In the biblical narrative, the concept of wickedness is frequently addressed, often drawing vivid comparisons to illustrate the transient and ultimately futile nature of evil. One such comparison is with smoke, a metaphor that captures the ephemeral and insubstantial essence of wickedness.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The Bible often uses natural elements to convey spiritual truths, and smoke is a powerful symbol in this regard. In Psalm 37:20 , it is written: "But the wicked will perish; the enemies of the LORD will be like the glory of the fields. They will vanish—like smoke they will vanish away." This verse highlights the temporary nature of the wicked, suggesting that, like smoke, they may appear formidable for a time but will ultimately dissipate and leave no lasting impact.

Smoke, by its very nature, is fleeting and lacks substance. It rises and swirls, often obscuring vision, yet it cannot endure. Similarly, the wicked may seem to prosper and obscure the truth for a season, but their success is short-lived. Proverbs 10:27 reinforces this idea: "The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be shortened." Here, the contrast between the enduring life of the righteous and the brief existence of the wicked is starkly drawn.

The Futility of Wickedness

The comparison to smoke also underscores the futility and self-destructive nature of wickedness. Just as smoke is a byproduct of combustion, often signaling destruction or decay, so too is wickedness a path that leads to ruin. In Isaiah 65:5 , the prophet speaks of those who provoke God to anger, saying, "These people are smoke in My nostrils, a fire that burns all day long." This imagery conveys the irritation and offense that wickedness causes to God, as well as its inevitable end in judgment.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

From a moral and spiritual perspective, the comparison of the wicked to smoke serves as a cautionary reminder of the ultimate consequences of living in opposition to God's will. It calls believers to reflect on the transient nature of earthly power and success when divorced from righteousness. The imagery encourages a life rooted in the fear of the Lord, which promises enduring significance and divine favor.

In conclusion, the biblical comparison of wicked people to smoke is a profound illustration of the temporary and insubstantial nature of evil. It serves as both a warning to those who pursue wickedness and an encouragement to those who seek righteousness, affirming the enduring truth that only what is grounded in God will last.Hosea 13:3
Therefore they shall be as the morning cloud and as the early dew that passes away, as the chaff that is driven with the whirlwind out of the floor, and as the smoke out of the chimney.
Nave's Topical Index

Epistle Lv. To the People of Thibaris, Exhorting to Martyrdom.
... to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one; and ... the Lord shall begin to count
up His people, and to ... present time are not worthy to be compared with the ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle lv to the people.htm

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 Eternity of God
... The wrath of God is compared to a stream of ... The people of God here are in a suffering
condition ... Acts 20: Bonds and afflictions abide me.' The wicked are clad in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/3 the eternity of god.htm

Concerning the Sacrament of Penance
... of the weak, to establish their own wicked tyranny, and ... of faith and liberty for
the people of God ... No character is to be compared to Christian brotherhood; nor ...
/.../first principles of the reformation/concerning the sacrament of penance.htm

The Mysteries of the Brazen Serpent
... Fiery serpents, ye are nothing when compared with fiery lusts ... He has been lifted
up; wicked men lifted him up ... doctrine, but it ought to be kept from the people. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the mysteries of the brazen.htm

Ancestors of the Blessed virgin
... them always living amongst other men who, compared to them ... in order to lead their
lives undisturbed by wicked people. ... things into carts as these people were in ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/i ancestors of the blessed.htm

Psalm CXLIV.
... being earthly, fleeting, transitory, if they be compared to that ... They have called
the people blessed who ... They have lost the true right hand, wicked and perverse ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxliv.htm

The Effects of the Divine Graces in the Soul. The Inestimable ...
... pleasure, which I can make any account of, compared with that ... that his dignity should
be visible, if people are to ... that I, knowing myself to be so wicked as I ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xxxvii the effects of.htm

Results of True Repentance.
... with the Bible is as a rushlight compared with the ... God's call; let us forsake the
old wicked way; let us ... little interest for the world, but what people can say ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/results of true repentance.htm

The King --Continued.
... at the very highest point, even when compared with the ... I will set no wicked thing
before mine eyes." For ... the servant, and knowing that if his people and his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/x the kingcontinued.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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