Topical Bible: Character of the Wicked: Rejoicing in the Affliction of Saints

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The character of the wicked, as depicted in the Bible, often includes a disposition that takes pleasure in the suffering and affliction of the righteous. This trait is consistently condemned throughout Scripture, highlighting a stark contrast between the values of the wicked and the virtues upheld by the faithful.

Biblical Instances and Descriptions

1. Malicious Joy: The wicked are frequently described as those who find joy in the misfortunes of others, particularly the righteous. Proverbs 24:17-18 warns against such behavior: "Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles, or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn His wrath away from him." This passage underscores the moral failing of taking pleasure in another's downfall, a characteristic often attributed to the wicked.

2. Persecution of the Righteous: The wicked are often portrayed as persecutors of the righteous, deriving satisfaction from their suffering. In the New Testament, Jesus addresses this in the Beatitudes, stating, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10). The implication is that the wicked, in their persecution, are acting contrary to God's will.

3. Mockery and Scorn: The wicked are depicted as those who mock and scorn the faithful. Psalm 35:15-16 describes this behavior: "But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee; they gathered together against me. Assailants I did not know tore at me without ceasing. Like godless jesters at a feast, they gnashed their teeth at me." This imagery conveys the delight the wicked take in the affliction of the righteous, further illustrating their corrupt character.

4. Hatred for the Upright: The wicked's rejoicing in the affliction of the saints is rooted in a deep-seated hatred for righteousness. Proverbs 29:27 states, "An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked." This mutual detestation highlights the moral chasm between the wicked and the righteous, with the former often celebrating the latter's hardships.

5. Divine Retribution: Scripture assures that the wicked will face divine retribution for their actions. In Obadiah 1:12-13, the prophet warns Edom against gloating over Judah's misfortune: "Do not gloat over your brother in the day of his calamity, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction; do not boastfully open your mouth in the day of their distress." This warning serves as a reminder that God sees and judges the hearts of those who take pleasure in the suffering of His people.

Moral and Theological Implications

The rejoicing of the wicked in the affliction of the saints is not merely a social or ethical issue but a profound theological one. It reflects a heart that is opposed to God's justice and mercy. The Bible consistently calls for compassion, empathy, and love for one's neighbor, virtues that are diametrically opposed to the malicious joy of the wicked. The character of the wicked, as revealed through their delight in the suffering of the righteous, serves as a cautionary example for believers to guard their hearts and align their actions with the teachings of Scripture.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 35:15
But in my adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yes, the attackers gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not:
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Library

How Saints May Help the Devil
... find no fault with Job whatever, his character was untainted ... and sighs, and murmurs?"
Might not a wicked man come ... them; let me have joy and rejoicing while I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/how saints may help the.htm

God Rejoicing in the New Creation
... an eminent Christian, and whose public character will bear ... flower in the garden beneath
their wicked hoofs ... happy; for God creates Jerusalem a rejoicing, and his ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/god rejoicing in the new.htm

Letter iii. --For 331. Easter-Day xvi Pharmuthi; iii Id. April ...
... he took seven other spirits more wicked than himself ... the law, because they were not
of this character. ... employed in thanksgiving, and that rejoicing they pass ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter iii for 331 easter-day xvi.htm

Letter xi. --For 339. Coss. Constantius Augustus ii, Constans I ...
... blessed man was of such a character, and apostolic ... with the pollutions of the wicked
is not ... is in every place, with gladness and rejoicing, celebrates together ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter xi for 339 coss constantius.htm

Jeremiah, a Lesson for the Disappointed.
... judgments: wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? ... and self-willed, is quite
out of character with our ... Christians can be sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing[26 ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon ix jeremiah a lesson.htm

A Consecrated Ministry
... Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to ... the power of earth over mind
and character is broken. ... not killed; as sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 34 a consecrated ministry.htm

The Number of those who Fought for Religion in Gaul under Verus ...
... Such being his character, he could not endure the unreasonable ... For when the wicked
men tortured him a second ... For the first went out rejoicing, glory and grace ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter i the number of those.htm

Letter x. --For 338. Coss. Ursus and Polemius; Pr??f. The Same ...
... just as in men of an opposite character, sin is ... For the Egyptians, rejoicing a little
while in their ... unless the iniquity of the very wicked has previously ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter x for 338 coss ursus.htm

Sad Fasts Changed to Glad Feasts
... the Jews, were to be turned into feasts, when the character of the ... With wicked hands
he was slain by us; but his blessed sacrifice hath ... And these rejoicing eyes ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/sad fasts changed to glad.htm

What and Whence are These?
... What was their earthly character? ... saints has been unassailed by the fiery darts of
the wicked one? ... certain that he is yonder, and that he is rejoicing in Christ ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/what and whence are these.htm