Topical Bible: Righteousness: The Wicked are Enemies of

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In the biblical narrative, righteousness is often depicted as a state of moral purity and alignment with God's will, while the wicked are portrayed as those who oppose and undermine this divine standard. The tension between righteousness and wickedness is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, highlighting the enmity that the wicked hold against the righteous.

The Psalms frequently address this conflict, illustrating the hostility of the wicked towards those who pursue righteousness. Psalm 37:12 states, "The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them." This verse underscores the active opposition and animosity that the wicked harbor against the righteous, often manifesting in plots and schemes intended to harm or undermine them.

Proverbs also speaks to this enmity, contrasting the paths of the righteous and the wicked. Proverbs 29:27 declares, "An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked." This mutual detestation highlights the fundamental incompatibility between the two, as the wicked find the ways of the righteous abhorrent, just as the righteous find the ways of the wicked repugnant.

The prophet Isaiah further elaborates on the consequences of this enmity. In Isaiah 59:15 , it is written, "Truth is missing, and whoever turns from evil becomes prey." Here, the prophet laments a society where righteousness is so opposed that those who seek to turn from evil become targets for the wicked. This verse illustrates the peril faced by the righteous in a world dominated by wickedness.

In the New Testament, the theme continues with Jesus' teachings. In the Beatitudes, Jesus acknowledges the persecution that the righteous will face: "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10). This beatitude not only acknowledges the reality of persecution but also offers a promise of divine reward for those who endure such enmity.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the conflict between righteousness and wickedness in his epistles. In Romans 8:7 , he writes, "The mind of the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so." This passage highlights the inherent opposition of the wicked, whose fleshly mindset is at odds with the righteousness that aligns with God's law.

The enmity of the wicked towards the righteous is a reflection of the broader spiritual battle between good and evil. This conflict is not merely a human struggle but is deeply rooted in the spiritual realm, as evidenced by Ephesians 6:12 : "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

Throughout Scripture, the righteous are called to stand firm in the face of opposition, trusting in God's justice and ultimate vindication. The enmity of the wicked serves as a reminder of the cost of righteousness in a fallen world, yet it also points to the hope and assurance found in God's promises to those who remain faithful.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 13:10
And said, O full of all subtlety and all mischief, you child of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Crimes of the Wicked, and the Torture Inflicted on the ...
... the righteous which attacked the Author of righteousness Himself. ... in wait, as if
all were enemies to all ... and that they themselves who commit wicked actions are ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap ix of the crimes of.htm

Against those who Fancy that in the Judgment of God all the ...
... until death, and are not converted from enemies into sons ... [1561] But it is in this
righteousness that we ... of His purpose of mercy towards the wicked may lead ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 24 against those who fancy.htm

Men Enemies to God.
... if for some faults they might seem to be corrected for righteousness. But now the
most of men have been made enemies of God, whose hearts the wicked one has ...
/.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter xvii men enemies to god.htm

A Preservative against Unsettled Notions, and Want of Principles ...
... you of the danger you are in from the enemies who threaten ... rest) there is a just
man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who ...
/.../a preservative against unsettled notions.htm

If I must Now Explain How the Just Man "Slays his Enemies...
... as the rays of the Sun of righteousness shine into ... of the flesh, which are called
"the wicked of the ... just give up to destruction all their enemies, which are ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen against celsus/chapter xxii if i must.htm

The Wicked Husbandmen.
... of the Lord unrevealed, and a terror to wicked men unspoken ... coming in the clouds
to judge the world in righteousness. ... over the naked heads of his enemies, if so ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xi the wicked husbandmen.htm

On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God ...
... in the following passages: "The rod of the wicked shall not ... God permitted "the wrath
of their enemies to be ... is due to it according to the righteousness of God. ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 9 on the righteousness.htm

2 Samuel xxiii. 1-7.
... of the rain of salvation pouring down from the skies, the earth brings forth salvation
and righteousness.) The passage ... The wicked ones, the enemies of the ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/2 samuel xxiii 1-7.htm

"That the Righteousness of the Law Might be Fulfilled in Us,"
... come to God, and forsake their own wicked way, is ... is a beauty of justice and
righteousness in punishment ... we, being delivered from all our enemies, might serve ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xv that the righteousness.htm

Further Exposure of the Wicked and Blasphemous Doctrines of the ...
... men, but also to love their enemies; and enjoined ... to their performance, as being
wicked, pernicious, and ... do not the works of righteousness, "into everlasting ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxii further exposure of the.htm