Definition and Etymology:
The term "malicious" refers to the intention or desire to cause harm or suffering to others. It is derived from the Latin word "malitiosus," which means "wicked" or "spiteful." In a biblical context, maliciousness is often associated with sin, evil intent, and actions that are contrary to the nature and will of God.

Biblical References and Context:
The Bible addresses the concept of maliciousness in various passages, highlighting its destructive nature and the moral imperative to avoid such behavior. Malicious actions are often linked with other sins such as deceit, slander, and hatred.

1. Old Testament:
In the Old Testament, maliciousness is frequently condemned as part of the broader category of wickedness. For example, in Psalm 10:7, the psalmist describes the wicked: "His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and violence; trouble and malice are under his tongue." This verse illustrates how malicious intent is often expressed through harmful speech and deceitful actions.

2. New Testament:
The New Testament continues to denounce malicious behavior, urging believers to live in a manner that reflects the love and holiness of God. In Ephesians 4:31, Paul exhorts the church: "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice." Here, malice is grouped with other negative emotions and behaviors that disrupt community and fellowship.

Additionally, in 1 Peter 2:1, believers are instructed: "Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander." This passage emphasizes the need for personal purification and the rejection of behaviors that are incompatible with a life of faith.

Theological Implications:
Maliciousness is fundamentally opposed to the character of God, who is described as loving, just, and merciful. The presence of malice in one's heart is indicative of a deeper spiritual issue, often rooted in pride, jealousy, or a lack of forgiveness. The Bible calls for a transformation of the heart, urging individuals to replace malice with kindness, compassion, and love.

Practical Application:
Christians are encouraged to examine their hearts and actions for any traces of malicious intent. This involves a commitment to truthfulness, forgiveness, and reconciliation. By cultivating a spirit of love and humility, believers can overcome the temptation to act maliciously and instead reflect the character of Christ in their interactions with others.

Related Concepts:
· Forgiveness: The antidote to malice is often found in forgiveness, as believers are called to forgive others just as God has forgiven them (Ephesians 4:32).
· Love: Love is the opposite of malice and is central to the Christian life. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 states, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs."
· Repentance: Recognizing and repenting of malicious thoughts or actions is crucial for spiritual growth and maintaining a right relationship with God and others.1. (a.) Indulging or exercising malice; harboring ill will or enmity.

2. (a.) Proceeding from hatred or ill will; dictated by malice; as, a malicious report; malicious mischief.

3. (a.) With wicked or mischievous intentions or motives; wrongful and done intentionally without just cause or excuse; as, a malicious act.

2551. kakologeo -- to speak ill of
... 2551 (from 2556 , "a malicious disposition" and 3004 , "speaking to a conclusion") --
properly, to speak evil, using malicious, damaging words that are (). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2551.htm - 7k

4190. poneros -- toilsome, bad
... Adjective Transliteration: poneros Phonetic Spelling: (pon-ay-ros') Short Definition:
evil, bad, wicked Definition: evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4190.htm - 8k

3789. ophis -- a snake
... Probably from optanomai (through the idea of sharpness of vision); a snake,
figuratively, (as a type of sly cunning) an artful malicious person, especially ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3789.htm - 6k

2555. kakopoios -- an evildoer
... 2555 (from 2556 , "of a malicious disposition" and 4160 , "make") -- properly, an
evil-doer, someone who makes trouble (inflicts harm), ie to injure (damage). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2555.htm - 7k

2553. kakopatheo -- to suffer evil
... 2553 (from 2556 , "of a malicious disposition" and 3806 , "pain") -- properly,
experiencing hardship (suffering) that to be a "setback" but really isn't. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2553.htm - 7k

1228. diabolos -- slanderous, accusing falsely
... Word Origin from diaballo Definition slanderous, accusing falsely NASB Word Usage
devil (34), malicious gossips (3). false accuser, devil, slanderer. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1228.htm - 8k

2555. chamas -- violence, wrong
... Word Origin from chamas Definition violence, wrong NASB Word Usage malicious
(3), violence (48), violent (6), wrong (3). cruelty ...
/hebrew/2555.htm - 6k

