge you, as iron sharpens iron. Remember, righteousness isn’t about perfection but about a heart that seeks to grow closer to God. As you cultivate this relationship, you’ll find that your faith strengthens, and you’ll be better equipped to face life’s challenges with grace and courage. Embrace the journey, knowing that every step taken in faith brings you closer to the heart of God.
Bible References to Wicked People:
Psalm 10:2-11: 2 In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the poor; let them be caught in the schemes that they have devised.
3 For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul, and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the Lord.
4 In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him; all his thoughts are, “There is no God.”
5 His ways prosper at all times; your judgments are on high, out of his sight; as for all his foes, he puffs at them.
6 He says in his heart, “I shall not be moved; throughout all generations I shall not meet adversity.”
7 His mouth is filled with cursing and deceit and oppression; under his tongue are mischief and iniquity.
8 He sits in ambush in the villages; in hiding places he murders the innocent. His eyes stealthily watch for the helpless.
9 He lurks in ambush like a lion in his thicket; he lurks that he may seize the poor; he seizes the poor when he draws him into his net.
10 The helpless are crushed, sink down, and fall by his might.
11 He says in his heart, “God has forgotten; he has hidden his face; he will never see it.”
Psalm 36:1-4: 1 Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart; there is no fear of God before his eyes.
2 For he flatters himself in his own eyes that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated.
3 The words of his mouth are trouble and deceit; he has ceased to act wisely and do good.
4 He plots trouble while on his bed; he sets himself in a way that is not good; he does not reject evil.
Psalm 37:12-15: 12 The wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes his teeth at him.
13 The Lord laughs at him, for he sees that his day is coming.
14 The wicked draw the sword and bend their bows to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose way is upright.
15 Their sword shall enter their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.
Psalm 58:3-5: 3 The wicked are estranged from the womb; they go astray from birth, speaking lies.
4 Their venom is like the venom of a serpent, like the deaf adder that stops its ear,
5 They are like the deaf adder that stops its ear,
Psalm 73:6-9: 6 Therefore pride is their necklace; violence covers them as a garment.
7 Their eyes swell out through fatness; their hearts overflow with follies.
8 They scoff and speak with malice; loftily they threaten oppression.
9 They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongue struts through the earth.
Isaiah 57:20-21: 20 But the wicked are like the tossing sea; for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up mire and dirt.
21 There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”
Jeremiah 5:26-29: 26 “For wicked men are found among my people; they lurk like fowlers lying in wait. They set a trap; they catch men.”
27 Like a cage full of birds, their houses are full of deceit; therefore they have become great and rich;
28 they have grown fat and sleek.
They know no bounds in deeds of evil;
they judge not with justice
the cause of the fatherless, to make it prosper,
and they do not defend the rights of the needy.
29 Shall I not punish them for these things? declares the Lord; and shall I not avenge myself on a nation such as this?
Jeremiah 9:3-6: 3 They bend their tongue like a bow; falsehood and not truth has grown strong in the land; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not know me, declares the Lord.
4 Let everyone beware of his neighbor,
and put no trust in any brother,
for every brother is a deceiver,
and every neighbor goes about as a slanderer.
5 They weary themselves committing iniquity.
6 Heaping oppression upon oppression, and deceit upon deceit, they refuse to know me, declares the Lord.
Romans 1:28-32: 28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.
29 They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips,
30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,
31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.
32 Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.
2 Timothy 3:1-5: 1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.
2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,
3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good,
4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.