Topical Bible: Righteousness: The Wicked Leave off

Bible > Topical > Righteousness

◄ Righteousness: The Wicked Leave off ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Righteousness, a central theme in biblical theology, is often juxtaposed with wickedness, highlighting the moral and spiritual divide between those who follow God's ways and those who do not. The concept of righteousness in the Bible encompasses both a legal standing before God and a moral and ethical lifestyle that reflects God's character. The wicked, in contrast, are depicted as those who abandon or neglect the path of righteousness.

Biblical Definition and Context

Righteousness in the biblical sense is rooted in the character of God and His divine law. It is both an attribute of God and a standard for human conduct. The Berean Standard Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of righteousness as a reflection of God's holiness and justice. For instance, Psalm 11:7 states, "For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice. The upright will see His face."

The Wicked and Their Departure from Righteousness

The wicked are characterized by their departure from the path of righteousness. This departure is not merely a passive neglect but an active choice to pursue a life contrary to God's commands. Proverbs 4:14-15 warns, "Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it; do not travel on it. Turn from it and go on your way."

The wicked are often described as those who reject God's law and pursue their own desires. In Isaiah 53:6 , the prophet laments, "We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all." This turning away from God's way is a hallmark of wickedness.

Consequences of Leaving Off Righteousness

The Bible is clear about the consequences of abandoning righteousness. The wicked, by leaving off righteousness, place themselves under God's judgment. Proverbs 10:29 declares, "The way of the LORD is a refuge to the upright, but destruction awaits those who do evil." This destruction is both temporal and eternal, as the wicked are ultimately separated from God's presence.

The Psalms frequently contrast the fate of the righteous and the wicked. Psalm 1:6 succinctly states, "For the LORD guards the path of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish." This perishing is not merely physical death but a spiritual demise that results from a life lived apart from God.

Call to Righteousness

Despite the grim portrayal of the wicked, the Bible consistently calls individuals to pursue righteousness. This call is not only a command but an invitation to experience the fullness of life that comes from walking in God's ways. In Matthew 6:33 , Jesus exhorts His followers, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you."

The pursuit of righteousness is both a personal and communal endeavor, as believers are encouraged to support one another in living according to God's standards. Hebrews 10:24 urges, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds."

Conclusion

The biblical narrative presents a clear dichotomy between righteousness and wickedness, urging believers to choose the path of righteousness. The wicked, by leaving off righteousness, face dire consequences, yet the call to return to God's ways remains open to all. Through faith and obedience, individuals can align themselves with God's righteous standards and experience His blessings.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Amos 5:7
You who turn judgment to wormwood, and leave off righteousness in the earth,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 36:3
The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he has left off to be wise, and to do good.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How Zerah, King of the Ethiopians, was Beaten by Asa; and How Asa ...
... fortified it, having determined beforehand to leave a garrison ... good men, and hates
the wicked, and destroys ... old age, for his piety and righteousness, and died ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 how zerah king.htm

Concerning the Death of a Son of Jeroboam. How Jeroboam was Beaten ...
... hopes of success against our enemies in righteousness alone, and ... nor was he formed
by a wicked king, in ... to take better advice, and to leave off the prosecution ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 concerning the death.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way ... of God, when men praise the
wicked, change their ... themselves be not changed, and leave off contending with ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

Who are My Brethren?
... of Christ, we shall be dominated by the wicked one ... of Christ in the heart through
faith in His righteousness. ... We may leave off many bad habits, for the time we ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 33 who are my.htm

Repentance
... the Spirit of God may stir up good motions in the wicked. ... Break off thy sins by
righteousness.' Daniel 4:27. ... It is not enough, when we repent, to leave old sins ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 2 repentance.htm

Of the Trinity and a Christian, and of the Law and a Christian.
... acknowledgeth that God's way with the wicked is just ... it doth both allow and approve
of my righteousness. ... being my informer, and so lovingly leave off to judge ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of the trinity and a.htm

Concerning the Flood; and after what Manner Noah was Saved in an ...
... God, who loved the man for his righteousness, granted entire ... But I will leave off
for the time to come to ... so great wrath, for their future wicked actions, and ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 concerning the flood.htm

Meditations on the Hindrances which Keep Back a Sinner from the ...
... Christ looketh in mercy upon thee, leave thy wicked ... No man is so wicked that he is
addicted ... remember that Christ saith, "Except your righteousness shall exceed ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations on the hindrances which.htm

Psalm 37
... 6And, like unto the light, he shall. thy righteousness display; ... his steps slide not
away. ^32The wicked man doth watch the just,. ... nor leave him in his hands: ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 37.htm

The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly
... oh how welcome now is the return of the Sun of righteousness! ... Such should we be,
if God did leave us ... Sin in the wicked is like fire on a beacon, that flames and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the worst things work for.htm