Thankfulness, a virtue extolled throughout the Scriptures, is notably absent in the lives of the wicked. The Bible frequently contrasts the grateful heart of the righteous with the ingratitude of those who turn away from God. This aversion to thankfulness is not merely a character flaw but a symptom of a deeper spiritual malaise.

Biblical Foundation

The absence of thankfulness in the wicked is highlighted in several passages. In Romans 1:21 , the Apostle Paul describes the descent into depravity, stating, "For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened." Here, the lack of gratitude is linked to a refusal to acknowledge God, leading to a darkening of the heart and mind.

Similarly, in 2 Timothy 3:1-2 , Paul warns of the characteristics of people in the last days: "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." Ingratitude is listed among other vices that characterize those who are estranged from God.

Theological Implications

The wicked's aversion to thankfulness is rooted in their rebellion against God. Thankfulness requires an acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and goodness, which the wicked are unwilling to concede. Their ingratitude is a manifestation of pride and self-sufficiency, as they refuse to recognize their dependence on the Creator.

In the Psalms, the contrast between the righteous and the wicked is often drawn. Psalm 10:4 states, "In his pride the wicked man does not seek Him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God." The absence of God in their thoughts naturally leads to a lack of thankfulness, as they fail to see His hand in their lives.

Practical Observations

The aversion to thankfulness among the wicked can be observed in their attitudes and actions. Without a sense of gratitude, they are more prone to dissatisfaction, envy, and a relentless pursuit of self-gratification. This lack of contentment often leads to destructive behaviors and a further estrangement from God.

In contrast, the righteous are called to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 : "Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." This command underscores the importance of gratitude as a hallmark of a life aligned with God's will.

Conclusion

The wicked's aversion to thankfulness is a profound spiritual issue that reflects their estrangement from God. Ingratitude is both a cause and a consequence of their rebellion, leading to a life devoid of the peace and joy that comes from acknowledging God's goodness and provision.Romans 1:21
Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Nave's Topical Index

Acts iii. 1
... side his faith is shown, both by his thankfulness, and by ... For no one, I suppose,
averse to swearing would easily consent to do any other wicked act; he ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily viii acts iii 1.htm

How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, for Growth in Knowledge.
... of others, with humility and thankfulness, and so a ... a putting of the ignorant, blockish,
averse, and perverse ... above all things, and desperately wicked; who can ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xiii how to make.htm

The New Heart
... into his bosom with gratitude and thankfulness; but we have ... with him seven other
spirits more wicked than himself ... the heart, he finds man totally averse to any ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the new heart.htm

From John Yeardley's Conversion to the Commencement of his Public ...
... meetings, which his father was much averse to; and ... above all the combined powers
of the wicked one, and ... O, how shall I render sufficient thankfulness for such ...
/.../chapter i from john yeardleys.htm

Of the Nature of Regeneration, with Respect to the Change it ...
... and will not sit with the wicked; (Psal ... small degree of courage, considering how
averse the generality ... that would not, with the greatest thankfulness, adore the ...
/.../doddridge/practical discourses on regeneration/discourse iii of the nature.htm

The Westminster Confession of Faith. AD 1647.
... As for those wicked and ungodly men whom God, as a righteous judge, for ... accompanying
salvation; [1266] so as a natural man, being altogether averse from that ...
/.../the westminster confession of faith.htm

Reprobation Asserted: Or, the Doctrine of Eternal Election and ...
... 5. Touching him that persuaded them to do this wicked act; was his word more ... added
that which had been needless, and so had not obtained thankfulness; or else ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/reprobation asserted or the doctrine.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... From this little wicket-gate, and from the way thereto, hath this wicked man turned
thee, to the bringing of thee almost to destruction; hate, therefore, his ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

What does the Bible say about thankfulness/gratitude? | GotQuestions.org

Why doesn't the Lord's Prayer include thanksgiving? shouldn't all our prayers include expressions of thankfulness? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about ingratitude/unthankfulness? | GotQuestions.org

Thankfulness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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