The concept of the favor of God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, often associated with divine blessing, grace, and approval. However, Scripture makes it clear that the wicked, those who live in persistent rebellion against God, remain uninfluenced by His favor. This entry explores the biblical understanding of how the favor of God does not extend to the wicked, as evidenced by various passages.

Definition and Nature of God's Favor

God's favor is often described as His gracious kindness and benevolence towards those who seek Him and live according to His commandments. It is a manifestation of His love and mercy, resulting in spiritual and sometimes material blessings. The favor of God is not arbitrary but is closely linked to righteousness and obedience.

The Wicked: Uninfluenced by God's Favor

1. Separation from God: The wicked are characterized by their separation from God due to sin. Isaiah 59:2 states, "But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear." This separation indicates a lack of divine favor, as sin creates a chasm between the individual and God.

2. Absence of Peace: The wicked do not experience the peace that comes with God's favor. Isaiah 48:22 declares, "There is no peace," says the LORD, "for the wicked." This absence of peace is a clear indication that the favor of God does not rest upon them.

3. Divine Displeasure: Proverbs 15:9 states, "The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but He loves those who pursue righteousness." The wicked are subject to God's displeasure, which is the antithesis of His favor. Their actions and lifestyles are contrary to His will, resulting in divine disapproval.

4. Judgment and Consequences: The Bible frequently associates the wicked with judgment rather than favor. Psalm 1:5 notes, "Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous." The ultimate consequence for the wicked is separation from God's presence and blessings.

5. Resistance to Repentance: The wicked often resist repentance, which is a prerequisite for receiving God's favor. Proverbs 28:14 warns, "Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble." A hardened heart prevents the wicked from turning to God and experiencing His favor.

6. Lack of Divine Guidance: Without God's favor, the wicked lack divine guidance and wisdom. Proverbs 3:32 states, "For the LORD detests the perverse, but He is a friend to the upright." The absence of God's friendship and guidance leaves the wicked to their own devices, often leading to ruin.

Conclusion

The favor of God is a profound blessing reserved for those who seek Him and live in accordance with His will. The wicked, by their nature and choices, remain uninfluenced by this divine favor, experiencing instead separation, judgment, and a lack of peace. The biblical narrative consistently underscores the importance of righteousness and obedience as pathways to experiencing the favor of God.Isaiah 26:10
Let favor be showed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness: in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Covenant Duties.
... And they who would imagine that men, uninfluenced by any ... from me; I will not know
a wicked person ... and his inability to restore himself to God's favour ought to ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iv covenant duties.htm

Chapter vi
... when it flows forth from God, is that unmerited, rich favour we are wont ... Though living
among successive, mostly wicked generations, his walk was with God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter vi.htm

Letter Xliii. (AD 397. )
... which are holy even when ministered and received by the wicked. ... courage to forfeit
the friendship of men, whose favour will not avail at the bar of God. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xliii a d 397.htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... even the Nature of the Godhead, and became a wicked creature reducing ... his office
had been bestowed upon him, not by human favour, but by the gift of God. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... gate, and from the way thereto, hath this wicked man turned ... in the midst of my dumps;
but it was God's mercy that ... with my Lord; but, O! what a favour is this ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

What is the favor of God, and how can I get it? | GotQuestions.org

Does God have favorites? | GotQuestions.org

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