In the biblical context, the term "scoundrels" refers to individuals characterized by wickedness, deceit, and a lack of moral integrity. The Bible frequently addresses the behavior and consequences of such individuals, often contrasting them with the righteous and upright.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament provides several instances where scoundrels are mentioned, often in the context of their actions and the resulting divine judgment. In 1 Samuel 2:12, the sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, are described as "wicked men" or "scoundrels" who "had no regard for the LORD." Their actions, which included desecrating the sacrifices offered to God, ultimately led to their downfall and the judgment upon Eli's household.

In 1 Samuel 25:17, Nabal is referred to as a "worthless man" or "scoundrel" by his own servants. His foolish and churlish behavior towards David's men nearly brought disaster upon his household, but was averted by the wise intervention of his wife, Abigail.

Proverbs frequently contrasts the behavior of the wicked with that of the righteous. Proverbs 6:12-15 describes a "worthless person" or "scoundrel" as one who "walks with a perverse mouth, winks with his eyes, signals with his feet, and points with his fingers." Such a person sows discord and is destined for sudden calamity.

New Testament References

The New Testament continues to address the theme of scoundrels, often in the context of false teachers and those who oppose the truth. In 2 Timothy 3:13, Paul warns Timothy that "evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived." This passage highlights the progressive nature of wickedness and the deception that characterizes scoundrels.

In the parable of the weeds (Matthew 13:24-30), Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven as a field where both wheat and weeds grow together until the harvest. The weeds, sown by the enemy, represent the sons of the evil one, who are akin to scoundrels in their opposition to God's purposes.

Characteristics and Consequences

Scoundrels in the Bible are often marked by deceit, malice, and a rejection of God's commandments. Their actions are self-serving and destructive, leading to discord and strife within communities. The Bible consistently warns of the consequences of such behavior, emphasizing that divine judgment will ultimately prevail.

Psalm 1:4-6 contrasts the fate of the wicked with that of the righteous, stating, "Not so the wicked! For they are like chaff driven off by the wind. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD guards the path of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish."

Moral and Spiritual Lessons

The biblical portrayal of scoundrels serves as a cautionary tale, urging believers to pursue righteousness and integrity. The Scriptures encourage the faithful to discern and avoid the influence of scoundrels, while trusting in God's justice and ultimate vindication of the righteous.1121. ben -- son
... 1), one (2), one born (1), ones (1), ones* (1), opening* (1), overnight* (2), people
(5), public* (1), revelers* (1), satellites (1), scoundrels* (1), sired (1 ...
/hebrew/1121.htm - 8k

1100. beliyyaal -- worthlessness
... Word Origin from beli and yaal Definition worthlessness NASB Word Usage base (1),
destruction (1), rascally (1), scoundrels* (1), ungodliness (1), wicked (3 ...
/hebrew/1100.htm - 6k

Of the Mass.
... But since the Mass is nothing else and can be nothing else (as the Canon and all
books declare), than a work of men (even of wicked scoundrels), by which one ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the smalcald articles/article ii of the mass.htm

Judas Iscariot
... Nobody, it would appear, has ever been very bad; the criminals and scoundrels
have been men whose motives have been misunderstood. ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter ix judas iscariot.htm

Salvation
... of justice, they never thought of doing them; and in spite of all their religion,
they were, Isaiah tells them plainly, rogues and scoundrels, none of whom ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxi salvation.htm

Frugality a Good Provision for the Christian.
... For what the chests of clothes? and the gold ornaments for what? Those things are
prepared for clothes-stealers, and scoundrels, and for greedy eyes. ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter vii frugality a good provision.htm

The Pilgrim Band, 1736-1743.
... to pieces, and the out-houses, farms and stables were let out to fifty-six dirty
families of Jews, tramps, vagabonds and a mongrel throng of scoundrels of the ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter vii the pilgrim band.htm

And it was About the Sixth Hour, and There was Darkness Over the ...
... Psalm 31:5 is, b'yadcha aphkid ruchi. [1838] One ms. adds: Pilate said to them:
You scoundrels! is this the way you tell the truth about everything? ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of nicodemus /chapter 11 and it was.htm

Ahab the Thief
... Then the two base men came in and sat before him, and the scoundrels in the presence
of the people said, "Naboth cursed God and the ruler of Israel." Then they ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/ahab the thief.htm

Whether Human Law Should be Changed in any Way?
... But if, as time goes on, the same people become so corrupt as to sell their votes,
and entrust the government to scoundrels and criminals; then the right of ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether human law should be 2.htm

Thou Shalt not Steal.
... For we have to preach this not to Christians, but chiefly to knaves and scoundrels,
to whom it would be more fitting for judges, jailers, or Master Hannes [the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/thou shalt not steal.htm

The Lost Sheep and the Seeking Shepherd
... all these men and women who, having run away from Him, are plunged in sin, like
sheep mired in a black bog, the scoundrels and the profligates, the scum and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the lost sheep and the.htm

Scoundrels (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Scoundrels (2 Occurrences). 1 Kings 21:10 Set two
men, base fellows, before him, and let them testify against ...
/s/scoundrels.htm - 7k

Scour (2 Occurrences)

/s/scour.htm - 7k

Scoundrel (3 Occurrences)

/s/scoundrel.htm - 7k

What does the Bible say about a false witness? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Jephthah? | GotQuestions.org

Who were Hophni and Phinehas? | GotQuestions.org

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