Topical Bible: Character of the Wicked: Enticing to Evil

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The character of the wicked, as depicted in the Bible, is often associated with the act of enticing others to commit evil. This behavior is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, highlighting the moral and spiritual dangers posed by those who lead others astray.

Biblical Descriptions and Warnings

The Bible provides numerous warnings about the seductive nature of the wicked. In Proverbs 1:10, the fatherly advice is clear: "My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent." This verse underscores the proactive stance one must take against the allure of sinful behavior. The wicked are portrayed as actively seeking to draw others into their schemes, often using persuasive and deceptive tactics.

Proverbs 4:14-16 further elaborates on this theme: "Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it; do not travel on it. Turn from it and pass on. For they cannot sleep unless they have done evil; they are robbed of slumber unless they make someone fall." Here, the relentless nature of the wicked is emphasized, as they are depicted as being restless until they have succeeded in leading others into sin.

Methods of Enticement

The wicked employ various methods to entice others to evil. Flattery and smooth speech are common tools, as seen in Proverbs 7:21: "With her great persuasion she entices him; with her flattering lips she lures him." This passage illustrates how seductive words can lead one astray, particularly in the context of sexual immorality.

Another method is through the promise of gain or pleasure. In Proverbs 1:13-14, the wicked promise, "We will find all manner of precious goods; we will fill our houses with plunder. Throw in your lot with us, let us all have one purse." The allure of material gain and shared wealth is a powerful motivator that the wicked use to entice others into their corrupt practices.

Consequences of Following the Wicked

The Bible is clear about the consequences of succumbing to the enticements of the wicked. Proverbs 5:22-23 warns, "The iniquities of a wicked man entrap him; the cords of his sin entangle him. He dies for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly." Those who follow the path of the wicked find themselves ensnared by their own actions, ultimately leading to destruction.

Psalm 1:1-6 contrasts the fate of the righteous and the wicked, stating that the wicked "are like chaff that the wind blows away" (v. 4). Their end is one of instability and judgment, as they will not stand in the assembly of the righteous.

Call to Righteousness

In light of the dangers posed by the wicked, Scripture calls believers to pursue righteousness and wisdom. Proverbs 13:20 advises, "He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed." Associating with the wise and avoiding the company of the wicked is a recurring exhortation, emphasizing the importance of choosing one's influences carefully.

The New Testament echoes this call to vigilance. In 1 Corinthians 15:33, Paul warns, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" The apostle underscores the transformative power of one's associations, urging believers to remain steadfast in their commitment to holiness and truth.

Conclusion

The character of the wicked, as portrayed in the Bible, is marked by a deliberate effort to entice others into evil. Through flattery, promises of gain, and other deceptive means, the wicked seek to lead others astray. The Scriptures provide clear warnings about the consequences of following such paths and call believers to pursue righteousness and wisdom, avoiding the snares set by those who oppose God's ways.

Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 1:10-14
My son, if sinners entice you, consent you not.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Timothy 3:6
For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
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Library

Written from Rome
... alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet ... considerate of others, He
represented the character of God ... any man should beguile you with enticing words ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 45 written from rome.htm

Epistle i. To Donatus.
... is there wanting authority for the enticing abomination, that ... common; and everywhere
in the multiform character of sin ... whoever does not imitate the wicked is an ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle i to donatus.htm

"Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that ...
... natural cause, of my human persuasion, or enticing words of ... not,"he keepeth himself,
and that wicked one toucheth ... only; and this is the very character of a ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvi who walk not.htm

The Sovereignty of God in Operation
... and my preaching was not with enticing word of ... the various graces of the Christian
character, "love, joy ... 1. God exerts upon the wicked a restraining influence ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter six the sovereignty of.htm

First Sunday in Lent
... people fell away and became more wicked than before. ... of opposition to Caesar and
of enticing and inciting ... in undertakings of a spiritual character, which have ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/first sunday in lent.htm

Duty and Superstition
... that he should not turn from his wicked way, by ... thee His own blessed self, His story
and character written in ... You are only enticing your child to do right, and ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon vii duty and superstition.htm

The Last Days of Augusta, 1560-1572.
... Augusta, this well-meant trick was the most enticing. ... I renounce all erroneous and
wicked opinions against the holy ... And now the character of John Augusta shone ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xl the last days.htm

Book Five a Year of Decision. ...
... which proved the more delightful and enticing because it ... emanate from thee which
had the character that I ... But "salvation is far from the wicked," [147] such as ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book five a year of.htm

In the Fifteenth Year of Tiberius C??sar and under the Pontificate ...
... rites, the more mysterious and unintelligible the more enticing. ... to man, would be
his character; and triumphantly ... nay, his merit availed even for the wicked. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xi in the fifteenth.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1828 to the Beginning ...
... his "preaching was not with the enticing words of ... was about describing assimilated
in their character and conduct ... thus: Jude means that those wicked people had ...
/.../chapter 10 from the close.htm