Topical Bible: The Wicked are Compared to Briars and Thorns

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical literature, the imagery of briars and thorns is frequently employed to symbolize the wicked and their destructive nature. This metaphor is deeply rooted in the agrarian context of the Bible, where briars and thorns are seen as invasive, harmful, and obstructive to the cultivation of fruitful land. The comparison serves to illustrate the detrimental impact of wickedness on both individuals and communities.

Old Testament References

The association of the wicked with briars and thorns is evident in several Old Testament passages. In Isaiah 55:13 , the prophet speaks of a transformation where "Instead of the thornbush, a cypress will grow, and instead of the brier, a myrtle will spring up." This verse contrasts the unproductive and harmful nature of thorns with the flourishing growth of righteous living, symbolized by the cypress and myrtle.

Similarly, in Micah 7:4 , the prophet laments the moral decay of society, stating, "The best of them is like a brier; the most upright is sharper than a hedge of thorns." Here, even the most righteous among the people are compared to thorns, emphasizing the pervasive corruption and the difficulty of finding true righteousness.

New Testament Insights

The New Testament continues this metaphorical use, albeit less frequently. In Hebrews 6:8 , the author warns of the consequences of falling away from faith: "But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and soon to be cursed. In the end it will be burned." This passage underscores the ultimate judgment awaiting those who persist in wickedness, likening them to land that yields only thorns and is destined for destruction.

Theological Implications

The comparison of the wicked to briars and thorns carries significant theological implications. It highlights the inherent danger and destructiveness of sin, which, like thorns, can entangle and harm those who come into contact with it. This imagery also serves as a warning to the faithful, urging them to avoid the path of wickedness and to seek righteousness, which is depicted as fruitful and life-giving.

Furthermore, the metaphor underscores the transformative power of God's redemption. Just as barren land can be restored to produce valuable crops, so too can individuals be redeemed from wickedness to lead lives of righteousness. This theme of transformation is central to the biblical narrative, offering hope and encouragement to believers.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, the comparison of the wicked to briars and thorns calls for vigilance and discernment in personal and communal life. Believers are encouraged to identify and uproot sinful behaviors and influences that may hinder spiritual growth. Additionally, this metaphor serves as a reminder of the importance of cultivating a life that bears good fruit, in alignment with God's will.

Overall, the biblical portrayal of the wicked as briars and thorns is a powerful and evocative image that conveys the destructive nature of sin and the hope of redemption through divine intervention.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 55:13
Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 2:6
And you, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with you, and you do dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Concerning Peaceableness
... The wicked are compared to a troubled sea' (Isaiah 57 ... Septuagint renders it There
is no joy to the wicked'. ... where there is nothing but thorns and briars to be ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/18 concerning peaceableness.htm

False Profession.
... not from iniquity, to whom may he be compared? ... Better no professor than a wicked
professor; better openly ... be rewarded with chastisements of briars and thorns ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xx false profession.htm

The Shameful Sufferer
... The shame of everlasting contempt to which wicked men awake ... would walk through thorns
and briars without feeling ... never patience that could be compared with thy ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the shameful sufferer.htm

Antichrist.
... he endeavors to complete by his wicked spirit working ... in the wilderness or under
persecution, is compared not only ... ground is full of thorns and briars and weeds ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxiii antichrist.htm

Christian Behavior
... Wherefore sinners, before faith, are compared to the wilderness, whose fruits are
briars and thorns ... strength; enemies in their minds by wicked works, and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

Biographical Preface.
... pre?�minence are a very small number compared with the ... of the kingdom and habitation
of the wicked one, may ... The weeds, thorns, briars, and evil fruit which are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/biographical preface.htm

Trust in God --True Wisdom
... will soon tear his garments with thorns and briars if he ... man is such a man that if
I compared him with ... believe God better and get rid of these wicked fears of ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/trust in godtrue wisdom.htm

The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to ...
... heaven, our anticipations are feeble indeed, compared with eternal ... at the last day,
that wicked men made ... forth' these apostatizing fruits, as 'briars and thorns ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the heavenly footman or a.htm

Instruction for the Ignorant:
... 'Wo unto the wicked, it shall ... name?"A. Yes; they are called rebellion, and are compared
to the ... willful sins (Hebrews 10:26), they are called briars and thorns ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/instruction for the ignorant .htm

The Barren Fig-Tree;
... 'The tares are the children of the wicked one.' The ... by whom it is dressed, receiveth
blessing from God: but that which beareth thorns and briars is rejected ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the barren fig-tree.htm