Topical Bible: Righteousness: The Wicked Speak Contemptuously Against Those Who Follow

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Righteousness, as a central theme in the Bible, is often juxtaposed with the contempt and scorn of the wicked. Those who pursue righteousness frequently encounter opposition and derision from those who reject God's ways. This entry explores the biblical perspective on the contemptuous speech of the wicked against the righteous, drawing from various scriptural passages.

Biblical Context

The Bible consistently portrays righteousness as living in accordance with God's will and commands. It is a state of moral purity and uprightness that reflects God's character. However, the pursuit of righteousness often sets believers apart from the world, leading to conflict and disdain from those who do not share the same values.

Scriptural References

1. Psalm 31:18 · "Let lying lips be silenced, which speak with arrogance against the righteous with pride and contempt." This verse highlights the arrogance and pride of the wicked, who use their words to belittle and undermine those who follow God's path. The psalmist calls for divine intervention to silence such contemptuous speech.

2. Psalm 37:12 · "The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them." Here, the psalmist describes the active hostility of the wicked towards the righteous. Their contempt is not merely verbal but is accompanied by schemes and plots to harm those who live righteously.

3. Proverbs 29:27 · "An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked." This proverb underscores the mutual disdain between the righteous and the wicked. The righteous find the ways of the unjust abhorrent, while the wicked view the upright with contempt.

4. Isaiah 29:20-21 · "For the ruthless will vanish, the mockers will disappear, and all who look for evil will be cut down—those who with a word make a man out to be guilty, who ensnare the defender in court and with false testimony deprive the innocent of justice." Isaiah speaks of a future time when God will judge the wicked, who use their words to mock and falsely accuse the righteous.

5. 1 Peter 4:4 · "Because of this, they consider it strange of you not to plunge with them into the same flood of reckless indiscretion, and they heap abuse on you." The apostle Peter addresses the early Christians, acknowledging that their refusal to participate in sinful behaviors leads to verbal abuse and ridicule from those around them.

The Nature of Contempt

The contempt of the wicked often stems from a deep-seated rejection of God's authority and a desire to justify their own sinful behavior. By speaking against the righteous, they attempt to undermine the moral standards that highlight their own shortcomings. This contempt can manifest in various forms, including mockery, false accusations, and slander.

Response of the Righteous

The Bible encourages the righteous to respond to contempt with patience and trust in God's justice. In Matthew 5:11-12, Jesus teaches, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven." Believers are called to endure such treatment with joy, knowing that their reward is eternal.

Conclusion

While the righteous may face contempt and scorn from the wicked, the Bible assures them of God's ultimate vindication and justice. The faithful are encouraged to remain steadfast in their pursuit of righteousness, trusting that God will silence the lying lips and bring about His righteous judgment.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 31:18
Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 27:39-44
And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

2 Timothy ii. 20, 21
... But I speak not of mercy that is accompanied with ... mayest give alms, nothing is more
wicked than thy ... them not with water only, but first with righteousness. ...
/.../homily vi 2 timothy ii.htm

Who is the Rich Man that Shall be Saved?
... property, and have not tasted of the righteousness of God ... to speak, but [3900] to
the King of eternity dwelling ... For he turned wicked and abandoned, and at last ...
/.../clement/who is the rich man that shall be saved/who is the rich man.htm

City of God
... Pleased the Gods Should Not Be Contemptuously Treated by ... Really Possessed Any Regard
for Righteousness, the Romans ... Of the Ills Which Alone the Wicked Fear, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/

Amaziah
... in his way; his own foolish and wicked action had ... minds to be scrupulously honest,
and to speak the simple ... Righteousness is not a losing business: it has the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/amaziah.htm

The Mystery
... whose relics, likewise, that most wicked man abominated ... of excommunication, and if
they contemptuously neglected to ... of the beast might both speak, and cause as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery 2.htm

Luther Before the Diet.
... being exposed to the scorn of the wicked, and let ... it is unsafe for a Christian to
speak against his conscience. ... to walk in the ways of truth and righteousness. ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /8 luther before the diet.htm

Luther Before the Diet
... being exposed to the scorn of the wicked, and let ... it is unsafe for a Christian to
speak against his conscience. ... to walk in the ways of truth and righteousness. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 8 luther before the.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... if, after death, the mere remembrance of righteousness and iniquity ... inflicted on
a few of the wicked are proofs ... tongues, so as never to think or speak of God ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

Saving Faith
... If you come before Christ with your righteousness in your ... Observe, also, that the
woman did not speak. ... know when ye have cast aside your wicked unbelief, that ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/saving faith.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... is founded on the grace, blood, righteousness, and intercession ... that are here, are
so contemptuously considered, when ... he was caught up, could not speak a word ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm