Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, sickness is often seen as a multifaceted condition that can affect individuals physically, spiritually, and socially. The Scriptures provide numerous accounts and teachings regarding the response of the wicked to those who are afflicted by sickness. From a conservative Christian perspective, the actions and attitudes of the wicked towards the sick are often characterized by neglect, abandonment, and a lack of compassion.Neglect and Abandonment The Bible frequently contrasts the behavior of the righteous with that of the wicked, particularly in their treatment of the vulnerable, including the sick. The wicked are often depicted as those who forsake and neglect those in need. In the book of Job, Job laments the abandonment he experiences from those around him during his time of intense suffering and illness. Job 19:13-14 states, "He has removed my brothers from me; my acquaintances have abandoned me. My kinsmen have failed me, and my friends have forgotten me." This passage illustrates the isolation and desertion that can accompany sickness, especially when those who are expected to provide support turn away. Lack of Compassion The wicked are often portrayed as lacking the compassion and mercy that are hallmarks of godly behavior. Proverbs 29:7 highlights this contrast: "The righteous consider the cause of the poor, but the wicked have no regard for such concerns." This lack of concern extends to those who are sick, as the wicked are more likely to prioritize their own interests over the needs of others. The absence of empathy and the failure to act in love and kindness are indicative of a heart that is not aligned with God's will. Selfishness and Indifference The indifference of the wicked towards the sick can also be seen in their selfishness and preoccupation with personal gain. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus illustrates the failure of the priest and the Levite, who pass by the injured man without offering assistance (Luke 10:30-32). While not explicitly labeled as wicked, their actions reflect a broader tendency to ignore the suffering of others when it is inconvenient or when it does not serve one's own interests. Judgment and Consequences The Scriptures also speak to the consequences that befall the wicked for their neglect and mistreatment of the sick and needy. In Ezekiel 34:4 , God rebukes the leaders of Israel for their failure to care for the weak: "You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or sought the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty." This passage underscores the divine expectation for leaders and individuals to care for the sick and the repercussions of failing to do so. Conclusion The biblical portrayal of the wicked in relation to sickness serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of compassion, empathy, and active support for those who are suffering. The neglect and forsaking of the sick by the wicked stand in stark contrast to the call for believers to embody the love and mercy of Christ in all their interactions. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 30:13And David said to him, To whom belong you? and from where are you? And he said, I am a young man of Egypt, servant to an Amalekite; and my master left me, because three days ago I fell sick. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Psalm XXXVII. The Great Misery of those who Lose the Saints' Rest. Letter cxi. (November, AD 409. ) The Hindrances to Mourning A Prayer when one Begins to be Sick. The Chaff Driven Away A Miracle of Grace Meditations on the Hindrances which Keep Back a Sinner from the ... Epistle Lxvii. To the Clergy and People Abiding in Spain ... The Wilderness State Resources Why does God allow sickness? | GotQuestions.orgIs Sunday sickness a real thing? | GotQuestions.org What is spiritual sickness? What does it mean to be spiritually sick? | GotQuestions.org Sickness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sickness: Christ Compassionate Those In Sickness: Christ Healed by Imposition of Hands Sickness: Christ Healed with a Touch Sickness: Christ Healed with a Word Sickness: Christ Healed: Being Present Sickness: Christ Healed: Not Being Present Sickness: Christ Healed: Through the Touch of his Garment Sickness: Faith Required in Those Healed of, by Christ Sickness: God: Abandons the Wicked To Sickness: God: Comforts Saints In Sickness: God: Exhibits his Love in Healing Sickness: God: Exhibits his Mercy in Healing Sickness: God: Exhibits his Power in Healing Sickness: God: Hears the Prayers of Those In Sickness: God: Often Manifests Saving Grace to Sinners During Sickness: God: Permits Saints to be Tried By Sickness: God: Persecutes the Wicked By Sickness: God: Preserves Saints in Time of Sickness: God: Promises to Heal Sickness: God: Strengthens Saints In Sickness: God's Aid should be Sought In Sickness: Healing of, Lawful on the Sabbath Sickness: Not Visiting Those In, an Evidence of not Belonging to Christ Sickness: Often Brought on by Intemperance Sickness: Often Incurable by Human Means Sickness: Often Sent As a Punishment of Sin Sickness: One of God's Four Sore Judgments on a Guilty Land Sickness: Pray for Those Afflicted With Sickness: Saints are Resigned Under Sickness: Saints: Acknowledge That, Comes from God Sickness: Saints: Ascribe Recovery From, to God Sickness: Saints: Feel for Others In Sickness: Saints: Mourn Under, With Prayer Sickness: Saints: Praise God for Recovery From Sickness: Saints: Pray for Recovery From Sickness: Saints: Thank God Publicly for Recovery Form Sickness: Saints: Visit Those In Sickness: The Apostles Were Endued With Power to Heal Sickness: The Devil Sometimes Permitted to Inflict Sickness: The Power of Healing: One of the Miraculous Gifts Bestowed on the Early Church Sickness: The Wicked: Forsake Those In Sickness: The Wicked: Have Much Sorrow, With Sickness: The Wicked: Visit not Those In Sickness: Visiting Those In, an Evidence of Belonging to Christ Related Terms |