Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical narrative, the concept of wickedness is frequently addressed, often illustrating the moral and spiritual decay that stands in opposition to God's righteousness. Wicked people are those who actively choose to live in rebellion against God's commandments, embracing sin and leading others astray. The Bible provides numerous examples and descriptions of wicked individuals, highlighting their characteristics and ultimate fate.
Characteristics of the Wicked:1.
Rebellion Against God: Wicked people are often depicted as those who reject God's authority and pursue their own desires.
Psalm 10:4 states, "In his pride the wicked man does not seek Him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God."
2.
Deceit and Violence: The wicked are frequently associated with deceitful and violent behavior.
Proverbs 6:12-14 describes a "worthless person, a wicked man," who "walks with a perverse mouth, winks with his eyes, signals with his feet, points with his fingers, who plots evil with deceit in his heart."
3.
Oppression of the Righteous: The wicked often oppress the righteous, seeking to undermine those who follow God's ways.
Psalm 37:12 notes, "The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them."
4.
Temporary Prosperity: While the wicked may appear to prosper temporarily, their success is fleeting.
Psalm 73:3-5 observes, "For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills."
Comparison with Wheels:The comparison of wicked people to wheels is a metaphorical illustration found in the Scriptures, emphasizing the transient and unstable nature of wickedness. Wheels, by their very design, are in constant motion, symbolizing the restlessness and lack of foundation in the lives of the wicked.
1.
Constant Motion and Instability: Just as wheels are always turning, the wicked are depicted as being in a state of perpetual unrest and instability.
Isaiah 57:20 states, "But the wicked are like the tossing sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and mud."
2.
Inevitability of Judgment: Wheels can also symbolize the inevitability of divine judgment. The relentless turning of wheels can be likened to the certainty of God's justice rolling forth.
Proverbs 20:26 says, "A wise king winnows out the wicked; he drives the threshing wheel over them."
3.
Destruction and Futility: The motion of wheels can lead to destruction, much like the path of the wicked leads to ruin.
Psalm 1:4 compares the wicked to "chaff that the wind blows away," highlighting their ultimate futility and destruction.
In conclusion, the biblical portrayal of wicked people as compared to wheels serves as a powerful reminder of the transient and unstable nature of a life lived in opposition to God. While the wicked may experience temporary success, their end is one of judgment and destruction, underscoring the importance of seeking righteousness and aligning one's life with God's eternal truth.
Nave's Topical Index
Psalm 83:13O my God, make them like a wheel; as the stubble before the wind.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
God's People Delivered.
... of the vineyard "will miserably destroy those wicked men." In ... But what are these
compared with the remorse of ... presents a marked contrast to the people of later ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /40 gods people delivered.htm
God's People Delivered
... of the vineyard "will miserably destroy those wicked men." In ... But what are these
compared with the remorse of ... presents a marked contrast to the people of later ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 40 gods people delivered.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
God's Providence
... of the minor parts of God's works compared with the ... We see the wicked prosper; they
flourish, and great is ... nation may be crushed, and another people who are ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 54 1908/gods providence.htm
Peace
... Peace, in Scripture, is compared to a river which parts itself into two ... The Lord
will bless his people with peace.' Psalm 29:11: They ... A wicked man is insensible ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 peace.htm
The Figurative Language of Scripture.
... where comparison is excluded, thus: "A wicked man taketh ... of household stuff
(Ezek.12:3-7 compared with ver ... known situation of the Israelitish people, shows that ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxv the figurative language.htm
The Power of God
... 2.) This power of God is against the wicked. ... the whole power of his Godhead for the
good of his people. ... The church in Ezekiel is compared to dry bones, but God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/6 the power of god.htm
Christ Exalted
... turned many to God, are but as stars compared with him ... garments, and we, the meanest
of his people, shall share a ... What are wicked men, but the servants of God's ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/christ exalted.htm
What are the Clouds?
... Compared with God there is nothing great ... of locusts, have made their appearance;
and the people, being so ... one vast globe of fire; the wicked"shrieking, wailing ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/what are the clouds.htm
Heavenly Rest
... from all the idle converse of the wicked, and from ... Christian hath some rest here,
but nothing compared with the ... the sanctified and of the rest of God's people! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/heavenly rest.htm
Resources
What does it mean that the heart is desperately wicked in Jeremiah 17:9? | GotQuestions.orgHow should poetry in the Bible be interpreted? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” sermon? | GotQuestions.orgWicked: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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