Malice, a deep-seated animosity or ill will, is a condition of the heart that the Bible consistently condemns. It is often associated with wickedness and is contrary to the nature of God, who is just and righteous. The Scriptures affirm that God, in His justice, will requite or repay malice, ensuring that those who harbor such intentions face divine recompense.

Biblical Understanding of Malice

Malice is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a characteristic of the sinful nature. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul admonishes believers to rid themselves of malice. In Ephesians 4:31 , Paul writes, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice." This exhortation underscores the incompatibility of malice with the Christian life, urging believers to pursue a life marked by kindness and forgiveness.

God's Requital of Malice

The Bible assures that God will not overlook malice. In the Old Testament, the principle of divine justice is clearly articulated. Proverbs 26:27 states, "Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him." This proverbial wisdom highlights the self-destructive nature of malice and the certainty of divine retribution.

The account of Haman in the Book of Esther serves as a poignant illustration of God requiting malice. Haman's malicious intent to annihilate the Jews led to his own downfall. Esther 7:10 records, "So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai." This narrative demonstrates that God intervenes to bring justice, turning the schemes of the malicious back upon their own heads.

New Testament Affirmation

The New Testament continues this theme, emphasizing that God will judge those who act with malice. Romans 12:19 instructs, "Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.'" This passage reassures believers that God is aware of every act of malice and will execute justice in His perfect timing.

Furthermore, 1 Peter 2:1 encourages believers to "rid yourselves of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander." The apostle Peter calls for a transformation of character, reflecting the holiness of God, who will ultimately judge all malice.

The Call to Overcome Malice

While God promises to requite malice, He also calls His people to overcome it through the power of the Holy Spirit. Believers are urged to cultivate a heart of love and forgiveness, reflecting the character of Christ. Colossians 3:8-10 exhorts, "But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices, and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator."

In summary, the Bible presents malice as a grievous sin that God will surely requite. Through His justice, God ensures that those who harbor and act upon malicious intentions will face the consequences of their actions. Believers are called to reject malice and embrace a life of righteousness, trusting in God's ultimate justice.Psalm 10:14
You have seen it; for you behold mischief and spite, to requite it with your hand: the poor commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 36:5
Therefore thus said the Lord GOD; Surely in the fire of my jealousy have I spoken against the residue of the heathen, and against all Idumea, which have appointed my land into their possession with the joy of all their heart, with despiteful minds, to cast it out for a prey.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm LIII. (LIV. ).
... nor considered by the ungodly, He requites upon His ... so that while without thinking
upon God they seek ... they did not consider, avenges their malice by turning it ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/psalm liii liv.htm

Colossians iii. 7-May
... ye also put away all these, anger, wrath, malice, railing, shameful ... thanks, he, as
gaining nought, departs; and God, as being honored, requites thee with ...
/.../homily viii colossians iii 7-may.htm

Three Homilies. On Our Lord.
... from Sheol which oppresses all, to the Kingdom which requites all ... mind contains malice
and cannot refrain, then that malice which is ... 606] And if God, Who cannot ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/three homilies on our lord.htm

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