In biblical literature, the term "wicked" refers to individuals who live in opposition to God's laws and righteousness. The wicked are often characterized by their sinful actions, moral corruption, and rebellion against divine authority. Throughout Scripture, the wicked are frequently contrasted with the righteous, highlighting the moral and spiritual dichotomy between those who follow God's ways and those who do not.

One vivid metaphor used in the Bible to describe the nature of the wicked is that of a "disturbed sea." This comparison is found in the book of Isaiah, where the prophet writes, "But the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea, for it cannot be still, and its waters churn up mire and muck" (Isaiah 57:20). This imagery effectively captures the restless and chaotic nature of the wicked, who, like a turbulent sea, are never at peace and continually produce turmoil and impurity.

The disturbed sea is emblematic of several key characteristics of the wicked:

1. Restlessness: Just as the sea is in constant motion, the wicked are depicted as being perpetually unsettled. Their lives are marked by a lack of peace and contentment, driven by desires and passions that lead them away from God. This restlessness is a result of their separation from the divine source of true peace.

2. Chaos and Disorder: The churning waters of a disturbed sea symbolize the chaos that the wicked bring into their own lives and the lives of others. Their actions often lead to disorder and confusion, disrupting the harmony that God intends for His creation.

3. Impurity: The imagery of the sea stirring up "mire and muck" reflects the moral and spiritual impurity of the wicked. Their thoughts and deeds are tainted by sin, and they spread corruption wherever they go, much like the murky waters of a stormy sea.

4. Destructive Power: The sea, especially when disturbed, can be a powerful and destructive force. Similarly, the wicked can cause significant harm through their actions, leading others astray and contributing to the moral decay of society.

The Bible consistently warns of the consequences faced by the wicked. In Proverbs, it is written, "The way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they do not know what makes them stumble" (Proverbs 4:19). This verse underscores the spiritual blindness and inevitable downfall of those who choose to live in opposition to God's will.

In contrast, the righteous are promised peace and stability, akin to calm waters. Isaiah 26:3 states, "You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You" . This peace is a result of aligning one's life with God's purposes and trusting in His sovereignty.

In conclusion, the comparison of the wicked to a disturbed sea serves as a powerful reminder of the inherent instability and destructiveness of a life lived apart from God. It calls believers to pursue righteousness and seek the peace that comes from a steadfast relationship with the Creator.Isaiah 57:20
But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.
Nave's Topical Index

Book 9 Footnotes
... common copies, he was at first a wicked king, and ... Israelite] king by tax on the people;
that they ... three texts particularly set down and compared together in ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 9 footnotes.htm

Letter Lxxxix. (AD 406. )
... under this most gentle discipline be compared with those ... only set no bounds to their
wicked violence, but ... 5. Possibly some thinking people might be disturbed ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lxxxix a d 406.htm

The Infallibility of God's Purpose
... moss, and the moss which is feebler compared with the ... Are not the prayers of the
wicked an abomination to the ... The Lord will not forsake his people for his great ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the infallibility of gods purpose.htm

Psalm XCVII.
... to be sacrificed to, because they abhorred to be compared to devils? ... Because in any
nation, and in any people, he that ... There is no joy to the wicked, saith the ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xcvii.htm

The Resemblance Between the Old Testament and the New.
... pleasant soever the delights of the wicked, they gradually ... to the bringing back of
the people, since by a ... Wherefore, the passage may be fitly compared with one ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 10 the resemblance between.htm

The Jewish War and the Destruction of Jerusalem. AD 70
... Gessius Florus (from 65 onward), a wicked and cruel ... could inspire; they have been
justly compared with the ... the Messianic expectations of the people and hailed ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 38 the jewish war.htm

Letter Xliii. (AD 397. )
... had to bear with some among their own people, with whom ... are holy even when ministered
and received by the wicked. ... The African Church, if it be compared with the ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xliii a d 397.htm

"Alas for Us, if Thou Wert All, and Nought Beyond, O Earth"
... Are the kisses for the wicked and the frowns for us? ... art thou, O Israel: who is like
unto thee, O people saved by the Lord?" Who can be compared with the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/alas for us if thou.htm

The Meaning
... it is well known that tribulations and distresses are compared to the ... for a short
space among the people; yet when ... we shall see that the most wicked spirit was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the meaning 3.htm

Power in Operation.
... The heart is compared to a temple. ... There is no peace for the wicked, saith my God ...
I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be unto all people; for unto ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/secret power/chapter iv power in operation.htm

What is ultimate reconciliation? | GotQuestions.org

What is wisdom literature? | GotQuestions.org

Is annihilationism biblical? | GotQuestions.org

Wicked: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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