Topical Bible: Character of the Wicked: Corrupt

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The concept of corruption as a characteristic of the wicked is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. Corruption, in a biblical sense, refers to moral decay, depravity, and the perversion of what is good and righteous. The wicked, as depicted in Scripture, are often associated with behaviors and attitudes that reflect a departure from God's standards and commands.

Old Testament Insights

In the Old Testament, corruption is frequently linked with idolatry, injustice, and moral decay. The psalmist declares, "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good" (Psalm 14:1). This verse highlights the intrinsic link between disbelief in God and moral corruption. The absence of reverence for God leads to a life characterized by vile acts and a lack of goodness.

The prophet Isaiah also speaks to the corruption of the wicked, particularly among the leaders and people of Israel. He laments, "Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves. They all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the fatherless, and the plea of the widow never comes before them" (Isaiah 1:23). Here, corruption is manifested in the form of bribery, injustice, and neglect of the vulnerable, indicating a systemic moral failure.

New Testament Perspectives

In the New Testament, the theme of corruption continues, often in the context of false teachings and moral decay within the church. The Apostle Paul warns Timothy about the corrupt nature of certain individuals, stating, "These men oppose the truth, corrupted in mind and disqualified from the faith" (2 Timothy 3:8). Paul identifies a corruption of the mind that leads to opposition against the truth of the Gospel, highlighting the spiritual and doctrinal dimensions of corruption.

The Apostle Peter also addresses the issue of corruption, particularly in relation to false prophets and teachers. He writes, "They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of corruption. For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him" (2 Peter 2:19). This passage underscores the deceptive nature of the wicked, who, despite promising liberation, are themselves ensnared by their own corrupt desires and practices.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

The character of the wicked as corrupt is not merely a matter of external actions but is deeply rooted in the heart and mind. Jesus Himself taught that corruption comes from within, stating, "For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly. All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man" (Mark 7:21-23). This teaching emphasizes that corruption is a heart issue, manifesting in various sinful behaviors.

The Bible consistently portrays the wicked as those who have turned away from God's righteous standards, resulting in a life marked by corruption. This corruption affects not only their personal lives but also their relationships and society at large. The Scriptures call believers to be vigilant against such corruption, to uphold righteousness, and to seek transformation through the renewing of the mind and heart in Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 7:17
Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit.
Nave's Topical Index

Ephesians 4:22
That you put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

On the Character and Teaching of the Bishop.
... II."On the Character and Teaching of the Bishop. ... do some good action, and avoid some
wicked one ... also been rendered "upper room," and some suppose it corrupt. ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii on the character and.htm

General Character of Christians.
... The corrupt bias, is also weakened in renovation; yea ... The finishing traits of character
are referred to that to ... that both the righteous and the wicked, will be ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xi general character of.htm

On the Formation of the Character of Believers, and on Giving of ...
... II."On the Formation of the Character of Believers, and on ... shall be multiplied, and
such as corrupt the word ... of His mouth, who takes away the wicked with His ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii on the formation of.htm

Vision Second. Again, of his Neglect in Chastising his Talkative ...
... Wife and His Lustful Sons, and of His Character. ... were careless [72] and engaged in
your wicked transactions. ... is evidently corrupt, but seems to mean: "The Lord ...
/.../pastor/the pastor books first second third/vision second again of his.htm

1 Timothy iii. 10-Aug
... and had hardly a sufficiency of necessary food, having but the character of monks ...
To such honor the most wicked, corrupt, and base of men may attain; all indeed ...
/.../homily xi 1 timothy iii.htm

The Character of Christ's People
... I do not mean in his corrupt and fallen nature ... world to pick out the righteous from
the wicked. ... recognise them by their distinct, unvarying character"they are ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the character of christs people.htm

The Wicked Husbandmen.
... a forest-tree; thus an apostate and corrupt Church is ... of the Lord unrevealed, and
a terror to wicked men unspoken ... to mark here a change in the character of Jesus ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xi the wicked husbandmen.htm

Sin a Power in Reversed Action.
... and in society, in spite of its privative character. ... many things sinful, unrighteous,
and wicked that we ... becomes evil, his entire nature corrupt, incapable of ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xiii sin a power in.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... one in heart and work, is the character of the ... Corruption within is the mire, the
wicked's seducements are ... And he is like a corrupt, infected, and poisoned ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

Manes Said: Let it First be Allowed on Your Side that There is an ...
... is evil, and the tree is most corrupt, but the ... are once for all and absolutely of
this character, whether they ... If, as you aver, the wicked one himself made man ...
/.../the acts of the disputation with the heresiarch manes/17 manes said let it.htm