In biblical literature, the term "wicked" is often used to describe individuals who live in opposition to God's commandments and moral order. The wicked are characterized by their sinful actions, rebellious nature, and a profound disregard for divine authority. This entry explores the concept of wickedness as it relates to the dread of God, drawing from various scriptural references to provide a comprehensive understanding.

Nature of the Wicked

The wicked are frequently depicted as those who reject God's laws and pursue their own desires. In the Book of Psalms, the wicked are described as those who "do not seek God" and "have no fear of God before their eyes" (Psalm 10:4). This absence of reverence and fear of God is a defining trait of wickedness, as it leads to a life devoid of moral restraint and accountability.

Dread of God

While the wicked may not fear God in the sense of reverence or awe, there is a different kind of fear that they experience—a dread of divine judgment. This dread is not born out of love or respect but rather a recognition of the inevitable consequences of their actions. Proverbs 10:24 states, "What the wicked dread will overtake them, but the desire of the righteous will be granted" . This verse highlights the inner turmoil and anxiety that the wicked face, knowing that their deeds will ultimately lead to judgment.

Consequences of Wickedness

The Bible consistently warns of the dire consequences awaiting the wicked. In the Book of Isaiah, it is written, "There is no peace," says my God, "for the wicked" (Isaiah 57:21). This lack of peace is both a present reality and a future certainty, as the wicked are destined to face God's wrath. The dread of God, therefore, serves as a foreboding reminder of the judgment that awaits those who persist in their rebellion.

Call to Repentance

Despite the grim portrayal of the wicked, the Bible also extends a call to repentance. God's desire is not for the wicked to perish but to turn from their ways and live. Ezekiel 33:11 declares, "As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live" . This invitation to repentance underscores God's mercy and willingness to forgive those who abandon their wickedness and seek Him.

Conclusion

In summary, the wicked are those who live in defiance of God's commands, characterized by a lack of reverence and a dread of divine judgment. The Bible presents a sobering picture of the consequences of wickedness while simultaneously offering hope through the possibility of repentance and redemption. The dread of God, while a source of fear for the wicked, can also serve as a catalyst for transformation, leading individuals to seek God's grace and forgiveness.Job 18:11
Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall drive him to his feet.
Nave's Topical Index

The Life of St. Paul the Apostle
... The emperor then dreading the noise of the people, changed his ... tofore Nero, whom
as soon as Nero saw, he cried and said: Take away this wicked man and ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the life of st paul.htm

Cheer for Despondency
... know that the trouble thou art dreading, God can utterly ... you, however improbable
they may seem to other people. ... who is always angry with the wicked, abiding on ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/cheer for despondency.htm

Of Meditating on the Future Life.
... Our infirmity in dreading death described ... To meet this disease, the Lord makes his
people sensible of ... earthly objects, though they see the wicked flourishing in ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 9 of meditating on.htm

Israel in Egypt
... of my iniquities." And thus dreading apostacy, and ... everlasting burning fire shall
still consume the wicked. ... surface; the sea upon which God's people shall walk ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/israel in egypt.htm

Christ's Peace
... there is no reason for your being troubled or dreading any future ... is a waste of breath
to say to people, 'Do not be frightened,' and it is wicked counsel to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/christs peace.htm

The History of David
... slay, how much more ye that be so wicked to slay ... Lord when he saw the angel smiting
the people: I am ... that were with him were afeared, and dreading Solomon ran ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of david.htm

Of Meditating on the Future Life.
... Our infirmity in dreading death described ... To meet this disease, the Lord makes his
people sensible of ... earthly objects, though they see the wicked flourishing in ...
/.../sergieff/on the christian life/chapter iv of meditating on.htm

Description of the Perfect Man, or Gnostic.
... a good hope;" and again, denouncing the wicked, he sets ... animal, may be said to be
continent, dreading as it ... removed, and the disposition of such people will be ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxi description of the perfect.htm

Six Cities
... of Jesus bearing the guilt of His people on His ... Hebrew refugee could not help at
times dreading lest the ... But being now a wicked spirit, he would make others as ...
/.../macduff/the cities of refuge or the name of jesus/ii six cities.htm

The Gospel Cordial
... text, and that if any man should be wicked enough to ... thirdly, that when it is given
to such people it is ... that you have come in here to-night dreading what may ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the gospel cordial.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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