Topical Encyclopedia Malice, a deep-seated animosity or ill will, is a condition of the heart that is frequently addressed in the Bible. It is often associated with the wicked, who are described as being filled with such destructive emotions. The Scriptures provide numerous insights into the nature of malice and its consequences, particularly in the lives of those who reject God's ways.The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, provides a vivid depiction of the unrighteous, highlighting malice as a characteristic of those who have turned away from God. Romans 1:29 states, "They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice." This passage underscores the pervasive nature of malice among those who live in opposition to God's righteousness. In the Old Testament, the Psalms frequently contrast the righteous with the wicked, often highlighting the malicious intent of the latter. Psalm 10:7 describes the wicked, saying, "His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and violence; trouble and malice are under his tongue." Here, malice is portrayed as an integral part of the wicked person's speech and actions, revealing a heart that is far from God. The Book of Proverbs also addresses the issue of malice, warning against the company of those who harbor such intentions. Proverbs 24:8 states, "He who plots evil will be called a schemer." This verse implies that malice is not only a personal vice but also a social danger, as it leads to schemes and plots that can harm others. The New Testament continues to address the issue of malice, particularly in the context of Christian conduct. Believers are admonished to rid themselves of malice, as it is incompatible with the new life in Christ. In Ephesians 4:31 , Paul instructs, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice." This exhortation highlights the transformative power of the Gospel, which calls believers to a higher standard of love and forgiveness. Furthermore, the Apostle Peter echoes this sentiment in his first epistle, urging believers to abandon malice as they grow in their faith. 1 Peter 2:1 advises, "Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander." This call to action emphasizes the importance of purity in the Christian community, where malice has no place. In summary, the Bible consistently portrays malice as a hallmark of the wicked, a destructive force that stands in stark contrast to the love and righteousness that God desires for His people. Through the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments, believers are encouraged to reject malice and embrace a life characterized by love, peace, and holiness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 1:29Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Of the Judgment and Punishment of the Wicked Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ... Psalm XCIV. The Controversy Ended. The Controversy Ended The Third Season How God's Providence Includes Everything Peter's First Instruction: Causes of Ignorance. Of the Social Life, Which, Though Most Desirable, is Frequently ... Sin in the Heart the Source of Error in the Head Resources What does the Bible say about war? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about conflict resolution? | GotQuestions.org Dealing with mean people-what does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.org Malice: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Malfeasance in office: The Leasees of the Vineyard, in One of the Parables of Jesus Malfeasance in office: The Steward Mentioned in One of the Parables of Jesus Malice: A Hindrance to Growth in Grace Malice: Ahithophel Toward David Malice: Ammonites Toward the Israelites Malice: Brings Its own Punishment Malice: Christian Liberty not to be a Cloak For Malice: General Scriptures Concerning Malice: Herod Antipas Toward Jesus Malice: Incompatible With the Worship of God Malice: James and John Toward the Samaritans Malice: Joseph's Brothers Toward Joseph Malice: Masters of the Sorcerous Damsel Toward Paul Malice: Nebuchadrezzar Toward Zedekiah Malice: Philistines Toward Isaac Malice: Potiphar's Wife Toward Joseph Malice: Pray for Those Who Injure You Through Malice: Samaritans Toward the Jews Malice: Springs from an Evil Heart Malice: The Jewish Leaders Toward Jesus Malice: The Wicked: Filled With Malice: The Wicked: Speak With Malice: The Wicked: Visit Saints With Related Terms Unrighteousness (57 Occurrences) |