2803. chashab -- to think, account
... properly, to plait or interpenetrate, ie (literally) to weave or (gen.) To fabricate;
figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a malicious sense); hence ...
/hebrew/2803.htm - 6k

Psalm XV.
... 4. "The malicious one hath been brought to nought in his sight" [500] (ver.4). This
is perfection, that the malicious one have no force against a man; and that ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xv.htm

Of Porphyry's Epistle to Anebo, in which He Asks for Information ...
... Yet he has not the boldness to attribute to all the demons all the deceptions and
malicious and foolish practices which justly move his indignation. ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 11 of porphyrys epistle to.htm

Christian Meekness
... To a malicious man all the holy ordinances of God turn to poison. ... A malicious spirit
is not a meek spirit. (iii) Meekness is opposed to revenge. ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/12 christian meekness.htm

A Stubborn Foe Routed.
... The demon seems to be of the superlative degree. His treatment of the possessed
boy is malicious to an extreme. His purpose is "to destroy" him. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/a stubborn foe routed.htm

Privatianus of Sufetula Said: "He who Says that Heretics have the ...
... This man may thus be answered word for word: He who says that malicious and envious
persons have the power of baptizing, should first say who was the founder ...
/.../chapter 26 49 privatianus.htm

Messiah Derided Upon the Cross
... of dismissing Him, and, rather, to insist that Barabbas should be spared (Matthew
27:20) The populace, though no less ignorant, were less malicious than their ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xxi messiah derided upon.htm

The Tares.
... broadcast over its surface. He is secretly sowing tares, with the malicious
design of damaging or destroying the wheat. As soon as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/ii the tares.htm

Sad Fasts Changed to Glad Feasts
... hot. Some are malicious; they can take enmity quietly, and keep it in the
refrigerator of their cold hearts, even for years. Such ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/sad fasts changed to glad.htm

Letter vi. Temptation.
... [Footnote F: John 8:44.]. 6. He is malicious. As Satan is the enemy of God, so he
hates everything that is good. He is continually bent on mischief. ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter vi temptation.htm

A Tribute from Enemies
... Now, then, if we look at that confession, wrung from the lips of malicious
observers, we may, I think, get two or three lessons. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/a tribute from enemies.htm

Malicious (13 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Proceeding from hatred or ill will; dictated by malice; as, a malicious
report; malicious mischief. ...Malicious (13 Occurrences). ...
/m/malicious.htm - 10k

Slander (34 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A false tale or report maliciously uttered, tending to injure the reputation
of another; the malicious utterance of defamatory reports; the ...
/s/slander.htm - 21k

Malice (24 Occurrences)
... New Testament "malice" and "maliciousness" are the translation of kakia (Romans
1:29 1 Corinthians 5:8; 1 Corinthians 14:20 Colossians 3:8); malicious is the ...
/m/malice.htm - 15k

Serpent (40 Occurrences)
... (see ADDER.). This word is used symbolically of a deadly, subtle, malicious enemy
(Luke 10:19). ... 2. (n.) Fig.: A subtle, treacherous, malicious person. ...
/s/serpent.htm - 46k

Witchcraft (8 Occurrences)
... But neither in the Babylonian or Hebrew words is there the peculiar idea of a witch,
namely, one who traffics with malicious spirits for malicious ends. ...
/w/witchcraft.htm - 23k

Maliciously (8 Occurrences)

/m/maliciously.htm - 8k

Witch (2 Occurrences)
... But neither in the Babylonian or Hebrew words is there the peculiar idea of a witch,
namely, one who traffics with malicious spirits for malicious ends. ...
/w/witch.htm - 24k

Vexation (36 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The cause of trouble or disquiet; affliction. 3. (n.) A harassing by process
of law; a vexing or troubling, as by a malicious suit. Int. ...
/v/vexation.htm - 18k

Neighbor (123 Occurrences)
... witness against a neighbor (Exodus 20:16 Deuteronomy 5:20 Proverbs 25:18), or in
any way to deal falsely with him, defraud him, frame malicious devices or ...
/n/neighbor.htm - 41k

Jezebel (20 Occurrences)
... Jezebel has stamped her name on history as the representative of all that
is designing, crafty, malicious, revengeful, and cruel. ...
/j/jezebel.htm - 26k

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