In the biblical context, 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, rebellion against divine authority, and moral corruption. Throughout Scripture, the wicked are frequently contrasted with the righteous, highlighting the stark differences in their behavior, values, and ultimate destinies.

The comparison of wicked people to "dross" is a powerful metaphor found in the Bible. Dross refers to the impurities that are separated from metals during the refining process. Just as dross is considered worthless and is removed to purify precious metals, the wicked are often depicted as being separated from the righteous and ultimately facing judgment.

Biblical References:

1. Psalm 119:119 : "All the wicked on earth You discard like dross; therefore I love Your testimonies." This verse illustrates the idea that the wicked, like dross, are discarded by God. The psalmist expresses a love for God's testimonies, implying that adherence to divine law is what separates the righteous from the wicked.

2. Ezekiel 22:18-19 : "Son of man, the house of Israel has become dross to Me; all of them are copper, tin, iron, and lead inside the furnace; they are the dross of silver. Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: 'Because all of you have become dross, behold, I will gather you into Jerusalem.'" In this passage, God compares the people of Israel to dross, indicating their spiritual impurity and the need for purification through judgment.

3. Proverbs 25:4-5 : "Remove the dross from the silver, and a vessel for a silversmith will come forth. Remove the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness." Here, the removal of dross is likened to the removal of wicked individuals from positions of influence, suggesting that their absence leads to the establishment of righteousness.

Theological Implications:

The comparison of the wicked to dross underscores the biblical theme of purification and judgment. Just as dross is an unwanted byproduct in the refining of metals, the wicked are seen as elements that must be removed to achieve spiritual purity and holiness. This metaphor emphasizes the necessity of divine judgment to separate the righteous from the wicked, ensuring that God's kingdom is characterized by righteousness and justice.

Furthermore, the imagery of dross serves as a warning to individuals and communities to examine their lives and align themselves with God's will. It calls for repentance and transformation, urging people to turn away from wickedness and embrace the path of righteousness.

In conclusion, the biblical comparison of wicked people to dross highlights the transient and ultimately destructive nature of wickedness. It serves as a reminder of the importance of living a life in accordance with God's commandments, striving for purity and righteousness in the sight of the Lord.Psalm 119:119
You put away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love your testimonies.
Nave's Topical Index

Ezekiel 22:18,19
Son of man, the house of Israel is to me become dross: all they are brass, and tin, and iron, and lead, in the middle of the furnace; they are even the dross of silver.
Nave's Topical Index

God's People in the Furnace
... are continually vexed with the conversation of the wicked and who ... than when he meddles
with God's people, and tries ... it is but small and light compared with the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/gods people in the furnace.htm

The Parable of the Tares, by Bishop Latimer, Preached on the 7Th ...
... one end; as in this place, Christ compared the word ... God, have not authority to compel
the people with violence to goodness, although they are wicked. ...
/.../knox/the pulpit of the reformation nos 1 2 and 3 /the parable of the tares.htm

That we Should Seek the Verdict of Our Conscience in Every ...
... as nothing is any help if externally people praise someone ... For which reason consider
yourself compared to others as ... as the prophet says, The wicked is praised ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/albert/on cleaving to god/chapter 14 that we should.htm

An Appendix to the Beatitudes
... Hence it is that a wicked man is said to ... did Antiochus Epiphanes take in persecuting
the people of the ... 3 Christ's commands are not grievous compared with the ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/an appendix to the beatitudes.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... Therefore the wicked are compared to chaff (Psalm 1:4), to dross (Psalm 119:119). ...
God lets the wicked dung his people with reproaches and calumnies, that ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

Chastisement
... the camp of Israel of old; there are people of God ... will not think his rod light when
compared with that ... with the righteous, and not condemned with the wicked. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/chastisement.htm

The Figurative Language of Scripture.
... glowing with professions of love] and a wicked heart" (Prov ... thus signify the deliverance
of the people from Nebuchadnezzar's ... Jer.27:1-8, compared with 28:10, 11 ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxv the figurative language.htm

The Tests of Love to God
... us" (Psalm 2:3). God's precepts are compared to cords ... who are filled with a spirit
of revenge against His people? ... Wicked men seem to bear great reverence to the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the tests of love to.htm

The Great Misery of those who Lose the Saints' Rest.
... and abhor his worship, and vilify his people, will then ... a wicked man to know that
he is wicked, or to ... for Christ and welldoing have been, compared with these ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter v the great misery.htm

Place of Jesus in the History of the World.
... become the code of Monotheism, and contained, as compared with the ... that this word
means here simply the people who speak ... And he made his grave with the wicked. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter i place of jesus.htm

Does God hate? If God is love, how can He hate? | GotQuestions.org

What is retribution theology? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that judgment begins at the house of God? | GotQuestions.org

Wicked: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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