In the Bible, particularly in the King James Version (KJV), wickedness refers to immoral and sinful behavior that opposes God’s laws and righteousness. It is often associated with actions stemming from a corrupt heart and leads to various forms of evil and wrongdoing (Proverbs 11:19; Jeremiah 17:9).
Scripture
5 The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
6 And the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart.
7 So the Lord said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.”
Wickedness Defined in the Bible KJV
Wickedness in the Bible encompasses a deep-seated rebellion against God’s moral order, manifesting through actions that not only break divine commandments but also contribute to societal decay. The term frequently symbolizes an intrinsic moral failure, as noted in Proverbs 11:19, which states, “As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.” This verse illustrates the fatal consequences of wickedness — pursuing wickedness leads not only to physical death but also a spiritual demise, reflecting the grave seriousness of the individual’s choices in opposition to the Lord. Similarly, Jeremiah 17:9 highlights the condition of the heart, declaring, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” This emphasizes the notion that wickedness is not merely a series of wrongful acts, but a pervasive moral corruption that originates from within oneself, tainting intentions and desires with sin.
Moreover, the Bible characterizes wickedness as having far-reaching implications, affecting not just the individual but the community as a whole. In Psalms 37:12-13, it is mentioned, “The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.” This passage speaks to the antagonistic nature of wickedness, highlighting how it actively seeks to undermine righteousness. Consequently, wickedness stands as a stark warning in biblical literature, urging believers to pursue holiness and righteousness, seek transformation through Christ (Romans 6:1-2), and recognize that the path of wickedness ultimately leads to destruction, both in this life and the next. Thus, wickedness is portrayed as a powerful adversary against God’s sovereignty and the flourishing of His creation, necessitating a conscious choice towards goodness and adherence to His laws.
In the biblical context, wickedness is intricately linked with disobedience to God and the corruption of human relationships. It is often portrayed as a defiance of divine authority, leading individuals down paths that shun integrity and moral uprightness. For instance, in Genesis, we see the account of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, whose wickedness reached such a level that it warranted divine intervention. Their actions demonstrated an utter disregard for God’s commandments and the common good, reflecting a society steeped in depravity. The narrative serves as an admonition about the consequences that can arise when communities indulge in wicked behavior, ultimately emphasizing that such paths lead to destruction and separation from God’s favor.
Furthermore, the New Testament presents wickedness as an adversarial force opposing the Gospel’s message of salvation and righteousness. In various epistles, Paul underscores the importance of fleeing from wickedness, as seen in his letters to the Corinthians and Ephesians, where he encourages believers to renounce sinful practices and live in authenticity to their faith. This continual call to turn away from wickedness not only highlights God’s desire for human sanctification but also illustrates the transformative power available through faith in Christ. Thus, wickedness is depicted not only as individual transgression but as a collective reality—one that can only be overcome through the redemptive work of Jesus, inviting every believer to pursue a life aligned with God’s righteousness and to be vigilant against the temptations that lead back to that which disrupts divine order.
The Nature of Wickedness
Wickedness in the Bible often refers to a state of moral corruption and rebellion against God’s laws. It embodies actions and thoughts that are contrary to righteousness and justice, reflecting a heart that is turned away from divine principles. This nature of wickedness is not merely about individual acts but signifies a broader condition of the soul that is in opposition to God’s will.
Consequences of Wickedness
The Bible frequently illustrates that wickedness leads to dire consequences, both in this life and the next. It serves as a warning that those who engage in wicked behavior will ultimately face judgment and retribution. This theme emphasizes the importance of repentance and the need for individuals to turn away from wickedness to seek redemption and restoration in their relationship with God.
The Contrast with Righteousness
Wickedness is often contrasted with righteousness in biblical texts. While wickedness represents a life lived in defiance of God’s commands, righteousness embodies obedience, justice, and moral integrity. This contrast serves to highlight the choices individuals face and the paths they can take, ultimately encouraging believers to pursue a life aligned with God’s standards rather than succumbing to wickedness.
How to Overcome Moral Corruption and Strengthen Your Faith
Overcoming moral corruption and strengthening your faith is a deeply personal journey that requires both introspection and action. Start by immersing yourself in Scripture, allowing the Word of God to illuminate your path and challenge your heart. Reflect on passages like Romans 12:2, which encourages us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can support and hold you accountable, as fellowship is vital in our walk with Christ. Additionally, practice prayer and seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in your daily decisions, asking for the strength to resist temptation and the wisdom to discern right from wrong. Remember, it’s not about perfection but progress; each step you take towards righteousness is a step closer to a deeper relationship with God. Embrace His grace, knowing that even in our struggles, He is faithful to forgive and empower us to rise above our shortcomings.
Bible References to Wickedness in KJV:
Proverbs 6:12-19: 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.
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 17:9-10: 9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?
10 “I the Lord search the heart
and test the mind,
to give every man according to his ways,
according to the fruit of his deeds.”
Matthew 15:18-20: 18 But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.
19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.
20 These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.”
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.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10: 9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,
10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:19-21: 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,
20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions,
21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Ephesians 5:3-7: 3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.
4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.
5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
7 Therefore do not become partners with them;
Colossians 3:5-9: 5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming.
7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.
8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.
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.
Titus 1:15-16: 15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled.
16 They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.
James 3:14-16: 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.
15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
1 John 3:4-10: 4 Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.
5 You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.
6 No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him.
7 Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous.
8 Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.
No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God.
10 By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.
Revelation 21:8: 8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
Rev. François Dupont is a dedicated church minister with a wealth of experience in serving spiritual communities. With a calm and serene demeanor, he has been devoted to sharing the message of love, compassion, and tolerance for over two decades. Through his thoughtful sermons, compassionate counseling, and unwavering support, Rev. Dupont has touched the lives of countless individuals, allowing them to find solace and strength during difficult times. His serene presence and deep understanding of the human condition make him a trusted guide for those seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance.