How to defang the wicked?
What actions can we take to "break the fangs of the wicked"?

Verse Focus

“I shattered the fangs of the unrighteous and snatched the prey from their teeth.” (Job 29:17)


What “Breaking the Fangs” Pictures

• Wicked people tear into the helpless like predators; their “fangs” are the power, influence, and systems they wield for evil.

• Job’s past action was literal intervention—rescuing victims and dismantling the oppressor’s power.

• The call remains: actively neutralize evil, not merely deplore it.


Actions That Break the Fangs Today

• Rescue the Vulnerable

– “Rescue those being led away to death, and restrain those stumbling toward the slaughter.” (Proverbs 24:11)

– Support crisis-pregnancy centers, safe-house ministries, anti-human-trafficking work, and foster care.

• Expose and Confront Evil

– “Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11)

– Speak up in workplaces, schools, and social media; confront dishonest practices and abusive behavior.

• Seek Justice in Society

– “Learn to do right; seek justice, correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the widow’s case.” (Isaiah 1:17)

– Vote, petition, and volunteer to shape laws and policies that restrain evildoers (Romans 13:3-4).

• Strengthen the Church’s Integrity

– Discipline unrepentant sin (1 Corinthians 5:11-13).

– Teach sound doctrine to remove the “wolves” from the flock (Acts 20:28-30).

• Intercede in Prevailing Prayer

– “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16)

– Fast and pray for the downfall of trafficking rings, corrupt regimes, and false teachers.

• Engage in Spiritual Warfare

– “The weapons of our warfare… have divine power to demolish strongholds.” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

– Use Scripture, truth, righteousness, and faith to thwart demonic influence (Ephesians 6:10-18).

• Share the Gospel Boldly

– Only Christ changes hearts; evangelism disarms evil at its root (Romans 1:16).

• Model Radical Generosity

– Relieve poverty that makes people easy prey (Acts 4:34-35).


Living It Out Daily

• Start the morning in Scripture and prayer for discernment.

• Keep a list of vulnerable individuals or causes and act upon it weekly.

• Refuse entertainment or purchases that fund exploitive industries.

• Mentor teens or young believers, equipping them to resist cultural wickedness.

• Celebrate every small victory: an addict freed, a bill passed, a soul saved.


Encouraging Scriptures to Fuel Resolve

• “Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless… deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” (Psalm 82:3-4)

• “Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion… Resist him.” (1 Peter 5:8-9)

• “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:13-16)

By obeying these commands, believers actively shatter the fangs of the wicked and rescue those otherwise doomed to remain between their teeth.

How does Job 29:17 demonstrate Job's commitment to justice and righteousness?
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