Topical Bible: Character of the Wicked: Fraudulent

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The concept of fraudulence is a recurring theme in the Bible, often associated with the character of the wicked. Fraudulence, in a biblical sense, refers to deceit, dishonesty, and the manipulation of truth for personal gain. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and warnings against such behavior, highlighting its destructive nature and the divine judgment it incurs.

Biblical Examples and Warnings

1. Proverbs on Deceit and Fraud: The Book of Proverbs frequently addresses the issue of fraudulence, emphasizing the moral and spiritual dangers it poses. Proverbs 11:1 states, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight." This verse underscores God's disdain for deceitful practices in commerce and daily life, advocating for honesty and integrity.

2. The Wickedness of False Witnesses: Bearing false witness is another form of fraudulence condemned in the Bible. Proverbs 19:5 warns, "A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape." This highlights the inevitable divine justice that awaits those who engage in deceitful testimony.

3. The Deceptive Heart: Jeremiah 17:9 describes the heart as "deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" This passage reflects the inherent tendency towards deceit within human nature, a condition that the wicked embrace and exploit.

4. The Example of Ananias and Sapphira: In the New Testament, the account of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11 serves as a stark warning against fraudulence within the early Christian community. Their attempt to deceive the apostles about the proceeds from the sale of their property resulted in immediate divine judgment, illustrating the seriousness with which God views fraudulent behavior.

5. Condemnation of False Prophets: The Bible also condemns false prophets who engage in spiritual fraudulence. In Matthew 7:15, Jesus warns, "Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves." This metaphor highlights the deceptive nature of those who claim to speak for God but lead others astray for personal gain.

Consequences of Fraudulence

The Scriptures make it clear that fraudulence is not only morally wrong but also leads to severe consequences. Psalm 5:6 declares, "You destroy those who tell lies; the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man." This verse emphasizes the ultimate fate of the wicked, who engage in deceitful practices.

Furthermore, the Bible teaches that fraudulence disrupts community and trust, leading to societal decay. Proverbs 29:12 states, "If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked." This highlights how deceit at the leadership level can permeate and corrupt an entire society.

Call to Righteousness

In contrast to the character of the wicked, the Bible calls believers to a life of honesty and integrity. Ephesians 4:25 exhorts, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body." This call to truthfulness is rooted in the understanding that believers are part of a larger community, the body of Christ, where deceit has no place.

Ultimately, the Bible presents fraudulence as a hallmark of the wicked, a behavior that stands in stark opposition to the character of God, who is truth. The Scriptures consistently call for repentance and a return to righteousness, urging individuals to abandon deceit and embrace the truth in all aspects of life.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 37:21
The wicked borrows, and pays not again: but the righteous shows mercy, and gives.
Nave's Topical Index

Micah 6:11
Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights?
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Of the Crimes of the Wicked, and the Torture Inflicted on the ...
... wicked, rapacious, unchaste, adulterers, perjured, covetous, and fraudulent? ... they
themselves who commit wicked actions are ... on either side the character of the ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap ix of the crimes of.htm

The Antichrist Will be the Son of Satan
... Now the very fact that the Wicked One is here ... Third, it is said of this character,
"With thy wisdom ... be termed "the Lie." First, because his fraudulent claim to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/ii the antichrist will be.htm

The Figurative Language of Scripture.
... comparison is excluded, thus: "A wicked man taketh ... all cases a correspondence between
their character and that ... our Lord introduces a fraudulent transaction"a ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxv the figurative language.htm

Inconsideration Deplored. Rev. Joshua Priestley.
... shall be driven away in his wickedness." "The wicked shall be ... To mention but one
other class of character, does not the charge hold true of the fraudulent? ...
/.../inconsideration deplored rev joshua priestley.htm

Prophecy.
... and his grave was appointed with the wicked, but with ... But this was not the character
of the authors of the ... to the Jewish wars, which a fraudulent purpose would ...
//christianbookshelf.org/paley/evidences of christianity/chapter i prophecy.htm

Zacchaeus
... and sustain one another in their fraudulent practices. ... are bearing false witness
against the character of a holy ... The Lord says, "If the wicked restore the pledge ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 61 zacchaeus.htm

Of the Exposition of the Resurrection, the Judgment, and Other ...
... by any who are drunkards, covetous, fraudulent, gamesters, adulterers ... any sort of
vain and wicked arts, and all other parties of a similar character; nor to ...
/.../on the catechising of the uninstructed/chapter 7 of the exposition of.htm

Felicitous Phrases
... temper, pride, and sensuality. temperament, character, and circumstance. ... visionary,
fraudulent, and empirical. ... wicked, pernicious, and degrading. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section iii felicitous phrases.htm

Introduction.
... or Chatterton with his Rowley, fraudulent attempts at ... third class takes a historical
or Haggadistic character. ... and a repetition of the wicked practices which ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/introduction.htm

Balak's Inquiries Relative to the Service of God, and Balaam's ...
... will direct their work in truth." * Fraudulent people may ... so instructed respecting
the divine character, the nature ... evade the divine law, as wicked and artful ...
/.../sermon xviii balaks inquiries relative.htm