Topical Bible: Seeking God: The Wicked: Prepare not Their Hearts For

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In the biblical narrative, the concept of seeking God is a central theme that underscores the relationship between humanity and the divine. The act of seeking God is portrayed as a deliberate and heartfelt pursuit, characterized by sincerity, humility, and a genuine desire to know and follow God's will. However, the Scriptures also delineate a stark contrast between the righteous, who earnestly seek God, and the wicked, who fail to prepare their hearts for such a pursuit.

The wicked, as described in the Bible, are those who live in opposition to God's commandments and exhibit a lifestyle that is contrary to His ways. Their failure to seek God is not merely a passive oversight but an active choice that reflects the condition of their hearts. The Berean Standard Bible provides insight into this condition in several passages.

In Psalm 10:4 , it is written, "In his pride the wicked man does not seek Him; in all his schemes there is no God." This verse highlights the prideful disposition of the wicked, which blinds them to their need for God. Their arrogance leads them to rely on their own understanding and schemes, leaving no room for God in their thoughts or plans.

Jeremiah 10:21 further illustrates this point: "For the shepherds have become senseless and do not seek the LORD. Therefore they have not prospered, and all their flock is scattered." Here, the failure to seek God results in a lack of wisdom and prosperity, not only affecting the individual but also those under their influence. The imagery of scattered flocks underscores the chaos and disorder that ensue when leaders neglect to seek divine guidance.

The prophet Hosea also addresses this issue in Hosea 7:10 : "Israel's arrogance testifies against them, yet they do not return to the LORD their God; despite all this, they do not seek Him." The persistent refusal to seek God, even in the face of adversity and divine warning, is a testament to the hardened hearts of the wicked. Their arrogance becomes a barrier to repentance and restoration.

The New Testament echoes this theme, emphasizing the importance of a heart prepared to seek God. In Romans 3:11 , the apostle Paul writes, "There is no one who understands, no one who seeks God." This statement, part of a larger discourse on the universality of sin, underscores the natural inclination of humanity away from God. Without divine intervention and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, the human heart remains unprepared to seek God.

The failure of the wicked to prepare their hearts for seeking God is ultimately a reflection of their spiritual state. It is a condition marked by pride, self-reliance, and a rejection of divine authority. The Scriptures consistently call for a turning away from wickedness and a preparation of the heart to seek the Lord, as seen in 2 Chronicles 12:14 : "And he did evil because he did not set his heart to seek the LORD."

In summary, the biblical portrayal of the wicked as those who do not prepare their hearts to seek God serves as a cautionary reminder of the importance of humility, repentance, and a sincere desire to know and follow the Lord. The Scriptures invite all to turn from wickedness and prepare their hearts to seek the One who offers life, wisdom, and eternal fellowship.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 12:14
And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

An Exhortation to the People of God not to be Discouraged in their ...
... in Their Way, by the Scoffs and Contempt of Wicked Men. ... hymns and psalms, and go
to hear what God hath to ... answer your petitions at once or twice seeking unto him ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/an exhortation to the people.htm

The Necessity of Diligently Seeking the Saints' Rest.
... And should we not be serious in seeking our own ... seat, and the books opened, and the
wicked stand trembling ... man will not hear, we may hope in speaking to God: ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter vii the necessity of.htm

Elijah the Tishbite
... God was seeking to free the people from their delusion and ... I any pleasure at all
that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God: and not that he should return ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 9 elijah the tishbite.htm

Begins to Treat of the Union of the Soul with God in Prayer. How ...
... who receive these graces are good or wicked; as I ... to gain this favour; it comes from
God alone; therefore ... us how she wandered up and down seeking her Beloved. ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/chapter i begins to treat.htm

"If we Say that we have not Sinned, we Make Him a Liar, and his ...
... he is"how defiled and desperately wicked his nature ... declaim against pride, and
covetousness, and self-seeking, and other ... by the perfect rule of God's holy word ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xx if we say.htm

From Jezreel to Horeb
... meaning of God's providences we should see angels seeking to save ... But the eyes of
the wicked shall fail ... implicit trust in the mercy and the saving power of God. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 12 from jezreel to.htm

The Difference Between Walking by Sight, and Walking by Faith
... present; wherein the justice of God in punishing wicked men, and ... Ask your own heart,
"What am I seeking day by ... are not seen?" What is your object, God or the ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 113 the difference between.htm

Preparation for Advent
... Seeking the righteousness of God, say these preachers of ... the wicked world (for it
is a wicked world) than ... that not the eternal likeness of God, but whatever ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon ii preparation for advent.htm

The Duty of the People of God to Excite Others to Seek this Rest.
... Another hinderance is, self-seeking. ... Doubtless at your hands God will require the
blood of their souls ... you, if you suffer them to be ignorant or wicked for want ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ix the duty of.htm

Heralds of the Morning.
... will not, can not, suffer this wicked world much ... stir of worldly business and
pleasure-seeking"buying, selling ... in marriage"with forgetfulness of God and the ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /17 heralds of the morning.htm