In the biblical context, the term "incontinent" refers to a lack of self-control, particularly in moral and ethical dimensions. This characteristic is often associated with the wicked, who are depicted as unable or unwilling to restrain their desires and impulses, leading to sinful behavior and a departure from God's commandments.

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, provides insight into the nature of incontinence as a trait of the wicked. In 2 Timothy 3:1-3 , Paul warns Timothy about the perilous times to come, describing the moral decay that will characterize the last days: "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." Here, "without self-control" is synonymous with incontinence, highlighting a broader pattern of moral failure.

The lack of self-control is not merely a personal failing but is indicative of a deeper spiritual issue. In Galatians 5:19-21 , Paul contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit, listing "sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery" among the former. These behaviors are manifestations of incontinence, revealing a life governed by fleshly desires rather than the Spirit. The absence of self-control is thus a sign of living according to the flesh, which is in direct opposition to the life God desires for His people.

Proverbs also addresses the consequences of incontinence, particularly in the realm of speech and anger. Proverbs 25:28 states, "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control." This vivid imagery underscores the vulnerability and chaos that result from an incontinent life. Without self-control, individuals are defenseless against the onslaught of temptation and sin, much like a city without protective walls.

The wicked, characterized by incontinence, are often contrasted with the righteous, who are called to exercise self-control as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). This self-control is not merely a human effort but is empowered by the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to live in a manner pleasing to God. The righteous are thus distinguished by their ability to resist sinful impulses and to live disciplined lives in accordance with God's will.

In summary, incontinence is a defining trait of the wicked, reflecting a life dominated by sinful desires and a lack of spiritual discipline. The biblical narrative consistently warns against such a lifestyle, urging believers to pursue self-control through the power of the Holy Spirit, thereby aligning themselves with God's righteous standards.2 Timothy 3:3
Without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
Nave's Topical Index

Several Other Things Turned against the Same Mathematicians.
... the temperate are better than the incontinent, and incontinence ... and if those of the
better character be near ... vengeance upon and punishing the wicked, and there ...
/.../chapter xvi several other things turned.htm

John Chapter xxi. 12-19.
... souls and those of others, as "wicked;" to outrage ... affection;" to attempt to traduce
the character of the ... reins to the basest lusts, as "incontinent;" to make ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate cxxiii john chapter xxi.htm

2 Timothy iii. 4-Jan
... Such is the character of deceivers. ... "Incontinent," with respect both to their tongue
and their appetite, and ... for man, in his warfare with the wicked, not to be ...
/.../homily viii 2 timothy iii.htm

Letter Lxxvii. To Oceanus.
... of a separation rather than to blacken the character and expose ... wife is to be put
away, an incontinent husband is ... the kings do we read of any so wicked as Ahab ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxxvii to oceanus.htm

Post-Nicene Mothers
... and teacher of the song laid the wicked spirit that ... companions Fabiola, a woman noble
both in character and race ... is to be put away, an incontinent husband is to ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/v post-nicene mothers.htm

Article xxiii (xi): of the Marriage of Priests.
... disgrace or cruelty falls upon your character, we hope ... they endeavor to fortify with
a wicked pretense of ... should do both, they should exhort incontinent men to ...
/.../the apology of the augsburg confession/part 28 article xxiii xi .htm

The Fourth Book
... In the slave you criticize incontinent greed. ... mere murder and incest, but a more
wicked thing than ... pagans have come to believe about the character of Christians ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the fourth book.htm

The First Apology of Justin, the Martyr
... convinced as we are that no wicked man, no ... or salvation in accordance with the character
of his ... to repentance, but the ungodly and incontinent and unrighteous. ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the first apology of justin.htm

Scriptural Predictions of an Apostasy.
... deliberately discard his Christian character and act ... Wicked and designing men are
tolerated and ... truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter ii scriptural predictions of.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... The Lord very frequently addresses us in the character of a husband; [203 ... Therefore,
when God punishes the wicked and flagitious for their crimes, by depriving ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

What does the Bible say about Christian character? | GotQuestions.org

What is the character of God? | GotQuestions.org

How does bad company corrupt good character (1 Corinthians 15:33)? | GotQuestions.org

Character: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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