In biblical literature, the term "wicked" is often used to describe individuals who act in opposition to God's will, engaging in behaviors that are morally corrupt or evil. The Bible provides numerous examples and descriptions of wicked people, highlighting their characteristics and the consequences of their actions. One of the vivid comparisons found in Scripture is between wicked people and scorpions, a metaphor that underscores the danger and harm they can inflict.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The comparison of wicked people to scorpions is notably found in the book of Ezekiel. In Ezekiel 2:6 , God warns the prophet Ezekiel about the rebellious nature of the Israelites, saying, "And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words, though briers and thorns are all around you and you sit among scorpions. Do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their presence, though they are a rebellious house." Here, the imagery of scorpions is used to convey the hostility and potential harm that Ezekiel might face from the people he is sent to address.

Scorpions, known for their venomous sting, symbolize danger and treachery. In the biblical context, this comparison emphasizes the spiritual and moral peril posed by wicked individuals. Just as a scorpion's sting can cause physical pain and suffering, the actions and influence of wicked people can lead to spiritual harm and societal discord.

Characteristics of the Wicked

The Bible provides a detailed portrayal of the characteristics of wicked people. They are often described as deceitful, prideful, and unjust. In Psalm 10:3-4 , it is written, "For the wicked man boasts in the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD. In his pride the wicked man does not seek Him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God." This passage highlights the self-centered nature of the wicked, their disregard for God, and their tendency to elevate their desires above divine commandments.

Furthermore, Proverbs 6:16-19 lists behaviors associated with wickedness: "There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, a false witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up discord among brothers." These actions reflect a deliberate choice to act contrary to God's righteousness.

Consequences and Divine Judgment

The Bible consistently warns of the consequences that await the wicked. In Psalm 1:4-6 , the fate of the wicked is contrasted with that of the righteous: "Not so the wicked! For they are like chaff driven off by the wind. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD guards the path of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish." This passage underscores the ultimate futility and destruction that accompany a life of wickedness.

The comparison to scorpions serves as a reminder of the inherent danger in aligning oneself with wickedness. Just as one would exercise caution around scorpions, believers are called to be vigilant and discerning, avoiding the influence and companionship of those who embody wickedness.

Conclusion

In summary, the biblical comparison of wicked people to scorpions serves as a powerful metaphor for the harm and danger they represent. Through vivid imagery and clear moral teachings, Scripture warns of the characteristics and consequences of wickedness, urging believers to pursue righteousness and remain steadfast in their faith. The Bible's portrayal of the wicked as akin to scorpions is a call to spiritual vigilance and a reminder of the protective guidance offered by God to those who seek His ways.Ezekiel 2:6
And you, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with you, and you do dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.
Nave's Topical Index

The Greater Prophets.
... See also Jer.27:2 compared with 28:10. ... that executed God's righteous vengeance on
the covenant people. ... with God's awful judgments upon the wicked within and ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm

Election and Ordination of Bishops: Form of Service on Sundays.
... and deliver it from all ignorance and wicked practice, and ... true God, to whom nothing
can be compared, who art ... mind; the God of Israel, Thy people which truly ...
/.../constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii election and ordination of.htm

Letter cxxiv. To Avitus.
... transmigration of souls, he winds up the wicked reasoning with ... and that this earth
is hell compared with the ... shall declare war [3390] against the people of God ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxiv to avitus.htm

Anxieties and Troubles, Friends and Foes
... must not encourage the wretched and wicked trade of ... Serapion's usual disdainful
indifference to what people said ... and let them howl.' He often compared the tittle ...
/.../chapter xxi anxieties and troubles.htm

Homilies on the Statues.
... 389; object of, [801]401; with the wicked in guilt ... remission of to men, and a creditor's
compared, [905]478. ... Famine, relieved by the people of Antioch, [1040]456 ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm

Matt. xx. 17-19.
... place to Peter, both in addressing the people, and in ... he accounts all men to be nothing
compared with himself ... if thou wilt, even from that wicked demon prove ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxv matt xx 17-19.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... Was this only the temper of wicked men then? ... of thy sins for heinousness may be compared
therewith, as ... this fear, presently sets before the people another, to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... Now therefore let all the wicked men be far from ... again, "Where there is no vision,
the people perish" (Proverbs ... which both the law and the gospel is compared. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

The Second vision "On Earth"
... are no mere human beings: they are wicked spirits; and ... the Lord Jesus on earth some
of the people "said that ... See also 1 Corinthians 12:13 compared with Luke 13 ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the second vision on earth.htm

Letter cxxx. To Demetrias.
... present time are not worthy to be compared with the ... soul was cut off from among his
people which on ... This godless and wicked teaching was formerly ripe in Egypt ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxx to demetrias.htm

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Wicked: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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