Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, servants are often depicted as individuals entrusted with responsibilities by their masters. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings regarding the conduct expected of servants, highlighting the consequences of wickedness and unfaithfulness. The Bible underscores that wicked servants, those who act deceitfully or neglect their duties, shall face punishment.
Negligence and UnfaithfulnessOne of the primary characteristics of a wicked servant is negligence in fulfilling their duties. In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus illustrates the fate of a servant who fails to responsibly manage what has been entrusted to him. The servant who buried his talent instead of investing it is rebuked by his master: "You wicked, lazy servant!" (
Matthew 25:26). This servant's failure to act results in severe consequences, as he is cast into the outer darkness (
Matthew 25:30).
Deceit and DishonestyWicked servants are also characterized by deceit and dishonesty. In the Parable of the Unjust Steward, Jesus tells of a steward who, upon learning he will be dismissed, manipulates his master's accounts to secure his own future. Although the master commends the steward's shrewdness, the underlying message is clear: dishonesty is not condoned, and such behavior ultimately leads to judgment (
Luke 16:1-13).
Abuse of AuthorityAnother trait of wicked servants is the abuse of authority. In
Matthew 24:48-51, Jesus describes a servant who, believing his master is delayed, begins to mistreat his fellow servants and indulge in excess. The master returns unexpectedly and punishes the servant severely, assigning him a place with the hypocrites, where there is "weeping and gnashing of teeth" (
Matthew 24:51).
Lack of PreparednessWicked servants are often unprepared for their master's return. The Parable of the Ten Virgins highlights the importance of readiness and vigilance. While this parable primarily addresses the theme of preparedness, it also serves as a warning to those who neglect their responsibilities. The foolish virgins, who fail to bring enough oil for their lamps, are shut out from the wedding feast, symbolizing the consequences of spiritual negligence (
Matthew 25:1-13).
Rebellion and DefianceRebellion against rightful authority is another hallmark of wicked servants. In the Old Testament, Korah's rebellion against Moses and Aaron serves as a stark example. Korah and his followers challenge the divinely appointed leadership, resulting in their destruction as the earth swallows them up (
Numbers 16:1-35). This narrative underscores the severe repercussions of defying God's established order.
Divine JusticeThe Bible consistently affirms that divine justice will prevail against wicked servants. In
Luke 12:47-48, Jesus teaches that a servant who knows his master's will but does not prepare or act accordingly will receive a severe beating. This passage emphasizes that greater knowledge and responsibility entail greater accountability, and failure to act righteously invites punishment.
In summary, the Bible presents a clear and consistent message regarding the fate of wicked servants. Through parables and narratives, the Scriptures warn against negligence, deceit, abuse of authority, lack of preparedness, and rebellion. These characteristics invite divine judgment, serving as a sobering reminder of the importance of faithfulness and integrity in service.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Matthew 24:50The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looks not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Eighth Book
... the chains of his sins." [421] If wicked men are ... without cause that they persecuted
the servants of God. ... differed from them in all the characteristics of their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the eighth book.htm
The Doctrine of the Last Things.
... The wicked are thrust out from the light, joy ... of the believer's resurrection body,
its characteristics, etc. ... And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of the last.htm
The Fourth Book
... In this we have the same characteristics as our poor ... when he had done so much for
his wicked servants. ... we see that he is comparing the wicked Christians with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the fourth book.htm
The Character of the Persons for whom this Rest is Designed.
... invited to examine himself by these characteristics of God's ... we have well done as
good and faithful servants? ... it not plainly imply, that when wicked men have ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter iv the character of.htm
The Image of the Beast.
... is Antichrist, who, by magical and wicked artifice, shall ... Abraham gained with his
318 servants over the ... numeral affinity to certain characteristics in the life ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the image of the beast.htm
The Scope of the Apocalypse is Indicated by Its Place in the ...
... the day of judgment to be punished." Wicked human beings ... combine in his personality
the characteristics of the ... will stamp on the foreheads of God's servants. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the scope of the apocalypse.htm
The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs.
... present writing bear any of the characteristics of a ... and shall destroy Beliar and
his servants." There is ... indistinct concerning the fate of the wicked, and has ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the testaments of the twelve.htm
The Great Assize
... The wicked, meantime, shall be turned into hell, even ... Well done, good and faithful
servants: enter ye ... but it properties, ie its characteristics and qualities ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 15 the great assize.htm
Letter Xlvi. Paula and Eustochium to Marcella.
... If the confession of men and servants is glorious ... If"as a wicked theory
maintains"this holy place has ... that each province has its own characteristics), can ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xlvi paula and eustochium.htm
Our Watchword
... BE MAGNIFIED." The earnestness of the wicked should be ... salvation because of one or
two characteristics in it ... hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servants.". ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/our watchword.htm
Resources
What is the meaning of the Parable of the Vineyard? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about forgiveness? What does it mean to forgive? | GotQuestions.orgIs the distinction between clergy and laity biblical? | GotQuestions.orgServants: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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