Topical Bible: The Wicked are Compared to Grass

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In the Bible, the imagery of grass is frequently used to describe the transient and fleeting nature of human life, particularly that of the wicked. This metaphor underscores the temporary prosperity and eventual downfall of those who live in opposition to God's will. The comparison to grass serves as a poignant reminder of the ultimate futility of wickedness and the enduring justice of God.

Psalm 37:1-2
"Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong. For they will wither quickly like grass and fade like the green herb."

In Psalm 37, the psalmist encourages the righteous not to be envious or anxious about the apparent success of the wicked. The comparison to grass highlights the ephemeral nature of their prosperity. Just as grass withers and fades, so too will the wicked face inevitable decline and judgment.

Psalm 92:7
"Though the wicked sprout like grass, and all evildoers flourish, they will be forever destroyed."

Here, the psalmist acknowledges that the wicked may appear to thrive temporarily, much like grass that sprouts quickly. However, this flourishing is short-lived, and their ultimate destruction is assured. The imagery reinforces the idea that God's justice will prevail, and the wicked will not endure.

Isaiah 40:6-8
"A voice says, 'Cry out.' And I asked, 'What should I cry out?' 'All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.'"

In Isaiah, the prophet uses the metaphor of grass to emphasize the frailty and impermanence of human life, including that of the wicked. The passage contrasts the fleeting nature of human existence with the eternal and unchanging word of God. This serves as a reminder that while the wicked may seem powerful, their time is limited, and God's truth endures.

James 1:10-11
"But the rich should exult in their humiliation, because they will pass away like a flower of the field. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits."

In the New Testament, James echoes the Old Testament imagery by comparing the rich, often associated with wickedness due to their reliance on wealth rather than God, to grass and flowers that wither under the sun's heat. This serves as a warning that earthly riches and the pursuits of the wicked are ultimately transient and will not withstand the test of time.

1 Peter 1:24-25
"For, 'All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.'"

Peter reiterates the message found in Isaiah, emphasizing the temporary nature of human life and the enduring nature of God's word. This passage serves as a reminder to believers that while the wicked may seem to prosper, their time is limited, and God's promises remain steadfast.

Throughout Scripture, the comparison of the wicked to grass serves as a powerful metaphor for the fleeting nature of their success and the certainty of divine justice. This imagery encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate plan and to remain steadfast in righteousness, knowing that the wicked will not endure.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 37:2
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 92:7
When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487.
... Ungodly, compared to grass, [1025]174; flourish for a time, perish for ever,
[1026]208; miserable, though apparently happy, [1027]336. ... Wicked. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/aron brother of moses 486.htm

2 Samuel xxiii. 1-7.
... grass, as showers watering the earth." The figure of the rain making fresh grass
to spring ... The wicked ones, the enemies of the Church, are compared to the ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/2 samuel xxiii 1-7.htm

Letters to Olympias.
... glory of man is as the flower of grass." [911]. ... gibes inflicted by enemies, and their
plots are compared to a ... a drunkard, and a friend of the wicked and depraved ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/letters to olympias.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... they spin not; if then, God so clothe the grass . ... God lets the wicked dung his people
with reproaches and ... The godly may be compared to that plant which Gregory ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

Examination of the Epistle
... 81:13.) "Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die ... Romans 9:20.) It is
indeed true that we, when compared with God, "are as grass-hoppers," yea ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 3/examination of the epistle.htm

Psalm CIII.
... sun to rise over the good and the wicked." [4676] On ... powers, riches, pride, threats,
is the flower of the grass. ... Compared with the length and long life of ages ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm ciii.htm

Psalm CXLI.
... vexeth the members of Christ, who pulleth grass from the ... not thou aside, my heart,
to wicked words, and ... beside the Rock." "Beside," that is, compared, as judges ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxli.htm

The Second Part.
... wilt see the honour of the tree, the grass is dried ... I rule no one, [1654] I would
rule the wicked. ... though he was in honour, understood not, was compared to the ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/the second part.htm

"And we all do Fade as a Leaf, and Our Iniquities, Like the Wind ...
... that people in a prosperous condition are compared unto a ... The wicked's prospering
is like a green bay tree spreading ... 40:6, 7, 8,) "All flesh is grass and the ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvii and we all.htm

The Power of God
... it was that turned King Nebuchadnezzar to eat grass, and threw ... 2.) This power of
God is against the wicked. ... The church in Ezekiel is compared to dry bones, but ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/6 the power of god.htm