Topical Bible: Truth: The Evil People: Speak Not

◄ Truth: The Evil People: Speak Not ►

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In the biblical context, truth is a fundamental attribute of God and a cornerstone of righteous living. The Scriptures consistently highlight the contrast between those who embrace truth and those who reject it, often associating the latter with evil. The Bible provides numerous insights into the nature of evil people, particularly emphasizing their relationship with truth—or lack thereof.

Nature of Evil People and Truth

Evil people, as depicted in the Bible, are often characterized by their aversion to truth. This aversion manifests in various forms, including deceit, falsehood, and a general disregard for righteousness. The Psalms and Proverbs frequently address the behavior of the wicked, illustrating their tendency to speak lies and reject truth.

Psalm 58:3 states, "The wicked are estranged from the womb; the liars go astray from birth." This verse underscores the inherent nature of evil people to deviate from truth, suggesting a deep-seated inclination towards falsehood from an early age.

Deception and Lies

The Bible frequently associates evil people with deception and lies. Proverbs 12:22 declares, "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight." This verse highlights the divine disdain for falsehood and the preference for truthfulness, contrasting the behavior of the wicked with the righteous.

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the nature of evil people in John 8:44 , saying, "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies." Here, Jesus identifies the devil as the progenitor of lies, linking those who reject truth to his influence.

Rejection of Truth

Evil people are often depicted as rejecting truth, not only in their speech but also in their actions and beliefs. Romans 1:18 describes how "the wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness." This suppression of truth is a hallmark of evil, as it involves an active effort to deny or distort reality in favor of unrighteousness.

The rejection of truth is further illustrated in 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 , which warns of those who "perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason, God will send them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie, in order that judgment may come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness." This passage highlights the spiritual peril of rejecting truth, leading to delusion and judgment.

Consequences of Rejecting Truth

The Bible warns of severe consequences for those who reject truth. Proverbs 19:5 states, "A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape." This verse serves as a reminder that divine justice will ultimately prevail against those who embrace falsehood.

In Revelation 21:8 , the fate of liars is explicitly mentioned: "But to the cowardly, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and sexually immoral, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death." This stark warning underscores the eternal consequences of living in opposition to truth.

Conclusion

The Bible presents a clear and consistent message regarding the relationship between evil people and truth. Through various passages, it is evident that those who reject truth are aligned with wickedness, deceit, and ultimately, divine judgment. The Scriptures call believers to embrace truth, reflecting the character of God and standing in contrast to the ways of the wicked.

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Jeremiah 9:5
And they will deceive every one his neighbor, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity.
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Library

Micaiah's Courage in Telling the Truth
... am with you, my people are as your people, my horses ... me in the name of Jehovah but
the truth?" He said ... prophesy for me nothing good, but only evil?" Micaiah said ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/micaiahs courage in telling the.htm

Psalm XXVIII.
... of their affections." [659] For aiming at evil, they cannot ... of the Lord." This very
thing, in truth, hath been ... 8. "The Lord is the strength of His people" (ver.8 ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxviii.htm

If, Then, You Really Intend to do an Act of Repentance for those ...
... to do an act of repentance for those evil speeches of ... have not been my own teacher,
like some people," meaning me ... But the truth is, I blush even while I weave ...
/.../11 if then you really.htm

It is Permissible for a Preacher to Deliver to the People what Has ...
... it to memory, and deliver it to the people, they cannot ... of vipers, how can ye, being
evil, speak good things ... may compose a discourse in which the truth is set ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 29 it is permissible for.htm

Savonarola -- the Ascension of Christ
... because Balaam was going to Balak with an evil intention ... Balak is the devil who would
ruin the people of God ... for ceremonies and take care not to speak the truth. ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/savonarola the ascension of.htm

Covetousness is a Great Evil; and it is not Possible in a Single ...
... Covetousness is a great evil; and it is not ... of God) should come upon the whole people,
and upon ... is in all goodness, and righteousness, and truth), proving what ...
/.../canonical epistle of gregory thaumaturgus/canon ii covetousness is a.htm

Proof that God did not Appoint the Levitical Dispensation for his ...
... the twelve prophets, pointing out to the people the will of ... and the poor; and let
none imagine evil against your ... Speak ye the truth every man to his neighbour ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xvii proof that god did.htm

Buying the Truth
... to go where there are so many poor people, so away ... they will mingle with the multitude
that do evil, and give ... Others seem to sell the truth for nothing at all. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/buying the truth.htm

Of Evil-Speaking in General.
... authority, being then so prevalent with the people, might not ... him; for God, the patron
of truth and right ... wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil-speaking be ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/of evil-speaking in general.htm

Evil Cannot be Suppressed by the Physical Force of the Government ...
... of Men, formerly Antagonistic to the New Truth, to Accept it ... The evil which we see
among peoples living under a ... It may well be that there are people who cannot ...
/.../tolstoy/the kingdom of god is within you/chapter x evil cannot be.htm