Topical Bible: Peace: The Wicked: Enjoy Not

◄ Peace: The Wicked: Enjoy Not ►

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In the biblical context, peace is often understood as a state of tranquility, harmony, and well-being that comes from a right relationship with God. However, the Scriptures make it clear that the wicked do not enjoy this peace. The absence of peace for the wicked is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, highlighting the consequences of living in opposition to God's will.

Scriptural References:

1. Isaiah 48:22 : "There is no peace," says the LORD, "for the wicked." This verse succinctly captures the divine declaration that peace is unattainable for those who live in wickedness. The context of Isaiah 48 speaks to the rebellion of Israel and the resulting lack of peace due to their disobedience.

2. Isaiah 57:20-21 : "But the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and muck. 'There is no peace,' says my God, 'for the wicked.'" Here, the imagery of a restless sea illustrates the inner turmoil and lack of peace experienced by the wicked. Their lives are characterized by chaos and unrest, in stark contrast to the peace promised to the righteous.

3. Proverbs 4:14-17 : "Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it; do not travel on it. Turn from it and pass on by. For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; they are robbed of slumber until they make someone fall. They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence." This passage warns against following the path of the wicked, who are depicted as being consumed by their evil deeds, unable to find rest or peace.

4. Romans 3:16-17 : "Ruin and misery lie in their wake, and the way of peace they have not known." In the New Testament, Paul reiterates the Old Testament teaching that the wicked are unfamiliar with the way of peace. Their actions lead to destruction and suffering, further alienating them from the peace that comes from God.

Theological Insights:

The lack of peace for the wicked is not merely a consequence of their actions but is also a reflection of their spiritual state. Peace, in the biblical sense, is closely tied to righteousness and a relationship with God. The wicked, by choosing a path contrary to God's commands, inherently separate themselves from the source of true peace.

The Bible consistently contrasts the peace enjoyed by the righteous with the turmoil experienced by the wicked. This dichotomy serves as a moral and spiritual lesson, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's life with God's will to experience genuine peace. The wicked, in their rebellion, are depicted as being in a state of constant unrest, unable to find the peace that comes from living in harmony with God's purposes.

Practical Implications:

For believers, these passages serve as a reminder of the importance of pursuing righteousness and maintaining a close relationship with God to experience His peace. The absence of peace in the lives of the wicked underscores the futility of seeking fulfillment apart from God. It is a call to repentance and a return to the path of righteousness, where true peace is found.

In summary, the Bible clearly teaches that the wicked do not enjoy peace. This lack of peace is both a consequence of their actions and a reflection of their estrangement from God. The Scriptures call individuals to seek peace through righteousness and a right relationship with the Creator.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 48:22
There is no peace, said the LORD, to the wicked.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 7:25
Destruction comes; and they shall seek peace, and there shall be none.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Peace
... (2.) The godly may not enjoy peace, through mistake ... should be so far from discouraging
Christians, and hindering their peace, that it ... A wicked man is insensible ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 peace.htm

Of the Universal Peace which the Law of Nature Preserves through ...
... it is very just that in the final punishment the wicked and godless ... good things adapted
to this life, to wit, temporal peace, such as we can enjoy in this ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 13 of the universal peace.htm

Of the Peace which is Enjoyed by the People that are Alienated ...
... as the two cities are commingled, we also enjoy the peace ... shall ye have peace,"
[1305] "the temporal peace which the good and the wicked together enjoy. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 26 of the peace which.htm

How those that are at Variance and those that are at Peace are to ...
... they need do the peace which they enjoy, they have ... entirely to the covenants of inward
peace, testifies that he held no agreement with the wicked, saying, Did ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xxii how those that.htm

His Legacy.
... world of sinners and enemies of God by wicked works to ... day the Lord spoke a second
time, "Peace be unto ... dust instead of exalted, then shall we enjoy His legacy ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/his legacy.htm

The Sixth Chapter: the Joy of a Good Conscience
... Therefore, keep your conscience good and you will always enjoy happiness, for a ... true
interior joy or peace, for "there is no peace to the wicked," says the ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the sixth chapter the joy.htm

Because of Its Bearing Upon the Church.
... In contrast to the wicked who have "no peace," the saint ... It is by faith (not feelings)
that we know and enjoy Christ, but the more we know and enjoy Him ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/3 because of its bearing upon.htm

Go into Peace
... us this solemn truth, that if we would enjoy continuous peace ... Yesterday's faith does
not secure to-day's peace. ... quench all the fiery darts of the wicked, but if ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/go into peace.htm

Give us this Day Our Daily Bread.
... as to those through whom we enjoy in peace ... and the common people, obedience, peace,
and harmony ... war and bloodshed, famine, destructive beasts, wicked men, etc. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/give us this day our.htm

Psalm CXX.
... There all are righteous and holy, who enjoy the word of ... [5404] God will judge afterwards
of the wicked and the good...This we also say: Love ye peace, love ye ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxx.htm