Topical Bible: Wicked (People): Compared With: Grass

Bible > Topical > Wicked (People)

◄ Wicked (People): Compared With: Grass ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the imagery of grass is frequently employed to draw a comparison with the wicked, emphasizing the transient and fleeting nature of their existence and prosperity. This metaphor serves as a poignant reminder of the ultimate futility of wickedness in contrast to the enduring righteousness of God.

The Psalms, in particular, utilize this imagery to convey the temporary success of the wicked. Psalm 37:1-2 advises, "Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong. For they will wither quickly like grass and fade like the green herb." Here, the wicked are likened to grass that flourishes momentarily but soon withers away, highlighting the ephemeral nature of their apparent triumphs.

Similarly, Psalm 92:7 states, "When the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish, it is so that they may be forever destroyed." This verse underscores the idea that the prosperity of the wicked is not only short-lived but also serves a divine purpose, ultimately leading to their downfall and destruction.

The prophet Isaiah also employs this metaphor in Isaiah 40:6-8 , where it is proclaimed, "All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." This passage contrasts the fleeting nature of human life and wickedness with the eternal and unchanging word of God, reinforcing the idea that reliance on wickedness is ultimately futile.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Peter echoes this sentiment in 1 Peter 1:24-25 , reiterating the message from Isaiah: "For, 'All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.'" This serves as a reminder to believers of the impermanence of worldly pursuits and the enduring truth of God's promises.

The comparison of the wicked to grass serves as a powerful metaphor within the biblical text, illustrating the transient nature of evil and the ultimate triumph of righteousness. It encourages believers to focus on the eternal and steadfast nature of God's word, rather than being swayed by the temporary success of those who do wrong. Through this imagery, Scripture reassures the faithful that, despite appearances, the wicked will not endure, and God's justice will ultimately prevail.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 37:2
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 92:7
When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

2 Samuel xxiii. 1-7.
... The wicked ones, the enemies of the Church, are compared to the ... In Ezekiel 24:28,
after the judgment upon the neighbouring people has been proclaimed, it ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/2 samuel xxiii 1-7.htm

Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487.
... Punishment of the wicked, [903]234; how angels are ... Tribulation, Christ delivers His
people in, [1009]145 ... Ungodly, compared to grass, [1025]174; flourish for a ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/aron brother of moses 486.htm

Letters to Olympias.
... inflicted by enemies, and their plots are compared to a ... a drunkard, and a friend
of the wicked and depraved. ... it held its ground amongst some people, after the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/letters to olympias.htm

"And we all do Fade as a Leaf, and Our Iniquities, Like the Wind ...
... that people in a prosperous condition are compared unto a ... The wicked's prospering
is like a green bay tree ... world, the prosperity of nations and people, is but ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvii and we all.htm

Examination of the Epistle
... in it?" (Isaiah 5:4.) "O that my people had hearkened ... Have I any pleasure at all
that the wicked should die ... It is indeed true that we, when compared with God ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 3/examination of the epistle.htm

Watch-Night Service
... compared with flesh; and vapours are rocks compared with life ... heart the wound of
the daughter of his people. ... as sinful and vile, and heinously wicked, who have ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/watch-night service.htm

Antichrist.
... the wilderness or under persecution, is compared not only ... discern, between the righteous
and the wicked; yea, they ... cleave to and countenance the people of God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxiii antichrist.htm

Kumaon.
... but its ravages are not to be compared to those ... me, muttering to himself, "Such a
wicked place I ... the previous details about the country and people may perhaps ...
/.../kennedy/life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xx kumaon.htm

The Power of God
... 2.) This power of God is against the wicked. ... the whole power of his Godhead for the
good of his people. ... The church in Ezekiel is compared to dry bones, but God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/6 the power of god.htm

Psalm CIII.
... sun to rise over the good and the wicked." [4676] On ... Compared with the length and
long life of ages, all ... Lord's, and He shall be the Governor among the people. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm ciii.htm