Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the "fruits of the reward of the wicked" is a recurring theme in the Bible, illustrating the consequences of living a life contrary to God's commandments. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that highlight the ultimate fate and recompense awaiting those who choose wickedness over righteousness.Biblical Foundation The Bible consistently contrasts the outcomes of the righteous and the wicked. In the Old Testament, the Psalms and Proverbs frequently address the fate of the wicked. Psalm 1:4-6 states, "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." Proverbs 11:18 further emphasizes this theme: "The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward." Here, the "empty wage" signifies the futility and ultimate worthlessness of the gains acquired through wickedness. Consequences of Wickedness The Bible describes various "fruits" or consequences that the wicked will face. These include: 1. Destruction and Ruin: The wicked are often associated with destruction. Proverbs 10:29 declares, "The way of the LORD is a refuge to the upright, but destruction awaits those who do evil." This destruction is not only physical but also spiritual, leading to eternal separation from God. 2. Divine Judgment: The wicked are subject to God's judgment. Ecclesiastes 12:14 warns, "For God will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil." This judgment is inevitable and impartial, reflecting God's holiness and justice. 3. Loss of Peace and Joy: Isaiah 48:22 states, "There is no peace," says the LORD, "for the wicked." The absence of peace and joy is a significant fruit of wickedness, as the wicked are often tormented by guilt, fear, and unrest. 4. Eternal Separation from God: The ultimate fruit of wickedness is eternal separation from God. Matthew 25:46 speaks of the final judgment, "And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." This eternal punishment is the most severe consequence, highlighting the gravity of choosing a life of wickedness. Illustrative Examples The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals and nations that reaped the fruits of wickedness. The account of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19 illustrates the swift and total destruction that befell these cities due to their grievous sins. Similarly, the fate of King Saul, who turned away from God's commands, serves as a cautionary tale of the personal ruin that accompanies disobedience (1 Samuel 15). New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles continue to warn against the fruits of wickedness. Galatians 6:7-8 advises, "Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." The parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31 further illustrates the eternal consequences of a life lived in selfishness and disregard for God's commands. Conclusion The Bible's teachings on the fruits of the reward of the wicked serve as a solemn reminder of the importance of living a life aligned with God's will. The Scriptures call believers to pursue righteousness and to be mindful of the eternal consequences of their choices. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 17:9,10The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith. Though in Order to Establish this Suitable Difference Between the ... Luther -- the Method and Fruits of Justification "Who Will Rise up with Me against the Wicked?" False Profession. To Confirm what Has Been Said Above About Rewards and Punishments. ... That Evil Comes of Sloth, and virtue from Diligence, and that ... Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ... Charity. Sowing and Reaping Resources Should Christians judge the teachings of their leaders? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between tithes and offerings? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about self-discipline? | GotQuestions.org Fruits: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Fruits of Converts to the Church Fruits of Effects of Repentance Fruits of the Example of the Godly Fruits of the Reward of Saints Fruits of the Reward of the Wicked Fruits: (Bad) of the Conduct and Conversation of Evil Men Fruits: Called The: Fruit of the Earth Fruits: Called The: Fruit of the Ground Fruits: Called The: Increase of the Land Fruits: Divided Into: Evil or Bad Fruits: Divided Into: Hasty or Precocious Fruits: Divided Into: New and Old Fruits: Divided Into: Pleasant Fruits: Divided Into: Precious Fruits: Divided Into: Summer Fruits Fruits: First of, Devoted to God Fruits: Often Destroyed by Blight Fruits: Often Destroyed by Drought Fruits: Often Destroyed by Enemies Fruits: Often Destroyed by Locusts Fruits: Often Destroyed in God's Anger Fruits: Often Sent As Presents Fruits: Preserved to Us by God Fruits: Produced in Their Due Seasons Fruits: Require: A Fruitful Land Fruits: Require: Influence of the Sun and Moon Fruits: Require: Rain from Heaven Fruits: To be Waited for With Patience Related Terms Contributions (19 Occurrences) Heave-offerings (13 Occurrences) Grain-cutting (19 Occurrences) Wave-offering (22 Occurrences) Responsibility (17 Occurrences) |
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