Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Nature:In the biblical context, "evil people" are those who act in ways contrary to God's commandments and moral order. They are often characterized by wickedness, rebellion, and a deliberate choice to engage in sin. The Bible provides numerous examples and descriptions of evil individuals, highlighting their actions, motivations, and the consequences they face. Old Testament References: The Old Testament frequently addresses the concept of evil people, often contrasting them with the righteous. In the book of Proverbs, the characteristics of evil individuals are outlined: "The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know over what they stumble" (Proverbs 4:19). Evil people are depicted as those who plot harm and spread strife, as seen in Proverbs 6:12-14: "A worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth, winking with his eyes, speaking with his feet, pointing with his fingers, with deceit in his heart, he devises evil; he continually sows discord." The Psalms also provide insight into the nature of evil people, often portraying them as adversaries of the righteous and enemies of God. Psalm 37:12-13 states, "The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming." New Testament References: In the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles continue to address the issue of evil people. Jesus warns against false prophets and those who appear righteous outwardly but are inwardly corrupt: "Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves" (Matthew 7:15). The apostle Paul also speaks of evil individuals, advising believers to avoid them: "But understand this: In the last days, terrible times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these!" (2 Timothy 3:1-5). Consequences and Divine Justice: The Bible consistently teaches that evil people will face divine judgment and consequences for their actions. In the Old Testament, the fate of the wicked is often depicted as destruction or downfall. Proverbs 11:21 declares, "Be assured that the wicked will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will escape." In the New Testament, the theme of divine justice is reiterated. Jesus speaks of the final judgment, where evil individuals will be separated from the righteous: "And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life" (Matthew 25:46). The book of Revelation also describes the ultimate defeat of evil and the establishment of God's righteous kingdom. Moral and Spiritual Implications: The Bible's portrayal of evil people serves as a warning and a call to righteousness. Believers are encouraged to discern and avoid the influence of evil individuals, to pursue holiness, and to trust in God's justice. The scriptures emphasize the importance of aligning one's life with God's will and resisting the temptations and deceptions of evil. Topical Bible Verses Romans 13:4For he is the minister of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid; for he bears not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath on him that does evil. Topicalbible.org Romans 12:21 Micah 5:12 Romans 3:23 Jeremiah 12:1 Library The Our Father Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force must Inevitably be ... Covetousness is a Great Evil; and it is not Possible in a Single ... Standing with the People Of Evil-Speaking in General. The Conflict with Evil Our Lord's Prayer for his People's Sanctification Evil Cannot be Suppressed by the Physical Force of the Government ... The Writing of an Ancient Book Criticisms of the Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force on ... Resources What does the Bible say about good versus evil? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the definition of evil? | GotQuestions.org Why does God allow evil? | GotQuestions.org Evil: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Evil for Good: David, to Uriah Evil for Good: General Scriptures Concerning Evil for Good: Israelites, to Moses Evil for Good: Joseph Accuses his Brothers of Rendering Evil for Good: Nabal Returns, to David Evil for Good: Saul Returns, to David Evil: Appearance of, to be Avoided Evil: Paul, in Refusing to Eat What had been offered to Idols Related Terms Evil-speakings (3 Occurrences) |
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