Topical Bible: Contempt: The Wicked Exhibit Towards: Authorities

◄ Contempt: The Wicked Exhibit Towards: Authorities ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

Contempt towards authorities is a recurring theme in the Bible, often associated with the behavior of the wicked. This attitude is characterized by a lack of respect, disdain, and outright rebellion against established leadership and governance, which is contrary to the biblical call for respect and submission to authority.

Biblical Instances and Teachings

1. Rebellion Against God’s Appointed Leaders: The Bible provides numerous examples where the wicked show contempt towards divinely appointed leaders. One notable instance is the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses and Aaron. In Numbers 16:12-14, these men challenge Moses' leadership, questioning his authority and accusing him of leading the Israelites astray. Their contempt is ultimately judged by God, demonstrating the seriousness of such rebellion.

2. Disregard for Prophets: The prophets, as God’s messengers, often faced contempt from the wicked. In 2 Chronicles 36:16, it is recorded, "But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets until the wrath of the LORD arose against His people, until there was no remedy." This passage highlights the disdain shown towards those who speak on behalf of God, leading to divine judgment.

3. Disrespect for Kings and Rulers: The wicked also exhibit contempt towards earthly kings and rulers. In Ecclesiastes 10:20, the Bible warns, "Do not curse the king even in your thoughts, and do not curse the rich in your bedroom, for a bird of the air may carry your words, and a winged creature may report your speech." This verse underscores the importance of respecting authority, even in private thoughts, as a safeguard against the natural inclination of the wicked to disrespect leadership.

4. New Testament Teachings: The New Testament continues this theme, emphasizing the importance of respecting authorities. Romans 13:1-2 states, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." This passage clearly articulates that contempt for authority is tantamount to opposing God’s order.

5. The Example of Jesus: Jesus Christ Himself modeled respect for authority, even under unjust circumstances. In Matthew 22:21, when questioned about paying taxes to Caesar, Jesus responds, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s." His response demonstrates a recognition of earthly authority while maintaining ultimate allegiance to God.

Consequences of Contempt

The Bible consistently portrays contempt for authority as a hallmark of the wicked, leading to divine judgment and societal disorder. Proverbs 24:21-22 warns, "My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious. For they will bring sudden destruction, and who knows the ruin that both can bring?" This admonition highlights the peril of aligning with those who exhibit contempt for authority, as it leads to inevitable ruin.

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, contempt for authority is depicted as a serious offense, reflective of a rebellious heart. The biblical narrative calls for respect and submission to both divine and earthly authorities, recognizing them as part of God’s ordained order.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Peter 2:10
But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jude 1:8
Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Theory of the Church, and the History of Its Perversion.
... shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among ... and beginning of the third century
exhibit a considerable ... and, to dispute his prerogatives, a contempt of the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter xiii the theory of.htm

Biographical Preface.
... in his own mind, who can exhibit that pre?�minence ... To think of wicked doers and their
works being ... highly esteemed, shall pass away into everlasting contempt. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/biographical preface.htm

The Last Farewell in the Presence of the one Hundred and Fifty ...
... These are the playthings of the Wicked One, who is ... them: but in order that I might
exhibit to you ... up for us the doctrine which was in contempt: farewell, scene ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xlii the last farewell.htm

Panegyric on his Brother S. C??sarius.
... I shall proceed then, not only to exhibit the weakness of ... of his kinsmen in distress,
his contempt for arrogance ... a fate to be desired for the wicked, who are ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration vii panegyric on his.htm

An Exhortation to Theodore after his Fall. Letter I.
... have been filled, it is said, with contempt, and have ... For this reason also the wicked
one dragged Judas out ... in evil things, will also in turn exhibit the same ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/an exhortation to theodore after.htm

The Persecutions of the Church.
... actually inaugurated, was better fitted to exhibit His glory ... This Prince could not
brook the contempt with which ... is a fire reserved for the wicked, whereof you ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the persecutions of.htm

Introductory Notice Respecting Tauler's Life and Times
... and empty for years, the lawless and wicked were left ... of the attitude they assumed
towards the great ... wisdom and acute practical sense, exhibit neither the ...
/.../introductory notice respecting taulers life.htm

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... the deceitful lips and tongues of the wicked, for we ... 2956] While thus unyielding
in her contempt for food ... She strives to exhibit at Rome the virtues which ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

Ancient Chaldaea
... Men in the mean time became wicked; they lost the ... Anamarutu, Numarad, Namrasit, all
of which exhibit in the ... with a mixed feeling of contempt and apprehension ...
/.../chapter iancient chaldaea.htm

Critical Notes.
... to be taken as a question of surprise rather than of contempt. ... to be God are always
either mad or wicked. ... it must undergo, will be to exhibit more impressively ...
//christianbookshelf.org/schaff/the person of christ/critical notes.htm