The Bible frequently addresses the theme of disobedience among the wicked, highlighting their refusal to adhere to God's commandments and the resulting consequences. This entry explores various scriptural references that illustrate the nature and outcomes of such disobedience.

Disobedience as a Mark of the Wicked

The wicked are often characterized by their blatant disregard for God's laws. In the Book of Psalms, the psalmist describes the wicked as those who "do not seek God" and "have no fear of God before their eyes" (Psalm 10:4). This lack of reverence and submission to divine authority is a defining trait of the wicked, setting them apart from the righteous who strive to follow God's will.

Rejection of God's Word

The prophet Jeremiah laments the people's refusal to listen to God's word, stating, "But they did not listen or incline their ear; instead, they followed the stubborn inclinations of their own evil hearts" (Jeremiah 7:24). This passage underscores the willful nature of the wicked's disobedience, as they choose to follow their own desires rather than submit to God's guidance.

Consequences of Disobedience

The Scriptures are clear about the consequences that befall those who disobey God. In Proverbs, it is written, "The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know over what they stumble" (Proverbs 4:19). This metaphor of darkness illustrates the confusion and lack of direction that accompany a life of disobedience.

Furthermore, the prophet Isaiah warns of the ultimate judgment awaiting the wicked: "But the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and mud. 'There is no peace,' says my God, 'for the wicked'" (Isaiah 57:20-21). The imagery of a restless sea conveys the turmoil and lack of peace that result from a life lived in defiance of God's commands.

The Call to Repentance

Despite the grim portrayal of the wicked, the Bible consistently extends an invitation to repentance and obedience. In Ezekiel, God declares, "I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live" (Ezekiel 33:11). This call to repentance highlights God's desire for all to turn from disobedience and embrace a life of righteousness.

Conclusion

The Scriptures provide a sobering depiction of the wicked as those who refuse to obey God's commands. Through various passages, the Bible warns of the consequences of such disobedience while simultaneously offering hope for redemption through repentance and a return to God's ways.Psalm 119:158
I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not your word.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Attack on the Scriptures
... and all the cities of Palestine bands of soldiers went everywhere searching for
copies of the Scriptures. ... They did not obey the wicked heathen king; and ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter vi the attack on.htm

The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He ...
... just as do the angels who obey spontaneously ... by his authority and command, the wicked
are excited ... who have a tolerable acquaintance with the Scriptures see that ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 18 the instrumentality of.htm

The Second Wall.
... that the Pope and his followers are wicked and not ... undone, by our own understanding
of the Scriptures, and force ... not Abraham in old days have to obey his Sarah ...
/.../luther/first principles of the reformation/the second wall.htm

Sermon xxvii.
... them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel ... into "life eternal," so are
the wicked to "go away into everlasting punishment." The Scriptures say not ...
/.../leland/the national preacher vol 2 no 7 dec 1827/sermon xxvii.htm

The Treasure Hid in the Scriptures is Christ; the True Exposition ...
... the dead, proving to them from the Scriptures themselves "that ... 2. Wherefore it is
incumbent to obey the presbyters ... Thou that art waxen old in wicked days, now ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxvi the treasure hid in.htm

Knowing that a Man is not Justified by the Work of the Law, but by ...
... thine own mouth will I condemn thee, thou wicked servant ... It is our duty to repent
and obey God, and when ... died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/knowing that a man is.htm

Search the Scriptures
... out of the Bible as a very wicked thing that I ... those of Thessalonica, because they
searched the Scriptures, whether those ... me; but if I am right, obey the Word ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/search the scriptures.htm

Twenty Sixth Sunday after Trinity God's Judgment when Christ ...
... not God, and to them that obey not the gospel ... The Scriptures frequently deplore this
condition of things, especially ... which all men, godly and wicked, shall be ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty sixth sunday after trinity.htm

Reprobation.
... of their creation, must follow from such scriptures as the ... your character, has any
agency in making you wicked. You are therefore perfectly free to obey and be ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/finney/systematic theology/lecture xliv reprobation.htm

Be Ye Doers of the Word, not Hearers Only, Deceiving Your Own ...
... have great aggravation, and appear extremely wicked in the ... they never heartily intended
to obey the requirements ... in proving from the scriptures, and convincing ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/be ye doers of the.htm

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