Topical Bible: Righteousness: The Wicked Love Lying Rather Than

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Righteousness, as depicted in the Bible, is a fundamental attribute of God's character and a standard for human conduct. It is often contrasted with the behavior of the wicked, who are described as having a propensity for deceit and falsehood. The Scriptures provide numerous insights into the nature of righteousness and the tendency of the wicked to prefer lying over truth.

Biblical Definition of Righteousness

Righteousness in the biblical context refers to living in accordance with God's laws and commands. It is a state of moral purity and uprightness that aligns with God's will. The righteous are those who seek to live by faith and obedience, reflecting God's holiness in their actions and thoughts. In the Old Testament, righteousness is often associated with justice and fairness, as seen in passages like Proverbs 21:3: "To do righteousness and justice is more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice."

The Wicked and Their Love for Lying

The Bible frequently contrasts the righteous with the wicked, highlighting the latter's inclination towards deceit. The wicked are depicted as those who reject God's truth and embrace falsehood. Psalm 52:3-4 states, "You love evil more than good, falsehood more than speaking truth. Selah. You love every word that devours, O deceitful tongue."

This love for lying is not merely a preference but a defining characteristic of the wicked. Proverbs 12:22 declares, "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight." The wicked's penchant for deceit is an affront to God's nature, which is rooted in truth and faithfulness.

Consequences of Lying

The Bible warns of the dire consequences that await those who choose falsehood over truth. Revelation 21:8 lists liars among those who will face judgment: "But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."

The wicked's love for lying not only separates them from God but also leads to their ultimate destruction. In contrast, the righteous, who uphold truth and integrity, are promised God's favor and eternal life.

Righteousness and Truth

The pursuit of righteousness involves a commitment to truth, as God Himself is the embodiment of truth. Jesus, in John 14:6 , declares, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." The righteous are called to emulate Christ, who is the ultimate standard of truth and righteousness.

The Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 4:25 , exhorts believers to "put away falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one another." This call to truthfulness is a reflection of the new life in Christ, where righteousness and holiness are paramount.

Conclusion

The biblical narrative consistently portrays righteousness as a life aligned with God's truth, in stark contrast to the wicked, who love lying. The Scriptures call believers to reject deceit and embrace righteousness, reflecting God's character in a world often marred by falsehood.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 52:3
You love evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Article iii: of Love and the Fulfilling of the Law.
... faith, not on account of our love and works. ... of the old Adam, this desperately wicked
disposition], and ... we are sinners, and that our righteousness consists not ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 6 article iii of.htm

Spiritualism.
... the spirits make no difference between righteousness and sin ... to the world: "No matter
how wicked you are ... and renounce the sins which they love, multitudes close ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /34 spiritualism.htm

Can Our Dead Speak to Us?
... the spirits make no difference between righteousness and sin ... to the world: "No matter
how wicked you are ... and renounce the sins which they love, multitudes close ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 34 can our dead.htm

The Wicked Heart Set to do Evil.
... which some take of the imputation of Christ's righteousness, which they ... praying as
in stealing, and even far more wicked: for be ... You can not repent and love God ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/viii the wicked heart set.htm

The Ideal of To-Day
... eternity,"his righteous condemnation of the wicked, and the ... work in the service of
a divine righteousness. ... of evil to good, the "deep love lying under these ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/merriam/the chief end of man/ii the ideal of to-day.htm

Conclusion
... The wicked love the darkness; but God's people love the ... and who have "received not
the love of the ... for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/conclusion.htm

A Preservative against Unsettled Notions, and Want of Principles ...
... and lead them to that love of Christian ... nor quite so flagitious [sinful, unlawful,
wicked] as to ... they look upon virtue and vice, righteousness and wickedness ...
/.../a preservative against unsettled notions.htm

Election and Holiness
... Thou couldst come if thy love to evil and self were broken. ... is to persuade you to
turn from sin unto righteousness, from your wicked ways to Jehovah. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/election and holiness.htm

The Plight of Man after the Fall
Handbook on Faith, Hope, and Love. ... vitae] where, by being a good steward of
righteousness, he would rise ... in full justice, on the deeds that the wicked do freely ...
/.../augustine/handbook on faith hope and love/chapter viii the plight of.htm

Love's Labours
... Do the wicked rise against her? ... How his glorious righteousness, his wondrous splendour
of love, has covered ... Love, though it will not speak an untruth in praise ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/loves labours.htm