Topical Bible: Truth: The Evil People: Uphold Not

◄ Truth: The Evil People: Uphold Not ►

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In the biblical narrative, truth is a fundamental attribute of God and a cornerstone of righteous living. The Scriptures consistently portray truth as something that the wicked fail to uphold, contrasting the integrity of the righteous with the deceitfulness of the evil.

Biblical Foundation of Truth

Truth in the Bible is often associated with God's character and His divine law. Psalm 119:160 declares, "The entirety of Your word is truth, and all Your righteous judgments endure forever." This verse underscores the belief that truth is inherent in God's Word and His decrees. The righteous are called to live by this truth, aligning their lives with God's standards.

The Nature of the Wicked

The Bible frequently describes the wicked as those who reject and distort truth. In Romans 1:18 , Paul writes, "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness." This suppression of truth is a hallmark of evil behavior, as the wicked choose to ignore or twist the truth to suit their own purposes.

Deception and Lies

The wicked are often characterized by their propensity for deception and lies. Proverbs 12:22 states, "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight." This verse highlights the contrast between the deceitful nature of the wicked and the faithfulness of the righteous. The evil do not uphold truth because they are driven by self-interest and malice, leading them to engage in falsehoods.

Consequences of Rejecting Truth

The rejection of truth by the wicked leads to spiritual and moral decay. In John 8:44 , Jesus confronts the Pharisees, saying, "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies." This passage illustrates the ultimate consequence of rejecting truth: alignment with the devil, the embodiment of falsehood.

The Call to Righteousness

In contrast to the wicked, the righteous are called to uphold truth in all aspects of life. Ephesians 4:25 exhorts believers, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body." Upholding truth is not only a personal virtue but a communal responsibility, reflecting the unity and integrity of the body of Christ.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of truth and the wicked's failure to uphold it serves as a stark reminder of the moral and spiritual divide between righteousness and evil. The Scriptures call believers to embrace truth, reflecting God's character and living in accordance with His will.

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Isaiah 59:14,15
And judgment is turned away backward, and justice stands afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.
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Library

Concerning Faith of Things Not Seen
... unto whom it is said, "Therefore shall the people confess unto ... while they were faithful
even unto death for the truth, strove not by returning evil, but by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/concerning faith of things not seen /

Accidents, not Punishments
... and for which He permits both good and evil to occur ... by unanswerable reasons to accept
it as an awful truth? ... I meet with people who uphold infant baptism on the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/accidents not punishments.htm

Of Evil-Speaking in General.
... being then so prevalent with the people, might not ... are above mentioned, a sort of
evil-speaking about ... Fourthly, likewise in defence of truth, and maintenance ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/of evil-speaking in general.htm

Ridiculous Interpretations of the Jews. Christians are the True ...
... crafty and unscrupulous; wise only to do evil, but utterly ... will beget men upon you,
even my people Israel; and ... He shall bring forth judgment to truth: He shall ...
/.../chapter cxxiii ridiculous interpretations of the.htm

Pilate
... which was holy to the dogs, nor profane the truth by unavailing ... At this moment the
people began to demand their usual indulgence, and an evil hope arose ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 15 1-20 pilate.htm

Monday in Whitsun-Week. Would God that all the Lord's People were ...
... Would God that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord would put
His ... To serve God's truth will heal our wounds,. ... The Evil Spirit, make Thou flee; ...
/.../lyra germanica the christian year/monday in whitsun-week would god.htm

"Let not Your Heart be Troubled"
... It is by the Spirit of truth, working through the ... from His Father for the exaltation
of His people. ... The power of evil had been strengthening for centuries, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 73 let not your.htm

The Withered Fig Tree
... in which he ought to be a blessing, but, in truth, an evil influence streams ... the
camp, grieving the Lord, and causing him to refuse success to his people. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/the withered fig tree.htm

The Lonely Defender of the Bible
... failure of their spiritual leaders to uphold the Evangelical ... last of these words
most people understand an ... its premise that good and evil, truth and falsehood ...
/.../aaberg/hymns and hymnwriters of denmark/chapter twelve the lonely defender.htm

Restraining Prayer: is it Sin?
... This truth is so simple that the very ease with which we ... life and see what part he
may have in this evil. God never speaks to His people of sin except with a ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter vi restraining prayer is.htm