Topical Bible: Wicked (People): Compared With: Melting Wax

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In the biblical narrative, the concept of wickedness is often depicted as being transient and ultimately futile, much like melting wax. This comparison serves to illustrate the temporary nature of evil and the inevitable triumph of righteousness.

Biblical Imagery and Symbolism

The imagery of melting wax is used in Scripture to convey the idea of something that appears solid and formidable but ultimately cannot withstand the presence of divine truth and justice. In Psalm 68:2 , it is written: "As smoke is blown away, You will drive them out; as wax melts before the fire, the wicked will perish in the presence of God." This verse vividly portrays the fate of the wicked as being akin to wax that cannot endure the heat of a flame, symbolizing the consuming power of God's holiness and judgment.

The Nature of Wickedness

Wickedness, in the biblical sense, is characterized by actions and attitudes that are contrary to God's will and commandments. It encompasses behaviors such as deceit, violence, idolatry, and injustice. The Bible consistently warns that such conduct leads to destruction and separation from God. Proverbs 10:27-30 states, "The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be shortened. The hope of the righteous is joy, but the expectations of the wicked will perish."

The Temporary Triumph of Evil

While the wicked may seem to prosper temporarily, their success is fleeting. 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." This passage reassures believers that the apparent triumph of the wicked is short-lived, much like wax that melts away.

The Ultimate Victory of Righteousness

The Bible assures that righteousness will ultimately prevail. In the end, the wicked will face judgment, and their deeds will be exposed. Malachi 4:1 declares, "For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble; the coming day will set them ablaze, says the LORD of Hosts, not leaving them root or branch."

Conclusion

The comparison of wicked people to melting wax serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of evil and the enduring strength of righteousness. It encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting that God's justice will ultimately prevail. As wax melts before the fire, so too will the wicked perish in the presence of the Almighty, affirming the ultimate victory of good over evil.

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Psalm 68:2
As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
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Library

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... God lets the wicked dung his people with reproaches and calumnies, that their ... The
godly may be compared to that plant which Gregory Nazianzen speaks of. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

Blessed are they that Mourn
... There are many who may be compared to weeping marbles ... vexed with the unclean
conversation of the wicked' (2 Peter 2:7 ... The people of this land have laid out their ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/6 blessed are they that.htm

The Battle of the Books, 1749-1755.
... and still regarded them as wicked Antinomians ... his "Enthusiasm of Methodists and Papists
Compared" {1754.}; and ... the distressed, paying other people's debts, and ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xiii the battle of.htm

The Sermon of the Seasons
... state is to be exceedingly brief as compared with preceding ... Our young people praise
God for day, with its ... forward to that night wherein the wicked cease from ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/the sermon of the seasons.htm

Our Miseries, Messengers of Mercy
... finger-ache, they are but mere trifles compared with the ... As for God's people, they
are chastened every morning ... God only gives the wicked prosperity as we give ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/our miseries messengers of mercy.htm

Church Fabrics and Services.
... to another, and would have found, as compared with the ... hands of painters yet unborn;
Each melting stroke shall ... sorts of inferior and even wicked people, at the ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter x church fabrics and.htm

The Water of Life;
... The waters of a full cup the wicked shall have ... that they ran but low formerly, if
compared to what ... rock in the wilderness ran after the people there, wherefore ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the water of life.htm

According to which principle or hypothesis all the objections ...
... thus formed in all men, or in the wicked: for that ... enlightened: wherefore some of
us have fitly compared it to ... it which we preach up, and direct people to, as ...
/.../proposition vi according to which.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... the people talk strangely about him; some say that he ... and trembled, also her heart
began to wax warm with ... which the best palaces on earth, if compared, seem to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm