The concept of God's favor is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, often associated with His blessings, grace, and approval. In contrast, the Scriptures make it clear that the wicked do not obtain God's favor. This distinction underscores the moral and spiritual divide between those who seek righteousness and those who pursue wickedness.

Definition and Nature of God's Favor

God's favor is often described as His gracious kindness and benevolence towards individuals who are righteous and obedient to His will. It is an expression of His love and approval, resulting in blessings, protection, and guidance. The favor of God is not merely a passive state but an active relationship characterized by divine intervention and support.

Biblical Evidence

1. Proverbs 3:33-34 : "The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the righteous. He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble." This passage highlights the contrast between the wicked and the righteous, emphasizing that God's favor is reserved for those who live in humility and righteousness.

2. Psalm 5:12 : "For surely You, O LORD, bless the righteous; You surround them with the shield of Your favor." Here, the psalmist affirms that God's favor acts as a protective shield for the righteous, implying that the wicked, by their nature, are excluded from such divine protection.

3. Isaiah 3:10-11 : "Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their labor. Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done." This prophetic declaration contrasts the outcomes for the righteous and the wicked, with the latter facing disaster and lacking God's favor.

4. Proverbs 10:6-7 : "Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot." The blessings and favor of God are associated with the righteous, while the wicked are left with a legacy of decay and disfavor.

Theological Implications

The absence of God's favor upon the wicked is not merely a punitive measure but a reflection of their separation from God's holiness and righteousness. The wicked, by their actions and choices, align themselves against God's will, thereby forfeiting His favor. This separation is both a present reality and a future certainty, as the Scriptures consistently affirm that the ultimate fate of the wicked is one of judgment and exclusion from God's presence.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

The distinction between the righteous and the wicked in obtaining God's favor serves as a moral and ethical guide for believers. It calls for a life of obedience, humility, and righteousness, aligning one's actions with God's commandments and seeking His approval above all else. The pursuit of God's favor is not merely for temporal blessings but for eternal communion with the Creator.

Conclusion

The biblical narrative consistently portrays the favor of God as unattainable for the wicked, emphasizing the importance of righteousness and obedience in securing His blessings. This theme serves as a powerful reminder of the moral and spiritual responsibilities of believers, urging them to live in a manner that is pleasing to God and reflective of His holy character.Isaiah 27:11
When the boughs thereof are withered, they shall be broken off: the women come, and set them on fire: for it is a people of no understanding: therefore he that made them will not have mercy on them, and he that formed them will show them no favor.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 16:13
Therefore will I cast you out of this land into a land that you know not, neither you nor your fathers; and there shall you serve other gods day and night; where I will not show you favor.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

And we are not to Believe in Demons, Although Celsus Urges us to ...
... of those men who wish us to follow their wicked lives, and ... nothing opposed to their
wishes, because their favour would make us enemies of God, who cannot ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen against celsus/chapter xxvi and we are.htm

Commandment Twelfth. On the Twofold Desire. The Commandments of ...
... [232] For you will find favour among those who are to ... God. This desire, therefore,
is wicked and destructive, bringing death on the servants of God. ... [228] God. ...
/.../the pastor books first second third/commandment twelfth on the twofold.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 said ... God visits the soul in a manner
which prevents its ... although years may pass before this favour recurs, the ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/chapter i begins to treat.htm

The Doctrines of Grace do not Lead to Sin
... the silver scepter, and accept undeserved favour just because ... have turned the grace
of God into lasciviousness ... an almost infinite ingenuity in wicked men for ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/the doctrines of grace do.htm

The Parable of the Tares, by Bishop Latimer, Preached on the 7Th ...
... that he has faith, and is in the favour of God ... abide in cities and towns where sinners
and wicked doers were ... and so fell into other errors, so God punished them ...
/.../knox/the pulpit of the reformation nos 1 2 and 3 /the parable of the tares.htm

Epistle xi. To Brunichild, Queen.
... the use of the same pallium with the favour of God. ... be kindled by the doings of the
wicked, the plague ... destroy the sinners whom the precepts of God recall not ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xi to brunichild queen.htm

Religion of Fathers to be Abandoned.
... "Others say, It is wicked if we ... in temples or groves for those things which God has
bestowed ... offer sacrifices to demons; and having received a favour, deny the ...
/.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter xxx religion of fathers to.htm

The Second Epistle.
... For a wicked soul shall destroy him that hath it, and makes him to be ... ye may both
obtain the fruit of good works here, and enjoy the favour of God in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/the second epistle 2.htm

Sermon.
... with approbation: "There is no peace to the wicked," that walk ... for thy acceptance,
that I may find favour in thy ... is it to appear at the bar of God's justice as ...
/.../penn/a sermon preached at the quakers meeting house/sermon.htm

The Wicked and Dishonourable Opinions Held by Arians, Sabellians.. ...
... with your accusations, and see how you gain the favour of your ... it is because he has
said in his heart, "There is no God.". [2061] The "fool" (ie wicked man) has ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xiii the wicked and.htm

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