In the biblical context, the term "wicked" refers to individuals who actively engage in evil deeds, reject God's commandments, and live in opposition to His will. The Bible frequently contrasts the wicked with the righteous, highlighting the consequences of their actions and the ultimate judgment they face. Wickedness is characterized by a deliberate and persistent rebellion against God, often manifesting in behaviors such as deceit, violence, and idolatry.

Characteristics of the Wicked:

1. Rejection of God: The wicked are described as those who have turned away from God and His laws. Psalm 10:4 states, "In his pride the wicked man does not seek Him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God."

2. Deceit and Violence: Wicked individuals are often associated with deceitful and violent behavior. Proverbs 6:12-14 describes a wicked person as "a worthless person, a wicked man, who goes about with a perverse mouth, winking with his eyes, speaking with his feet, pointing with his fingers, who plots evil with deceit in his heart; he always stirs up dissension."

3. Judgment and Consequences: The Bible warns of the ultimate judgment that awaits the wicked. Psalm 1:6 declares, "For the LORD guards the path of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish."

Wayward Children:

Wayward children, in contrast, are those who stray from the path of righteousness, often due to immaturity, lack of guidance, or external influences. While they may engage in sinful behavior, their actions are not necessarily rooted in a hardened rebellion against God. The Bible offers hope for their redemption and restoration.

Characteristics of Wayward Children:

1. Lack of Wisdom: Wayward children often lack the wisdom and understanding that come from a relationship with God. Proverbs 22:15 notes, "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him."

2. Potential for Redemption: Unlike the wicked, wayward children are often depicted as having the potential for repentance and return. The parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32 illustrates this, showing a wayward son who returns to his father and is welcomed back with open arms.

3. Parental Responsibility: The Bible emphasizes the role of parents in guiding and correcting wayward children. Proverbs 22:6 advises, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."

Comparison:

While both the wicked and wayward children may engage in sinful behavior, their motivations and potential outcomes differ significantly. The wicked are often portrayed as willfully rebellious and resistant to God's authority, whereas wayward children may stray due to lack of guidance or understanding but retain the potential for repentance and restoration. The Bible encourages believers to pray for and guide wayward children back to the path of righteousness, while also warning of the severe consequences awaiting those who persist in wickedness.

In summary, the Bible distinguishes between the wicked and wayward children by their intentions, actions, and potential for redemption. While the wicked face inevitable judgment, wayward children are offered hope and the possibility of returning to a righteous path through repentance and divine grace.Matthew 11:16
But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like to children sitting in the markets, and calling to their fellows,
Nave's Topical Index

Salvation
... read it as if it stood, 'If the wicked man turn ... a death which may come on respectable
people, and high ... the heart, and a fire in the heart, compared with which ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon ii salvation.htm

Prosperity under Persecution
... take heed unto our ways, because the wicked watch our ... Spirit been put forth by the
Lord's people when they ... we meet with now; little indeed, compared with those ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/prosperity under persecution.htm

Scenes in the Lives of the Patriarchs.
... obtained permission to engage, in the wicked enterprise, than ... But the people of
Palestine and the regions around ... he had known of him before, compared with what ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/scenes in the lives of.htm

Bit and Bridle: How to Escape Them
... Theoretical teaching is of small importance compared with this ... We know that kind
of people: let us not ... these kicking professors than of the outwardly wicked. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/bit and bridle how to.htm

The Exile --Continued.
... "When the wicked came against ... The people of Ziph, a small place on the edge of the
southern desert ... It was little compared with what he could as easily have done ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/vi the exilecontinued.htm

Lydia, the First European Convert
... Even the eyes of our faith is dim compared with the ... He says concerning us, "They
shall be My people, and I ... in their despair, and say hard and wicked things of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/lydia the first european convert.htm

The Prodigal Son.
... sower is the only one that can be compared with it ... bear and do the will of the wicked
one to ... distinctive features, the character of the Jewish people and their ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/xxiv the prodigal son.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47.
... Also when he compared Jerusalem with the sinners of the ... from the righteous, and stuck
so close to the wicked. ... priest, to make havock of God's people there, as ...
/.../bunyan/jerusalem sinner saved/beginning at jerusalem luke xxiv 47.htm

A Traveler's Note-Book
... Woe unto the wicked; it shall be ill with him ... Of the older religion, the special
characteristic"compared with the ... was the impressing upon a whole people of a ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/iii a travelers note-book.htm

Does God hate? If God is love, how can He hate? | GotQuestions.org

What is retribution theology? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that judgment begins at the house of God? | GotQuestions.org

Wicked: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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