The term "mischievous" in the context of biblical literature often refers to the actions and intentions of the wicked that are harmful, deceitful, and aimed at causing trouble or harm to others. The Bible provides numerous insights into the character of the wicked, highlighting their mischievous nature as a fundamental aspect of their behavior.

Biblical Descriptions and Examples

1. Intentional Harm and Deceit: The wicked are frequently depicted as those who plot harm against others. In Proverbs 6:12-14, the Bible describes a "worthless person, a wicked man" who "walks with a perverse mouth, winks with his eyes, signals with his feet, and points with his fingers." This passage illustrates the deceitful and cunning nature of the wicked, who use subtle gestures to communicate their mischievous plans.

2. Schemes and Plots: The wicked are often engaged in scheming and plotting against the righteous. Psalm 37:12 states, "The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them." This verse underscores the malicious intent of the wicked, who actively devise plans to harm those who are upright.

3. Destructive Speech: Mischievousness is also evident in the speech of the wicked. Proverbs 10:32 contrasts the speech of the righteous with that of the wicked, noting, "The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse." The wicked use their words to deceive, manipulate, and cause harm, reflecting their mischievous character.

4. Joy in Causing Trouble: The wicked often take pleasure in their mischievous actions. Proverbs 10:23 states, "The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom." This delight in wrongdoing is a hallmark of the wicked, who find joy in causing trouble and engaging in harmful behavior.

5. Opposition to God’s Ways: The mischievous nature of the wicked is fundamentally opposed to the ways of God. In Isaiah 57:20-21, the prophet describes the wicked as being like the "tossing sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and mud." This imagery conveys the restless and chaotic nature of the wicked, who are constantly engaged in activities that disrupt peace and order.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

The mischievous character of the wicked is not merely a social or ethical issue but a spiritual one. Their actions are a manifestation of a heart that is estranged from God and His righteousness. The Bible consistently warns against adopting the ways of the wicked and encourages believers to seek wisdom and understanding, which are rooted in the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10).

The mischievousness of the wicked serves as a cautionary example for the faithful, highlighting the importance of integrity, honesty, and a heart aligned with God's will. The Scriptures call believers to be vigilant and discerning, avoiding the paths of the wicked and instead walking in the light of God's truth.Proverbs 24:8
He that devises to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.
Nave's Topical Index

Micah 7:3
That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asks, and the judge asks for a reward; and the great man, he utters his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up.
Nave's Topical Index

Colossians i. 9
... a brute; and of one of the most mischievous and malignant ... it will not do anything
low or wicked, but it ... I have thought that this character, with its features ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/arnold/the christian life/lecture iv colossians i 9.htm

"Who Will Rise up with Me against the Wicked?"
... of some to "rise up against the wicked," and join ... upon another sort of offenders,
as mischievous to society ... you any who do not answer the preceding character. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 52 who will rise.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 2.
... the dictates of reason, and best rules of wisdom; as producing very mischievous
effects to ... It is the character of the superlatively wicked man: "Thou ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part 2.htm

Epistle Xlviii. Cyprian's Answer to Cornelius, Concerning the ...
... For whereas on the day before, that mischievous faction of ... The wicked are always
madly carried away by their own ... of their life or the peace of their character. ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle xlviii cyprians answer to.htm

Genesis iii. 22
... us, and we are not innocent, but foolishly wicked. ... too often the early beauty of
the character sadly marred ... effects of which appear to be so merely mischievous? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnold/the christian life/lecture i genesis iii 22.htm

Letter ccxxxiii. To Amphilochius, in Reply to Certain Questions.
... and the movements of our mind wicked; such as ... indifferent, and, of their own character,
inclining neither ... examine the truth, not with mischievous exactness but ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter ccxxxiii to amphilochius in.htm

Our Stronghold
... knowest that in this thing I am not wicked," then let ... sweet it is still to feel that
the character of God ... I say, thus we may rebut every mischievous slander of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/our stronghold.htm

Epistle Lxviii. To Florentius Pupianus, on Calumniators.
... or believed in time past things so wicked, so disgraceful ... are inquiring carefully
into my character; and after ... would any one put forward mischievous and adverse ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle lxviii to florentius pupianus.htm

David's Sin in the Matter of Uriah.
... been mistaken and perverted; and thereby rendered the more mischievous. ... I. From his
general character. ... not go deliberately into the way of it, like the wicked. ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon x davids sin in.htm

The Need and Nature of Conversion
... in sin, it would be a mischievous riddance for you ... Beside that, the very character
of heaven prevents such a ... it deals with the life: "Let the wicked forsake his ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 48 1902/the need and nature of.htm

What does the Bible say about Christian character? | GotQuestions.org

What is the character of God? | GotQuestions.org

How does bad company corrupt good character (1 Corinthians 15:33)? | GotQuestions.org

Character: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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