Topical Encyclopedia Malice, a term that denotes the intention or desire to do evil or cause harm to others, is a significant theme in the Bible, particularly in its depiction of the wicked. The Scriptures provide numerous insights into how malice is both a characteristic and a lifestyle of those who reject God's ways.Biblical Definition and Context Malice is often associated with a deep-seated animosity and a deliberate intention to harm others. It is more than just a fleeting thought or momentary anger; it is a settled disposition of the heart. The Bible frequently contrasts the righteous, who are called to love and kindness, with the wicked, who are characterized by malice and evil intentions. Scriptural References 1. Psalm 10:7 · "His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and violence; trouble and malice are under his tongue." This verse describes the wicked as those whose speech is filled with harmful intentions, highlighting how malice is expressed through words that aim to deceive and harm. 2. Proverbs 24:8 · "He who plots evil will be called a schemer." Here, the schemer is one who devises plans with malicious intent, indicating that malice is not only a matter of the heart but also of action and planning. 3. Romans 1:29 · "They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice." In this passage, malice is listed among other grave sins that characterize those who have turned away from God, showing its seriousness and the depth of corruption it represents. 4. Ephesians 4:31 · "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice." The apostle Paul exhorts believers to rid themselves of malice, indicating that it is incompatible with the Christian life and the new nature in Christ. Characteristics of the Wicked The wicked, as portrayed in the Bible, live in malice as a natural outflow of their rejection of God. Their lives are marked by a continual pursuit of evil, often at the expense of others. Malice is not an isolated sin but is intertwined with other sinful behaviors such as deceit, violence, and slander. Consequences of Malice The Bible warns of the dire consequences for those who live in malice. Proverbs 11:21 states, "Be assured that the wicked will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will escape." This assurance of divine justice underscores the ultimate futility and danger of living in malice. Call to Righteousness In contrast to the wicked, believers are called to a life of love and forgiveness, rejecting malice in all its forms. Colossians 3:8 instructs, "But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth." This call to holiness reflects the transformative power of the Gospel, which enables believers to overcome malice and live in accordance with God's will. Through these teachings, the Bible presents a clear dichotomy between the life of the wicked, steeped in malice, and the life of the righteous, characterized by love and purity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Titus 3:3For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Psalm XCIV. Whether the Will of the Demons is Obstinate in Evil? The Trouble and Rest of Good Men "There the Wicked Cease from ... That the Catholic Faith May be Confirmed Even by the Dissensions ... Acts xxviii. 1 How Much God Desires we Should Love Him. "Who Will Rise up with Me against the Wicked?" I Might Well Reply as I have done Even if it were a Question of a ... The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He ... Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ... Resources Who was John Foxe? What is Foxe's Book of Martyrs? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about envy? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about being nosey? | 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) |
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