Topical Bible: Character of the Wicked: Unprofitable

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The concept of the wicked being unprofitable is a recurring theme in the Bible, illustrating the futility and ultimate worthlessness of a life lived in opposition to God's will. The term "unprofitable" in this context refers to the lack of spiritual value and eternal significance in the actions and pursuits of the wicked.

Biblical References:

1. Job 15:2-6 : In this passage, Eliphaz the Temanite questions Job, suggesting that the words and actions of the wicked are ultimately unprofitable. He states, "Should a wise man answer with empty counsel or fill his belly with the hot east wind? Should he argue with useless words or speeches that serve no purpose?" This rhetorical questioning highlights the futility of the wicked's discourse and actions, which are devoid of wisdom and substance.

2. Psalm 1:4 : The psalmist contrasts the righteous with the wicked, stating, "Not so the wicked! For they are like chaff driven off by the wind." Here, the imagery of chaff—light, worthless husks separated from grain—emphasizes the unprofitable nature of the wicked. Their lives, lacking in spiritual depth and rootedness, are easily swept away and forgotten.

3. Matthew 25:30 : In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus describes the fate of the unprofitable servant: "And throw that worthless servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." This parable underscores the expectation of fruitfulness and the dire consequences of failing to live a life that is productive in God's kingdom.

4. Romans 3:12 : The Apostle Paul, quoting from the Psalms, writes, "All have turned away; they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." This verse speaks to the universal condition of humanity apart from God, where the wicked are deemed unprofitable due to their inherent sinfulness and rebellion against divine righteousness.

Theological Implications:

The unprofitability of the wicked is not merely a matter of earthly consequence but has eternal ramifications. The Bible consistently portrays the wicked as those who squander their God-given potential and resources on pursuits that do not glorify God or contribute to His kingdom. Their lives, characterized by self-centeredness and disobedience, ultimately lead to spiritual barrenness and judgment.

From a theological perspective, the unprofitability of the wicked serves as a stark warning to all believers. It calls for introspection and a commitment to living a life that bears fruit in accordance with God's will. The Scriptures encourage believers to seek wisdom, righteousness, and a heart aligned with God's purposes, contrasting the fleeting and empty pursuits of the wicked with the enduring and fruitful life of the righteous.

Practical Application:

Believers are urged to examine their own lives in light of the biblical portrayal of the wicked as unprofitable. This involves a conscious effort to avoid the pitfalls of sin and to pursue a life of holiness and service. By aligning one's actions with God's Word and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Christians can ensure that their lives are marked by spiritual profitability, contributing to the advancement of God's kingdom and the edification of others.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 25:30
And cast you the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Nave's Topical Index

Romans 3:12
They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that does good, no, not one.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Character of Its Teachings Evidences the Divine Authorship of ...
... teaching that man is a noble character, evolving heavenwards ... of the way, they are
together become unprofitable. ... above all things and desperately wicked" (Jer.17 ...
/.../pink/the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter four the character of.htm

Unprofitable Servants.
... are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we ... Mere softness in yielding
to the wicked is not ... another form of expression, similar in character to the ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xxvii unprofitable servants.htm

Second Sunday after Easter
... Again, this example assumes its ineffable and inimitable character from the fact ...
Wicked, unprofitable and condemned servant must he be who does not follow his ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday after easter.htm

Sanctification in Fellowship with Immanuel
... men; creates a disposition bearing a human form and character, calculated for ... our
own person as such remains just as wicked and unprofitable as heretofore. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/viii sanctification in fellowship with.htm

Letter iii. --For 331. Easter-Day xvi Pharmuthi; iii Id. April ...
... he took seven other spirits more wicked than himself ... the grace given us should not
be unprofitable; for those ... the law, because they were not of this character. ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter iii for 331 easter-day xvi.htm

Colossians i. 9
... it will not do anything low or wicked, but it ... cause consists in the number and character
and cheapness ... and exhausted upon things utterly unprofitable: so that ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/arnold/the christian life/lecture iv colossians i 9.htm

Moral Depravity.
... as possessing one common wicked heart or character. ... above all things and desperately
wicked: who can ... the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxii moral depravity.htm

Letter xi. Mental Cultivation. Reading.
... of individuals, or of bodies of wicked men, who ... history; practical works on Christian
character, experience and ... upon crude, ill-digested, or unprofitable works ...
/.../letter xi mental cultivation reading.htm

The Sinfulness of Original Sin.
... They were indeed stripped of their character, and had not a rag of ... it was originally
created, or it will be cast out as an unprofitable and wicked servant. ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/the sinfulness of original sin.htm

The Parables of the Kingdom.
... Parables we see its nature and character described, from ... He will miserably destroy
those wicked men, and ... talents, or be condemned as "unprofitable servants and ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter iii the parables of.htm