Topical Bible: Peace: The Wicked: Hypocritically Speak

◄ Peace: The Wicked: Hypocritically Speak ►

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In the biblical context, peace is often portrayed as a state of harmony and well-being that is divinely ordained and deeply desired by the faithful. However, the Scriptures also address the counterfeit peace propagated by the wicked, who speak of peace hypocritically. This false peace is characterized by deceit and a lack of genuine righteousness.

The prophet Jeremiah addresses the issue of false peace in his rebuke of the leaders and prophets of Israel. In Jeremiah 6:14 , he declares, "They have dressed the wound of My people with very little care, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace." This passage highlights the superficial and deceptive nature of the peace proclaimed by those who are not truly aligned with God's will. The leaders and prophets, instead of addressing the root causes of the people's spiritual ailments, offer empty assurances that everything is well.

Similarly, in Ezekiel 13:10 , the prophet condemns the false prophets who "lead My people astray, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace." These prophets are likened to builders who construct a flimsy wall and cover it with whitewash, creating an illusion of stability and security. The wicked, in their hypocrisy, offer a semblance of peace that lacks the foundation of truth and justice.

The Psalms also reflect on the duplicity of the wicked in their speech. Psalm 28:3 implores, "Do not drag me away with the wicked and with the workers of iniquity, who speak peace to their neighbors while malice is in their hearts." This verse underscores the contrast between the outward expression of peace and the inward reality of malice and deceit. The wicked may present themselves as peacemakers, but their intentions are far from genuine.

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself warns against those who appear righteous outwardly but are inwardly corrupt. In Matthew 23:27 , He says, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity." Although this passage does not explicitly mention peace, it illustrates the broader theme of hypocrisy that can extend to the false proclamation of peace.

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, also addresses the issue of false peace. In 1 Thessalonians 5:3 , he warns, "While people are saying, ‘Peace and security,’ destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape." This serves as a caution against placing trust in the assurances of peace offered by those who do not follow God's truth.

Throughout Scripture, the theme of hypocritically spoken peace by the wicked serves as a warning to discern true peace, which is rooted in righteousness and alignment with God's will, from the false peace that is merely a façade. The Bible calls believers to seek genuine peace that comes from a right relationship with God, rather than being swayed by the empty promises of those who do not walk in His ways.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 28:3
Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbors, but mischief is in their hearts.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Heresies Attacked by the Apostles.
... children of God and the sons of peace, do preach ... to come;" [3247] who are both more
wicked than the ... deny the words of God, or pretend hypocritically to receive ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii the heresies attacked by.htm

The Letter of the Church of Rome
... peace, and not to those who wish for it hypocritically. ... the plea of our letter for
peace and harmony, you rid yourselves of your wicked and passionate ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of the church.htm

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
... estimation; therefore, they ever remain wicked"sinners in ... to which shall succeed
love and peace. ... heart sincerely and fervently; not hypocritically, as Isaiah ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/fifth sunday after epiphany.htm

Faustus Claims that the Manich??ans and not the Catholics are ...
... only true existence, could not remain in lasting peace? ... who are pretended Manich??ans
are wicked, and those ... itself is false, he who hypocritically professes it ...
/.../faustus claims that the manichaeans.htm

Concerning the Ministry.
... and calling of his church, but makes him (so to speak) more blind ... of his body, because
though they be really wicked, they hypocritically and deceitfully ...
/.../proposition x concerning the ministry.htm

The Bishop of Hippo
... with some of these breads and offered them hypocritically to the ... me, maligni!""Go
far from me, ye wicked ones, and let me study in peace the commandments ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/i the bishop of hippo.htm

A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox.
... the same, God would have multiplied our peace, and would ... pride by the counsel of
his wicked nobility, would ... may on this sort visit God hypocritically; for they ...
/.../knox/the pulpit of the reformation nos 1 2 and 3 /a sermon on isaiah xxvi.htm

Regeneration by Faith. Of Repentance.
... his calling crimes and wicked deeds the ... of love, chastity, sobriety, modesty, peace,
moderation, and ... are flattering ourselves, and hypocritically cloaking that ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 3 regeneration by faith.htm

Faustus is Willing to Admit that Christ May have Said that He came ...
... accommodated his practice to theirs, not hypocritically, but for ... a peace maker among
them that hated peace;" [721] and ... and in loving even the wicked, there is ...
/.../faustus is willing to admit.htm

Acts VII
... is this: The charge against him was hypocritically preferred, and ... and would have
brought them to peace, saying, Men ... mad earth are witnessed when wicked men set ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts vii.htm