Topical Bible: Character of the Wicked: Untoward

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The term "untoward" is often used to describe individuals who are difficult to deal with, perverse, or morally crooked. In the context of biblical literature, the character of the wicked is frequently depicted as untoward, highlighting their resistance to God's will and their inclination towards unrighteousness.

Biblical References:

1. Acts 2:40 : "With many other words he testified, and he urged them, 'Be saved from this corrupt generation.'" Here, the Apostle Peter exhorts the people to separate themselves from a generation characterized by moral corruption and untoward behavior. The term "corrupt" in this context aligns with the notion of being untoward, as it signifies a deviation from God's righteous path.

2. Proverbs 2:12-15 : "Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who leave the straight paths to walk in dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perversity of evil, whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways." This passage from Proverbs vividly describes the untoward nature of the wicked. Their words are perverse, and they abandon the straight paths of righteousness to engage in dark and crooked ways.

3. Philippians 2:15 : "so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world." The Apostle Paul contrasts the believers with the untoward generation around them, emphasizing the moral crookedness and perversity that characterize the wicked.

Characteristics of the Untoward:

· Resistance to Authority: The untoward are often depicted as rebellious and resistant to divine authority. They reject God's commandments and choose to follow their own desires, leading to moral and spiritual decay.

· Moral Perversity: The wicked are described as delighting in perversity and wrongdoing. Their actions are not only contrary to God's laws but are also celebrated among themselves, further entrenching their untoward nature.

· Deceptive and Crooked Paths: The untoward are known for their devious ways. They forsake the straight and narrow path of righteousness for crooked paths that lead to destruction. Their lives are marked by deceit and manipulation.

· Influence on Others: The untoward have a corrupting influence on those around them. As seen in Acts 2:40, entire generations can be characterized by untoward behavior, necessitating a call to repentance and separation from such influences.

Moral and Spiritual Implications:

The untoward character of the wicked serves as a warning to believers. Scripture consistently calls for separation from such influences and encourages adherence to God's righteous standards. The untoward are contrasted with the righteous, who are called to be blameless and pure, shining as lights in a dark world. The biblical portrayal of the untoward underscores the importance of wisdom, discernment, and steadfastness in the faith to avoid the pitfalls of wickedness.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 2:40
And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Acts ii. 37
... he said, "Save yourselves from this untoward generation."""And ... prize and admire their
simplicity of character; who would ... man do if he fall among wicked people ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily vii acts ii 37.htm

The King on his Throne.
... loving mercy would have the wicked not "under ... saying, Save yourselves from this untoward
generation," that ... certain passages describing the character of their ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter vi the king on.htm

A Letter of Mara, Son of Serapion.
... from their very excellence of character we suffer ... When, moreover, anything untoward
befalls thee, do not ... Moreover, the wicked rejoice, and the righteous are ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents a letter.htm

Moab is My Washpot
... In untoward acts there may have been much difference, but ... but since you see how unwise
and wicked it is ... longer an unknown seed of doubtful character; we have ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/moab is my washpot.htm

Third Sunday in Lent
... This will excite wicked thoughts and give rise to serious ... All arguments of this
character are vain words; they ... the world, among an evil and untoward generation ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/third sunday in lent.htm

The Conversion of Paul.
... eye could perceive no trait in his character, from which a ... With the rudest and most
untoward materials, he can ... God often permits the wicked to carry on their ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xii the conversion of.htm

Post-Nicene Mothers
... coupled with a facility for overlooking untoward historical facts ... parties agree in
the praise of her moral character. ... of the song laid the wicked spirit that ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/v post-nicene mothers.htm

The Second Awakening.
... Tom Paine, had wrought, together with other untoward influences, to ... settlers on the
road that the character of Kentucky ... The wicked fear it and are subject to it ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter xiv the second awakening.htm

Rom. Iv. 23
... He may not seem to have reconciled untoward and unfeeling ... knowing that there were
men of weaker character, who looked ... the knife, as also to be wicked is worse ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily ix rom iv 23.htm

Knox and Queen Mary (Continued), 1561-1564
... by Guise's retinue, at Vassy, that untoward event occurred ... A new rising is threatened
if wicked men trouble the ... have gone far to embitter the character of the ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter xv knox and queen.htm