Topical Bible: Servants: Characteristics of Wicked Servants: Unmerciful to Their Fellows

◄ Servants: Characteristics of Wicked Servants: Unmerciful to Their Fellows ►

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In the biblical context, servants are often depicted as individuals entrusted with responsibilities by their masters. The character and behavior of servants are frequently used as metaphors to illustrate spiritual truths and moral lessons. Among the various characteristics of servants, the Bible highlights the distinction between faithful and wicked servants, particularly emphasizing the unmerciful nature of the latter.

Unmerciful Behavior

A key characteristic of wicked servants is their lack of mercy towards their fellow servants. This unmerciful behavior is vividly illustrated in the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant found in Matthew 18:23-35. In this parable, Jesus describes a servant who, after being forgiven a massive debt by his master, refuses to show the same mercy to a fellow servant who owes him a much smaller amount. The Berean Standard Bible recounts the servant's actions: "But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe me!’" (Matthew 18:28).

This parable serves as a stark warning against the hypocrisy and hardness of heart that characterize wicked servants. Despite receiving mercy, the wicked servant's refusal to extend the same grace to others reveals a profound moral failing. The master's response to this behavior is severe: "In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should repay all that he owed" (Matthew 18:34). This outcome underscores the divine expectation for mercy and forgiveness among those who have themselves been recipients of grace.

Lack of Compassion

The unmerciful nature of wicked servants is further highlighted by their lack of compassion. In the broader biblical narrative, compassion is a fundamental attribute expected of those who serve others. The absence of this quality in wicked servants is indicative of a deeper spiritual deficiency. Proverbs 21:13 warns, "Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer." This proverb reflects the principle that a lack of compassion and mercy towards others ultimately leads to one's own downfall.

Consequences of Unmercifulness

The Bible consistently teaches that unmercifulness carries significant consequences. James 2:13 states, "For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment." This verse reinforces the idea that the measure of mercy one extends to others will be the measure received in return. Wicked servants, by their unmerciful actions, invite judgment upon themselves, as their behavior is antithetical to the values of the Kingdom of God.

Contrast with Faithful Servants

In contrast to wicked servants, faithful servants are characterized by their merciful and compassionate nature. They reflect the heart of their master, who is described as "compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth" (Exodus 34:6). Faithful servants understand that their own forgiveness and standing before God are contingent upon their willingness to forgive and show mercy to others.

The biblical portrayal of wicked servants as unmerciful to their fellows serves as a cautionary tale for believers. It calls for introspection and a commitment to embodying the mercy and compassion that are hallmarks of a life transformed by the grace of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 18:30
And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Epistle of St. James
... kurios meant master' of slaves or servants in ordinary ... now (13-18) he explains its
characteristics and criteria ... it, because you ask with the wicked intention of ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the epistle of st james.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... but he that forgets his Saviour, is unmerciful to himself ... But could they persuade
any to be of their opinion ... They also began to vilify His servants, and to count ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm