Topical Bible: Truth: The Wicked: Speak Not

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In the biblical context, truth is a fundamental attribute of God and a cornerstone of His divine nature. It is often contrasted with the deceit and falsehood that characterize the wicked. The Scriptures provide numerous insights into the nature of truth and the tendency of the wicked to deviate from it.

The wicked, as depicted in the Bible, are those who live in opposition to God's commandments and righteousness. Their speech is often marked by deceit, lies, and a lack of truthfulness. This behavior is not merely a moral failing but a reflection of their inner corruption and rebellion against God.

Psalm 58:3 states, "The wicked are estranged from the womb; the liars go astray from birth." This verse highlights the inherent nature of wickedness and deceit, suggesting that from an early age, those who are wicked are inclined to speak falsehoods. Their estrangement from truth is not just a matter of choice but a deep-seated condition.

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the nature of the wicked and their relationship with truth. In John 8:44 , He says, "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies." Here, Jesus identifies the devil as the ultimate source of lies and deceit, and those who follow in his ways are similarly devoid of truth.

The Apostle Paul also speaks to the issue of truth and the wicked in Romans 1:18 : "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness." This passage underscores the active role the wicked play in suppressing truth, indicating that their actions are not passive but deliberate attempts to obscure and reject the truth of God.

Proverbs 12:22 further contrasts the wicked with those who are righteous: "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight." This proverb emphasizes God's disdain for deceit and His pleasure in those who speak and live truthfully. The wicked, by their nature, are unable to align with this divine standard.

The Psalms frequently lament the prevalence of deceit among the wicked. Psalm 5:9 declares, "For there is no truth in their mouths; their inmost being is destruction; their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they flatter." This vivid imagery portrays the destructive power of lies and the absence of truth in the speech of the wicked.

In summary, the Bible consistently portrays the wicked as those who do not speak truth. Their speech is characterized by lies and deceit, reflecting their estrangement from God and alignment with the adversary. The Scriptures call believers to recognize this distinction and to pursue truth as an essential aspect of their faith and relationship with God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 9:5
And they will deceive every one his neighbor, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Further Exposure of the Wicked and Blasphemous Doctrines of the ...
... at all; and not only not to speak evil of ... away from evil deeds, but even from [wicked]
words and ... And if they have in truth accomplished anything [remarkable ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxii further exposure of the.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... our state and church had a lip of truth, they would ... come to these, who before they
would speak of terms ... his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

That it is not Lawful for the Well Affected Subjects to Concur in ...
... of God, or joining and mingling with wicked men, is ... for my own exoneration, that
so necessary a truth want not ... I cannot be silent at this time, but speak by my ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section iv that it is.htm

The Objects of Faith and Hope Perceived by the Mind Alone.
... For one must then dare to speak the truth ... demand demonstration as a pledge of truth,
not satisfied with ... is strongly incumbent to disbelieve the dominant wicked,. ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter iii the objects of faith.htm

Of the Two Sons who were Commanded by their Father to Go into his ...
... the fact that Luke not only does not speak of them ... said, "He will miserably destroy
those wicked men, and ... And, in truth, what the Lord proceeds immediately to ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter lxx of the two sons.htm

Of Uncharitable Truth.
... that has not experimentally found the truth of this. ... I count them pure with the wicked
balances, and ... the advice of an ancient Philosopher, Speak not evil of ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section vi of uncharitable truth.htm

Epistle Catholic.
... But they will not prevail; for the truth prevails, and there is no communion betwixt
light and darkness, no ... But if it be wicked thus to speak, and if the ...
/.../ii epistle catholic.htm

Those Persons who do not Believe in God, but who are Disobedient ...
... then"that is, according to creation, so to speak" we are ... of the devil," and "children
of the wicked one," [4448 ... they may be converted to the truth and saved ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xli those persons who do.htm

The Distinction to be Made Between the Righteous and the Wicked ...
... be made between the righteous and the wicked The future ... be judged who did not believe
the truth, but consented ... the image, so that the image shall speak; and he ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxviii the distinction to be.htm

John Chapter xvi. 12, 13 (Continued).
... names, and are confirmed by religious truth, which also forms their defense against
the wicked. ... Epistle to the Corinthians: "I could not speak unto you as ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xcvii john chapter xvi.htm