Topical Bible: Contempt: The Wicked Exhibit Towards: The Afflicted

◄ Contempt: The Wicked Exhibit Towards: The Afflicted ►

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Contempt, as depicted in the Bible, is a disdainful and scornful attitude that the wicked often exhibit towards the afflicted. This behavior is condemned throughout Scripture, as it reflects a heart that is far from God’s righteousness and compassion. The afflicted, often characterized by their suffering, poverty, or marginalized status, are particularly vulnerable to such contempt.

Biblical Instances and Teachings

1. Psalm 123:3-4: "Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy, for we have endured much contempt. We have endured much scorn from the arrogant, much contempt from the proud." This passage highlights the plea of the afflicted for God's mercy in the face of contempt from the arrogant and proud. It underscores the reality that the wicked often look down upon those who are suffering, seeing them as inferior or deserving of their plight.

2. Proverbs 17:5: "He who mocks the poor insults their Maker; whoever gloats over calamity will not go unpunished." This proverb warns against mocking the poor, equating such contempt with an insult to God Himself, the Creator of all. It serves as a reminder that God is the defender of the afflicted and that those who exhibit contempt will face divine justice.

3. Job 12:5: "The one at ease despises misfortune as the fate of those whose feet are slipping." In the account of Job, we see a man who, despite his righteousness, becomes the target of contempt from those who are at ease. This verse illustrates how the wicked, in their comfort, may look down upon those experiencing hardship, failing to recognize the transient nature of their own circumstances.

4. Isaiah 32:7: "The schemes of the scoundrel are wicked; he devises evil plans to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just." Here, the prophet Isaiah condemns the wicked for their deceitful schemes against the poor. The contempt shown by the wicked is not only in attitude but also in action, as they actively seek to undermine and oppress the afflicted.

5. James 2:6: "But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you and drag you into court?" In the New Testament, James addresses the early Christian community, rebuking them for showing favoritism to the rich while dishonoring the poor. This reflects a broader biblical theme where the wicked, often represented by the wealthy and powerful, exhibit contempt towards the less fortunate.

Theological Implications

The contempt of the wicked towards the afflicted is a manifestation of a deeper spiritual issue—a heart that is hardened against God’s commands to love and serve others. Throughout Scripture, God calls His people to defend the cause of the afflicted and to show compassion and mercy, reflecting His own character. The wicked, in their contempt, stand in stark contrast to this divine mandate, revealing their rebellion against God’s order.

The Bible consistently portrays God as the protector and vindicator of the afflicted. His justice is assured, and the contempt of the wicked will ultimately be met with His righteous judgment. Believers are called to align themselves with God’s heart, showing love and respect to all, particularly those who are suffering, and to reject the contemptuous attitudes of the wicked.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 19:18
Yes, young children despised me; I arose, and they spoke against me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of Civil Government.
... his wisdom to the world, and exhibit the reality ... folly, or cowardice, or cruelty,
or wicked or flagitious ... God is armed, and will signally avenge this contempt. ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

This HomilyWas Delivered in the Old Church of Antioch
... praise, nor because we study to exhibit powers of ... and correct the sinner, treatest
thy Benefactor with contempt!". ... by another who is lawless and wicked, and to ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily i this homily was.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

Paul Before Felix.
... Tertullus proceeds to exhibit the grounds of accusation against ... the Nazarenes;" an
appellation given from contempt to the ... by the thought, that so wicked a man ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxvii paul before felix.htm

A Treatise to Prove that no one Can Harm the Man who Does not ...
... and great luxuriance of leaves, or to exhibit an abundance ... no man if he be infinitely
wicked could attack ... time you were held in the greatest contempt by those ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/a treatise to prove that.htm

Psalm XL.
... But do those then follow no one, who exhibit themselves as an ensample to them that
come after? ... "When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt.". ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xl.htm

Translated from Latin of Rufinus.
... as in like manner bees also exhibit a desire ... treat His kindness and forbearance with
contempt and insolence ... blame for your perverse and wicked habits, because ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/translated from latin of rufinus.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... our brethren suffer at the hands of wicked men should ... so, indeed, we seem to lie
under contempt, and to ... or inclination that is in our enemies towards us; for ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.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

On the Soul and the Resurrection.
... any answer to such foolish and wicked propositions; for ... dispositions arising from
cowardice and fear exhibit on the ... Gospel bids us have a contempt for danger ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/on the soul and the 2.htm