The Bible provides a clear depiction of the character of the wicked, often contrasting their behaviors and desires with those who seek righteousness and a relationship with God. One of the defining traits of the wicked, as outlined in Scripture, is their love for pleasure rather than a love for God. This characteristic is highlighted in several passages, offering insight into the spiritual and moral state of those who prioritize worldly pleasures over divine devotion.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Timothy 3:1-4 : "But understand this: In the last days, terrible times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God." This passage from Paul's epistle to Timothy provides a comprehensive list of vices that characterize the wicked, culminating in the indictment that they are "lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God." This love of pleasure is indicative of a heart turned away from God, seeking fulfillment in temporal and often sinful indulgences.

2. Philippians 3:18-19 : "For as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things." Here, Paul laments those who live as enemies of Christ, driven by their appetites and desires for earthly pleasures. The phrase "their god is their belly" metaphorically describes those who prioritize physical and sensual gratification over spiritual devotion.

3. James 4:3-4 : "And when you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures. You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God." James warns against the pursuit of worldly pleasures, equating it with spiritual adultery and enmity with God. The desire to indulge in pleasures is seen as a betrayal of one's commitment to God, highlighting the incompatibility between worldly desires and godly devotion.

Theological Implications:

The love of pleasure over God is a profound spiritual issue that reflects a deeper rebellion against divine authority and a rejection of the life God calls His followers to lead. This characteristic of the wicked is not merely about enjoying life but is rooted in a self-centered pursuit that places personal gratification above obedience and reverence for God. It is a manifestation of idolatry, where pleasure becomes an idol that usurps God's rightful place in one's heart.

Moral and Spiritual Consequences:

The Scriptures warn that such a disposition leads to spiritual decay and ultimately, destruction. The pursuit of pleasure at the expense of godliness results in a life devoid of true joy and peace, as it is disconnected from the source of all goodness—God Himself. The wicked, in their love for pleasure, often find themselves ensnared in a cycle of sin that blinds them to the truth and hardens their hearts against repentance.

Contrast with the Righteous:

In contrast, the righteous are called to find their delight in the Lord and His commandments. Psalm 37:4 encourages believers to "Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart." This delight is not in the fleeting pleasures of the world but in the eternal joy and satisfaction found in a relationship with God. The righteous seek to align their desires with God's will, finding true fulfillment in His presence and purpose.

The character of the wicked as lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God serves as a cautionary reminder of the dangers of prioritizing temporal satisfaction over eternal truth. It challenges believers to examine their own hearts and to cultivate a love for God that surpasses all else.2 Timothy 3:4
Traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
Nave's Topical Index

"Who Will Rise up with Me against the Wicked?"
... of some to "rise up against the wicked," and join ... from among you any who do not answer
the preceding character. ... this is not all: If you are lovers of mankind ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 52 who will rise.htm

A Preservative against Unsettled Notions, and Want of Principles ...
... in a word the same with the character of those ... perfection, nor quite so flagitious
[sinful, unlawful, wicked] as to ... in a word, they are self-lovers, the sole ...
/.../a preservative against unsettled notions.htm

Letter vii. --For 335. Easter-Day iv Pharmuthi, iii Kal. April; xx ...
... death, and calling to those who are lovers of pleasure ... 6. Now wicked men hunger for
bread like this ... are adduced in them, to illustrate the character of sinners ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter vii for 335 easter-day iv.htm

Moses' Prayer to be Blotted Out of God's Book.
... obedience would be impossible, and equally to those of every character. ... Awakened
Sinners are not lovers of God ... no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon vii moses prayer to.htm

Scriptural Predictions of an Apostasy.
... may deliberately discard his Christian character and act ... Wicked and designing men
are tolerated and fellowshiped by ... and Protestants have been lovers of their ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter ii scriptural predictions of.htm

The Sons of God
... people of the Lord, under their visible character of believers ... came out from the
midst of a wicked world, and ... of the title, for they might be lovers of strife ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/the sons of god.htm

Answer to the Objection of the Heathen, that it was not Right to ...
... while, on the other hand, the wicked shall receive ... to which we must hasten, by becoming
lovers of the ... nor altogether unknown when, assuming the character of man ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter x answer to the objection.htm

part ii
... wretches as are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God ... It is the character of
a hypocrite, to make a ... yet more would be tractable, and the wicked would be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/part ii.htm

2 Timothy iii. 4-Jan
... Such is the character of deceivers ... Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God ... some
who have done bad actions are quit of them here; and of the wicked, some have ...
/.../homily viii 2 timothy iii.htm

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
... the poor, the needy, the sick, the wicked, the simple ... to the beggar to have servants
and lovers of such honor ... Indeed, your depth of character is measured by the ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/fourth sunday after epiphany.htm

The Character of God ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org

Sinful Character Traits ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org

Christian Character ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org

Character: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus