Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the prudence of the wicked being ultimately defeated by God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. This theme underscores the futility of human wisdom and cunning when it stands in opposition to divine will. The Scriptures consistently affirm that while the wicked may appear to prosper temporarily through their schemes, their plans are ultimately thwarted by God's sovereign power and justice.Biblical Foundation The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that illustrate the defeat of the wicked's prudence. In the Book of Job, we find a profound declaration of God's ability to frustrate the plans of the crafty: "He catches the wise in their craftiness, and the schemes of the wily are swept away" (Job 5:13). This verse highlights the divine intervention that nullifies the cunning strategies of those who oppose God's righteousness. Similarly, the Psalms frequently address the temporary success of the wicked and their eventual downfall. Psalm 37:12-13 states, "The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming" . Here, the psalmist emphasizes God's awareness of the wicked's plots and His assurance of their impending judgment. Historical Examples Throughout biblical history, there are numerous accounts of the prudence of the wicked being defeated by God. One notable example is the account of Haman in the Book of Esther. Haman, a high-ranking official in the Persian Empire, devised a plan to annihilate the Jewish people. However, through a series of divinely orchestrated events, Haman's plot was exposed, and he was ultimately executed on the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai, a Jew (Esther 7:9-10). Another example is found in the narrative of Daniel and the lions' den. The administrators and satraps, driven by jealousy, conspired against Daniel by manipulating King Darius to issue a decree that would lead to Daniel's downfall. Yet, God intervened, shutting the mouths of the lions and preserving Daniel's life, while those who plotted against him were themselves thrown into the den (Daniel 6:24). Theological Implications The defeat of the wicked's prudence by God serves as a powerful reminder of His omnipotence and justice. It affirms that no human wisdom or strategy can prevail against the divine purposes. Proverbs 21:30 declares, "No wisdom, no understanding, and no counsel can prevail against the LORD" . This truth reassures believers that God's plans are unassailable and that He will ultimately vindicate His people. Furthermore, the defeat of the wicked underscores the moral order established by God. It highlights the principle that righteousness and justice are foundational to His throne (Psalm 89:14). The temporary success of the wicked is a test of faith for the righteous, who are called to trust in God's timing and justice. Practical Application For believers, the knowledge that the prudence of the wicked is defeated by God provides comfort and encouragement in times of trial and persecution. It calls for steadfast faith and reliance on God's wisdom rather than human understanding. As Proverbs 3:5-6 exhorts, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight" . This theme also serves as a warning against adopting the ways of the wicked. It reminds believers to pursue righteousness and integrity, knowing that God's justice will ultimately prevail. The assurance of God's victory over the schemes of the wicked encourages a life of obedience and trust in His sovereign plan. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 29:14Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 1:19 Library On the Government of God The City of God. Index of Subjects. The Shout of Faith Paul Before the Council. Never! Never! Never! Never! Never! False Professors Solemnly Warned Of Councils and their Authority. The Statute of David for the Sharing of the Spoil Letter cli. (AD 413 or 414. ) Paul Before Felix. Resources What does the Bible mean when it tells us to fear not / do not fear? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” sermon? | GotQuestions.org What can we learn from the tribe of Issachar? | GotQuestions.org Prudence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Prudence in Avoiding his Enemies Prudence in Charging Those Who Were Healed not to "Advertise" his Miracles Prudence in Circumcising Timothy Prudence in Performing Temple Rites Prudence in Turning the Jewish Sects Against Each Other Prudence in Walking "No Longer Openly" Prudence of the Wicked: Defeated by God Prudence of the Wicked: Denounced by God Prudence of the Wicked: Fails in Times of Perplexity Prudence of the Wicked: Keeps Them from the Knowledge of the Gospel Prudence of the Wicked: Necessity For-Illustrated Prudence: Abigail, in Averting David's Anger Prudence: Achish, in Dismissing David Prudence: Aged Counsellors of Rehoboam Prudence: Avoiding Suspicion in Administering the Gifts of the Congregations Prudence: Certain Elders of Israel Prudence: David, in his Conduct Toward Saul Prudence: David, in Overthrowing Ahithophel's Shrewd Advice Prudence: Elijah, in his Escape from Jezebel Prudence: Exemplified by Christ Prudence: Exhibited in the Manifestation of God's Grace Prudence: General Scriptures Concerning Prudence: Going to the Feast Secretly Prudence: Intimately Connected With Wisdom Prudence: Jacob, in his Conduct Toward Esau Prudence: Jacob, Toward his Sons, After Dinah's Defilement Prudence: Jehoram, in Suspecting a Syrian Stratagem Prudence: Jethro's Advice to Moses Prudence: Joseph, in his Conduct Toward Mary Prudence: Joseph, in the Affairs of Egypt Prudence: Nehemiah, in Conduct of Affairs at Jerusalem Prudence: Paul and Barnabas, in Escaping Persecution Prudence: Paul and Silas, in Escaping from Berea Prudence: Peter, in Escaping from Herod Agrippa I Prudence: Saints should Especially Exercise, in Their Intercourse With Prudence: Saul, in not Killing the Jabesh-Gileadites Prudence: The Israelites, in the Threatened War With the Two and One-Half Tribes Prudence: The Town Clerk of Ephesus, in Averting a Riot Prudence: The Wise Celebrated For Prudence: The Young should Cultivate Prudence: They Who Have are Preserved by It Prudence: They Who Have: Crowned With Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Deal With Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Foresee and Avoid Evil Prudence: They Who Have: Get Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Keep Silence in the Evil Time Prudence: They Who Have: Look Well to Their Goings Prudence: They Who Have: Not Ostentatious of Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Regard Reproof Prudence: They Who Have: Suppress Angry Feelings Prudence: They Who Have: Understand the Ways of God Prudence: They Who Have: Understand Their own Ways Prudence: Virtuous Wives Act With Related Terms |
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