Topical Encyclopedia Malice, as understood in the biblical context, refers to the intention or desire to do evil or cause harm to others. It is a condition of the heart that is explicitly condemned throughout Scripture. The Bible consistently calls believers to reject malice and embrace love, kindness, and forgiveness.Old Testament Insights In the Old Testament, malice is often associated with wickedness and is seen as contrary to the character of God. The psalmist declares, "Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech. Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it" (Psalm 34:13-14). This passage highlights the importance of turning away from malicious intent and instead pursuing peace and righteousness. The Proverbs also provide wisdom on the subject, warning against harboring malice in one's heart. Proverbs 24:17-18 advises, "Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles, or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn His wrath away from him" . This admonition underscores the importance of maintaining a heart free from malice, even towards one's enemies. New Testament Teachings The New Testament further emphasizes the prohibition of malice among believers. In Ephesians 4:31-32, the Apostle Paul instructs, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you" . Here, malice is listed among other destructive behaviors that are to be eradicated from the Christian life, replaced by kindness and forgiveness. Similarly, in 1 Peter 2:1, believers are urged to "rid yourselves of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander" . This call to action is part of the broader exhortation to live holy lives, reflecting the character of Christ. The Example of Christ Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of a life free from malice. Throughout His ministry, He demonstrated love and compassion, even towards those who opposed Him. In Luke 23:34, as He was being crucified, Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" . This profound act of forgiveness exemplifies the absence of malice and the presence of divine love. Practical Application For Christians, the call to reject malice is both a command and an invitation to live in the freedom of Christ's love. By the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are enabled to overcome malice and cultivate a heart that seeks the good of others. This transformation is part of the sanctification process, as believers grow in likeness to Christ. In summary, malice is unequivocally forbidden in Scripture. Believers are called to a higher standard of love and forgiveness, reflecting the character of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 14:20Brothers, be not children in understanding: however, in malice be you children, but in understanding be men. Torrey's Topical Textbook Colossians 3:8 Ephesians 4:26,27 Library Whether the Will is Evil when it is at Variance with Erring Reason ... Thou Shalt not Covet Thy Neighbor's House. Thou Shalt not Covet ... The Withered Hand Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ... Whether Covetousness is a Special Sin? Peter Commits Perjury. You have Therefore the Will of My God. ... Verse the Fifteenth The Primitive Church Titus i. 14-Dec Resources What does the Bible say about bitterness? | GotQuestions.orgWhen is it necessary to rebuke another believer? | GotQuestions.org How can I know if the desires of my heart are from God? | GotQuestions.org Malice: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Malfeasance in office: The Leasees of the Vineyard, in One of the Parables of Jesus Malfeasance in office: The Steward Mentioned in One of the Parables of Jesus Malice: A Hindrance to Growth in Grace Malice: Ahithophel Toward David Malice: Ammonites Toward the Israelites Malice: Brings Its own Punishment Malice: Christian Liberty not to be a Cloak For Malice: General Scriptures Concerning Malice: Herod Antipas Toward Jesus Malice: Incompatible With the Worship of God Malice: James and John Toward the Samaritans Malice: Joseph's Brothers Toward Joseph Malice: Masters of the Sorcerous Damsel Toward Paul Malice: Nebuchadrezzar Toward Zedekiah Malice: Philistines Toward Isaac Malice: Potiphar's Wife Toward Joseph Malice: Pray for Those Who Injure You Through Malice: Samaritans Toward the Jews Malice: Springs from an Evil Heart Malice: The Jewish Leaders Toward Jesus Malice: The Wicked: Filled With Malice: The Wicked: Speak With Malice: The Wicked: Visit Saints With Related Terms Unrighteousness (57 Occurrences) |
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