Character of the Wicked: Impudent
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The term "impudent" refers to a lack of respect or shameless boldness, often manifesting in behavior that is brazenly disrespectful or insolent. In the biblical context, the character of the wicked is frequently described as impudent, highlighting their defiance against God and His commandments.

Biblical Descriptions of Impudence

The Bible provides numerous examples of impudence as a characteristic of the wicked. This trait is often associated with a hardened heart and a refusal to submit to divine authority. In Proverbs 21:29, the impudence of the wicked is contrasted with the uprightness of the righteous: "A wicked man hardens his face, but the upright man makes his way sure." Here, the "hardened face" symbolizes a stubborn and unyielding attitude, indicative of impudence.

Impudence in Speech and Actions

Impudence is not only a matter of attitude but is also evident in speech and actions. The wicked are often portrayed as speaking arrogantly and acting with brazen disregard for moral and ethical standards. In Psalm 73:8-9, the psalmist describes the wicked: "They mock and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression. They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth." This passage illustrates how impudence manifests in both speech and behavior, as the wicked openly defy God and oppress others.

Consequences of Impudence

The Bible warns of the dire consequences that await those who persist in impudence. In Isaiah 3:9, the prophet declares, "The expression on their faces testifies against them, and like Sodom, they flaunt their sin; they do not conceal it. Woe to them, for they have brought disaster upon themselves." This verse underscores the self-destructive nature of impudence, as the wicked's shamelessness leads to their downfall.

Impudence as a Sign of Rebellion

Impudence is often linked to rebellion against God. In Jeremiah 5:3, the prophet laments the stubbornness of the people: "O LORD, do Your eyes not look for truth? You struck them, but they felt no pain; You finished them off, but they refused to accept discipline. They made their faces harder than stone and refused to repent." The refusal to repent and the hardening of faces are indicative of an impudent spirit that resists divine correction.

Impudence in the New Testament

The New Testament also addresses the impudence of the wicked. In Romans 1:30, Paul lists characteristics of those who have turned away from God, including being "slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful." The term "insolent" here captures the essence of impudence, as it reflects a brazen disrespect for God and others.

Contrast with the Righteous

In contrast to the impudence of the wicked, the righteous are called to humility and reverence before God. James 4:6 reminds believers, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" The humble submission of the righteous stands in stark opposition to the impudent defiance of the wicked.

Conclusion

The character of the wicked, marked by impudence, is a recurring theme in Scripture. This trait is characterized by a shameless boldness and disrespect toward God and His laws, leading to inevitable consequences. The Bible consistently contrasts this with the humility and reverence expected of the righteous, emphasizing the importance of a heart that is open to correction and aligned with divine will.
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Ezekiel 2:4
For they are impudent children and stiff hearted. I do send you to them; and you shall say to them, Thus said the Lord GOD.
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Library

"Who Will Rise up with Me against the Wicked?"
... of some to "rise up against the wicked," and join ... putting them to expense, are made
impudent and desperate ... you any who do not answer the preceding character. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 52 who will rise.htm

Concerning John of Gichala. Josephus Uses Stratagems against the ...
... His character was that of a very cunning and ... encouraged his hopes from those mean
wicked tricks which ... he got certain companions in his impudent practices; at ...
/.../chapter 21 concerning john of.htm

Introduction.
... a bitter obstinate foe, Satan, and wicked men have ... her radiant light and defame her
true character. ... void of understanding." With a beguiling, impudent face she ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /introduction.htm

Antipater's Navigation from Rome to his Father; and How He was ...
... of that authority without any danger, and with a good character, should hunt ... were
his accusers, as by his gross, and impudent, and wicked contrivances, and ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 antipaters navigation from.htm

Concerning Widows.
... but second marriages, after the promise, are wicked, not on ... What Character the Widows
Ought to Be Of, and How ... such as these are gadders and impudent: they do ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i concerning widows.htm

Letter cxlvii. To Sabinianus.
... of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from ... place among the singers, and with impudent
nods communicated ... are not capable, still the sacred character of stable ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxlvii to sabinianus.htm

Felicitous Phrases
... chance, doubt, and mutability. character, life, and aims. ... faith, hope, and love.
false, wicked, and disloyal. ... grim, lean, and hungry. gross, ignorant, and impudent ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section iii felicitous phrases.htm

Eutyches is Indignant
... have rebutted so deadly an outrage on the character of his ... gaze on the face of Elpidius,
'as wicked a falsehood ... Who is this impudent baby with a raw wound on ...
/.../chapter xxix eutyches is indignant.htm

The Ancient Form of Government Utterly Corrupted by the Tyranny of ...
... one sentence in which God describes the true character of a ... procedure in any way,
were to be wicked over much. ... And certain of their sect are so impudent as to ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 5 the ancient form.htm

Commandment Eleventh. The Spirit and Prophets to be Tried by their ...
... their inquiries, and according to their wicked desires, and ... seat, and is bold, and
impudent, and talkative ... do this, but prophets of this character are possessed ...
/.../the pastor books first second third/commandment eleventh the spirit and.htm

Resources
What is virtue ethics? | GotQuestions.org

Does God change His mind? | GotQuestions.org

Is God perfect? | GotQuestions.org

Character: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Character of the Wicked: Destructive

Character of the Wicked: Disobedient

Character of the Wicked: Enticing to Evil

Character of the Wicked: Envious

Character of the Wicked: Evildoers

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Character of the Wicked: Foolish

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Character of the Wicked: Fraudulent

Character of the Wicked: Froward

Character of the Wicked: Glorying in Their Shame

Character of the Wicked: Hard-Hearted

Character of the Wicked: Hating the Light

Character of the Wicked: Heady and High-Minded

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Character of the Wicked: Hypocritical

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Character of the Wicked: Impudent

Character of the Wicked: Incontinent

Character of the Wicked: Infidel

Character of the Wicked: Loathsome

Character of the Wicked: Lovers of Pleasure More than of God

Character of the Wicked: Lovers of Pleasure, not of God

Character of the Wicked: Lying

Character of the Wicked: Mischievous

Character of the Wicked: Murderous

Character of the Wicked: Persecuting

Character of the Wicked: Perverse

Character of the Wicked: Prayerless

Character of the Wicked: Proud

Character of the Wicked: Rebellious

Character of the Wicked: Rejoicing in the Affliction of Saints

Character of the Wicked: Reprobate

Character of the Wicked: Selfish

Character of the Wicked: Sensual

Character of the Wicked: Sold Under Sin

Character of the Wicked: Stiff-Hearted

Character of the Wicked: Stiff-Necked

Character of the Wicked: Uncircumcised in Heart

Character of the Wicked: Unclean

Character of the Wicked: Ungodly

Character of the Wicked: Unholy

Character of the Wicked: Unjust

Character of the Wicked: Unmerciful

Character of the Wicked: Unprofitable

Character of the Wicked: Unruly

Character of the Wicked: Unthankful

Character of the Wicked: Untoward

Character of the Wicked: Unwise

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Character of the Wicked: Ignorant of God
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