Topical Bible: Righteousness: The Wicked are Far From

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Righteousness, in biblical terms, refers to the quality of being morally right or justifiable, aligning with God's standards and commands. It is a central theme throughout the Scriptures, representing a state of moral purity and adherence to divine law. The Bible consistently contrasts the righteous with the wicked, emphasizing that the wicked are far from righteousness.

The wicked, as described in the Bible, are those who live in opposition to God's will, engaging in sinful behaviors and rejecting His commandments. Their distance from righteousness is not merely a matter of moral failure but a fundamental separation from the divine nature and character of God. This separation is highlighted in several passages throughout the Scriptures.

In the book of Isaiah, the prophet declares, "The way of peace they have not known, and there is no justice in their tracks. They have turned them into crooked paths; no one who treads on them will know peace" (Isaiah 59:8). This passage illustrates the inherent dissonance between the wicked and the path of righteousness, which is characterized by peace and justice.

The Psalms also reflect on the distance of the wicked from righteousness. Psalm 1:4-6 contrasts the righteous, who are like a tree planted by streams of water, with the wicked, who are like chaff that the wind drives away. The psalmist writes, "For the LORD guards the path of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish" (Psalm 1:6). This imagery underscores the instability and ultimate destruction that befalls those who are far from righteousness.

Proverbs further expounds on this theme, offering wisdom on the consequences of wickedness. Proverbs 15:29 states, "The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous" . This verse highlights the relational distance between God and the wicked, contrasting it with the closeness and attentiveness God offers to the righteous.

The New Testament continues this theme, with the apostle Paul writing in Romans 3:10-12, "There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away; they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one" . This passage emphasizes the universal nature of sin and the inherent unrighteousness of humanity apart from divine intervention.

The wicked's distance from righteousness is not only a matter of personal conduct but also a spiritual condition that requires redemption. The Bible teaches that righteousness is ultimately attainable through faith in Jesus Christ, who imputes His righteousness to believers. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:21, "God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God" .

In summary, the Scriptures consistently portray the wicked as being far from righteousness, highlighting the moral and spiritual chasm that separates them from God's holy standards. This separation underscores the need for divine grace and redemption, which is offered through faith in Jesus Christ, enabling believers to be reconciled to God and to walk in righteousness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 119:150
They draw near that follow after mischief: they are far from your law.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 46:12
Listen to me, you stouthearted, that are far from righteousness:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Righteousness is not Placed in Jewish Rites but in the Conversion ...
... Chapter XIV."Righteousness is not placed in Jewish rites but ... Let the wicked forsake
his ways, and the unrighteous ... my ways as your ways; but as far removed as ...
/.../chapter xiv righteousness is not placed.htm

On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God ...
... to a good, to hinder an evil as far as the ... in the following passages: "The rod of
the wicked shall not ... that is due to it according to the righteousness of God. ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 9 on the righteousness.htm

The Same Kind of Righteousness is Bestowed on all Christ ...
... and who have been debased by education, by wicked customs, and by ... Therefore, since
all righteousness is divided into two branches, namely, in so far as it ...
/.../chapter xciii the same kind of.htm

A Preservative against Unsettled Notions, and Want of Principles ...
... from the pursuit of perfect righteousness by these ... Thus far, then, may suffice to
show clearly with ... is, the flagitious [sinful, unlawful, wicked] world) with ...
/.../a preservative against unsettled notions.htm

The Wicked Man's Life, Funeral, and Epitaph
... the wicked man when he went away look far differently from ... are there any here who
are so wicked as to ... sin; if thou art choosing self-righteousness, if thou art ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the wicked mans life funeral.htm

"Who Will Rise up with Me against the Wicked?"
... of some to "rise up against the wicked," and join ... They were so far from resenting
this, or looking upon ... is it not a sure observation, "righteousness exalteth a ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 52 who will rise.htm

"That the Righteousness of the Law Might be Fulfilled in Us,"
... come to God, and forsake their own wicked way, is ... There is a beauty of justice and
righteousness in punishment ... that would have disabled him so far from helping ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xv that the righteousness.htm

Its Meaning
... and its deserved punishment; and as having that righteousness belonging to ... LORD":
now obviously he who shall make a "wicked" person just is far from being ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/2 its meaning.htm

'Because of his Importunity'
... the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from Thee ...
fully benefit men by leading them into paths of righteousness, on which ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/because of his importunity.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xx. 30, About the Two Blind Men ...
... outwardly in the light of the sun; he inwardly in the light of Righteousness. ... but
to do what appertaineth to the rebuking of the wicked, as far as can be ...
/.../sermon xxxviii on the words.htm