Topical Bible: Sincerity: The Wicked Devoid of

◄ Sincerity: The Wicked Devoid of ►

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Sincerity, as a virtue, is characterized by honesty, genuineness, and a congruence between one's words and actions. In the biblical context, sincerity is often associated with a pure heart and a truthful spirit, qualities that are pleasing to God. However, the Scriptures frequently highlight the absence of sincerity among the wicked, contrasting their deceitful nature with the integrity expected of the righteous.

The wicked are often depicted as lacking sincerity, engaging in hypocrisy and deceit. In the book of Psalms, the psalmist laments the duplicity of the wicked, stating, "They speak falsehood to one another; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak" (Psalm 12:2). This verse underscores the insincerity that characterizes the wicked, who use their words to manipulate and deceive rather than to convey truth.

Proverbs further illustrates the absence of sincerity among the wicked, warning against their deceptive nature. Proverbs 26:24-26 states, "A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart. When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly." Here, the wicked are portrayed as masters of disguise, using insincere speech to mask their true intentions, yet their lack of sincerity ultimately leads to their downfall.

The prophet Isaiah also addresses the insincerity of the wicked, particularly in their religious practices. Isaiah 29:13 declares, "Therefore the Lord said: 'These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me, and their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.'" This passage highlights the disconnect between the outward expressions of devotion by the wicked and the true state of their hearts, emphasizing that God desires sincerity in worship rather than mere ritualistic observance.

In the New Testament, Jesus frequently rebukes the Pharisees and other religious leaders for their lack of sincerity. In Matthew 23:27-28 , He condemns them, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you 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. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." This vivid imagery illustrates the stark contrast between the outward appearance of righteousness and the inward reality of insincerity among the wicked.

The apostle Paul also addresses the issue of sincerity in his epistles, urging believers to live lives marked by genuine love and truth. In 2 Corinthians 2:17 , he contrasts his own ministry with that of insincere individuals, stating, "For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God." Here, Paul emphasizes the importance of sincerity in proclaiming the gospel, distinguishing true servants of God from those who exploit the message for personal gain.

Throughout Scripture, the wicked are consistently portrayed as devoid of sincerity, engaging in deceit, hypocrisy, and falsehood. This lack of sincerity not only separates them from God but also leads to their ultimate judgment and downfall. The Bible calls believers to a higher standard, one of sincerity and truth, reflecting the character of God in all aspects of life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 5:9
For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulcher; they flatter with their tongue.
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Psalm 55:21
The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.
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Library

Desire to Please.
... whether such compliments are authorized by sincerity or flattery ... for qualities which
he interiorly believes her devoid of ... who converse with her of wicked designs ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter xvi desire to please.htm

The Course of the World.
... for Christ's sake received insults and abuse from the wicked. ... are to be in such gravity
and sincerity, in such ... the world, and betrays a heart devoid of God's ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter xii the course of.htm

Easter Sunday
... and wickedness"; he means whatever is evil and wicked. ... in distinction from the leaven,
signifies sincerity and truth ... they are not Christians, but devoid of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/easter sunday.htm

Letter cii. (AD 409. )
... To Deogratias, My Brother in All Sincerity, and My Fellow ... shall separate the holy
from the wicked, and give ... a doubt as to their being wholly devoid of perception ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter cii a d 409.htm

Regeneration
... agreed, yea, all who are Christians in sincerity and truth. ... of attracting one person
here, so utterly devoid of every ... not and we will not, have the wicked here ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/regeneration.htm

Letter xxiii. (AD 392. )
... not understand: he is compared to the brutes devoid of reason ... are reigning with the
Lord, and the wicked have been ... rather in irony than in the sincerity of love ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xxiii a d 392.htm

Manner of Covenanting.
... their own souls, will not be devoid of intense ... Covenanting should be engaged in with
sincerity, and with a ... judge thy servants, condemning the wicked, to bring ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter ii manner of covenanting.htm

Prayer and Consecration
... one's self apart from sinful things and wicked ends, but ... is worth a thought if it
be devoid of prayer. ... is religion to prove its reality, its sincerity and its ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/viii prayer and consecration.htm

Prayerlessness in the Pulpit
... to exclaim, "With what reverence, simplicity and sincerity ought it ... in the face of
a wicked and gainsaying ... personal and present Saviour, become devoid of the ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/viii prayerlessness in the pulpit.htm

The Promises of the Law and the Gospel Reconciled.
... we cleave to the law we are devoid of every ... our conscience, that in simplicity and
godly sincerity, not with ... compelled by the calumnies of the wicked he appeals ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 17 the promises of.htm