Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the term "wicked" refers to individuals who live in opposition to God's commandments and moral order. One of the defining characteristics of wicked people, as depicted in Scripture, is their aversion to reproof or correction. This resistance to guidance and unwillingness to accept discipline is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, highlighting a fundamental aspect of their rebellion against divine authority.
The book of Proverbs, known for its wisdom literature, frequently addresses the attitude of the wicked towards reproof.
Proverbs 9:8 states, "Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you." This verse contrasts the response of the wicked, who are likened to mockers, with that of the wise. The wicked's hatred for reproof is indicative of their pride and stubbornness, qualities that prevent them from embracing wisdom and transformation.
Proverbs 12:1 further emphasizes this point: "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid." Here, the rejection of correction is equated with foolishness, underscoring the self-destructive nature of the wicked. Their disdain for reproof not only alienates them from wisdom but also from the possibility of personal growth and spiritual maturity.
The New Testament also addresses the issue of reproof and the wicked's response to it. In
John 3:20, Jesus explains, "Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed." This aversion to the Light, which represents truth and righteousness, is a hallmark of the wicked. Their hatred for reproof is rooted in a fear of exposure and accountability, driving them further into darkness.
The resistance to reproof is not merely a personal failing but a spiritual condition that reflects a deeper rebellion against God.
Hebrews 12:5-6 reminds believers of the importance of accepting divine discipline: "My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives." In contrast, the wicked's rejection of reproof signifies a rejection of God's love and guidance.
In summary, the biblical portrayal of the wicked as those who hate reproof serves as a cautionary tale. It warns against the dangers of pride, stubbornness, and the refusal to accept correction. The Scriptures encourage believers to embrace reproof as a means of growth and alignment with God's will, contrasting the path of wisdom with the folly of the wicked. Through humility and openness to correction, individuals can avoid the pitfalls of wickedness and pursue a life that honors God.
Nave's Topical Index
1 Kings 22:8And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he does not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.
Nave's Topical Index2 Chronicles 18:7
And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may inquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good to me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... gone," and all the assembly of his people shall witness ... "These six things doth the
Lord hate, yea seven ... blood, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm
The People on the Earth: Chapters 2-3
... and that thou canst not bear wicked (or, evil ... of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate]
The Nicolaitanes ... History knows nothing definite of any people bearing such ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the people on the earth .htm
Thou Shalt in any Wise Rebuke Thy Neighbor, and not Suffer Sin ...
... to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall ... It was addressed to all the
people of Israel, and through ... says, "Rebuke not a scorned, lest he hate thee ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/thou shalt in any wise.htm
The Joy of the Lord, the Strength of his People
... he will not miss their love or mourn their hate. ... in which Christian zeal interfered
with the wicked seem to ... Well first, he gave it to these people by their ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the joy of the lord.htm
Jehoshaphat
... thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord ... He "went out again through
the people from Beersheba to ... rid them out of the hand of the wicked." Psalm 82 ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 15 jehoshaphat.htm
Persecution in the First Centuries.
... who cherish evil under a profession of godliness hate those who ... Therefore they were
hated by the wicked, even as ... of the Holy Spirit, put to death God's people. ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /2 persecution in the first.htm
Persecution in the First Centuries
... who cherish evil under a profession of godliness hate those who ... Therefore they were
hated by the wicked, even as ... of the Holy Spirit, put to death God's people. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 2 persecution in the.htm
Psalm CI.
... But thou shouldest hate the unfaithful, not men: one man who is ... and whether he who
to-day liveth well, to-morrow may be wicked. ... C. A discourse to the people. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm ci.htm
Extent of Atonement.
... scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge ... death of the wicked;
but that the wicked turn from ... Lord hath a controversy with his people, and he ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxvi extent of atonement.htm
"To what Purpose is the Multitude of Your Sacrifices unto Me? ...
... The heart is desperately wicked above all things, and how ... ye hate to be reformed,
since ye hate personal reformation ... have ye to do to profess to be my people? ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon ix to what purpose.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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