Topical Encyclopedia Malice, a deep-seated animosity or ill will, is a recurring theme in the Bible, often associated with the actions and attitudes of the wicked. It is a destructive force that stands in stark contrast to the virtues of love, kindness, and forgiveness that are central to Christian teaching. The wicked, driven by malice, frequently target the righteous, seeking to harm or undermine them.Biblical Instances of Malice Against the Saints 1. Cain and Abel: The first recorded act of malice in the Bible is the account of Cain and Abel. Cain, driven by jealousy and malice, murdered his brother Abel. This act of violence was not only a personal sin but also a manifestation of the wickedness that can arise from unchecked malice. Genesis 4:8 states, "Then Cain said to his brother Abel, 'Let us go out to the field.' And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him." 2. Joseph and His Brothers: Joseph's brothers exhibited malice when they plotted against him out of envy for their father's favoritism and Joseph's dreams. Their malicious intent led them to sell Joseph into slavery. Genesis 37:4 notes, "When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him." 3. David and Saul: King Saul's malice towards David is another example. Despite David's loyalty, Saul's jealousy and fear led him to pursue David relentlessly, seeking to kill him. 1 Samuel 18:29 records, "Saul became even more afraid of David. So from then on Saul was David’s enemy." 4. The Pharisees and Jesus: The Pharisees and religious leaders of Jesus' time often acted with malice towards Him. Their hostility was rooted in fear of losing their authority and influence. Mark 3:6 states, "At this, the Pharisees went out and began plotting with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus." 5. Stephen and the Sanhedrin: Stephen, the first Christian martyr, faced malice from the Sanhedrin. His bold proclamation of the Gospel and his vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God incited their wrath, leading to his stoning. Acts 7:54 describes, "When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him." The Nature of Malice Malice is often characterized by deceit, slander, and a desire to harm others. It is a sin that corrupts the heart and leads to further wickedness. The Apostle Paul warns against malice in his letters, urging believers to rid themselves of such attitudes. Ephesians 4:31 exhorts, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice." The Response of the Saints The saints are called to respond to malice not with retaliation but with love and forgiveness. Jesus taught His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44). The Apostle Peter echoes this sentiment, encouraging believers to repay evil with blessing (1 Peter 3:9). Conclusion While malice is a tool of the wicked, the saints are equipped with the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome it through love, patience, and forgiveness. The Bible provides numerous examples of how the righteous have faced malice and emerged victorious by adhering to God's principles. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 83:3They have taken crafty counsel against your people, and consulted against your hidden ones. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 22:6 Library A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad! The Life of Mr. John Welch. The Tests of Love to God A Message of Warning and Entreaty The Conversion of Paul. The Death of Christ The Important Question Demonstration vi. --Of Monks. The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly The Anglican Catechism. AD 1549, 1662. Resources What does the Bible say about war? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about conflict resolution? | GotQuestions.org Dealing with mean people-what does the Bible say? | 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 |
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