Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, sickness is often seen as a trial or a consequence of living in a fallen world. The response to sickness, particularly among the wicked, is a topic that reveals much about the character and spiritual state of individuals. The Bible provides insight into how the wicked respond to those who are suffering from illness, often highlighting their lack of compassion and neglect.The wicked, as described in Scripture, are those who live in opposition to God's commandments and exhibit behaviors that are contrary to His will. One of the characteristics of the wicked is their failure to show mercy and compassion to those who are suffering, including those who are sick. This lack of empathy is a reflection of their hardened hearts and self-centered nature. In the book of Job, we see an example of how the wicked respond to the suffering of others. Job, a righteous man, is afflicted with severe illness and suffering. His friends, who are supposed to comfort him, instead accuse him of wrongdoing and fail to provide the support he needs. This response is indicative of a lack of true understanding and compassion, traits often associated with the wicked. Job laments their behavior, saying, "My brothers are as undependable as intermittent streams, as the streams that overflow" (Job 6:15). The Psalms also provide insight into the behavior of the wicked towards the sick. In Psalm 41:5-8, David speaks of his enemies who take pleasure in his illness, saying, "My enemies say with malice, 'When will he die and be forgotten?' When one of them comes to see me, he speaks falsely, while his heart gathers slander; then he goes out and spreads it around" . This passage highlights the wicked's tendency to exploit the vulnerable state of the sick for their own gain, rather than offering genuine care and support. Furthermore, the prophet Ezekiel condemns the leaders of Israel for their neglect of the weak and sick. In Ezekiel 34:4, God rebukes them, saying, "You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or searched for the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty" . This indictment underscores the expectation that those in positions of power and influence should care for the sick and vulnerable, a responsibility the wicked often shirk. The New Testament continues this theme, contrasting the behavior of the wicked with the example set by Jesus Christ. In the parable of the sheep and the goats, Jesus emphasizes the importance of caring for the sick as a reflection of one's righteousness. He states, "I was sick and you looked after Me" (Matthew 25:36), highlighting that the righteous are those who show compassion and care for the afflicted. In summary, the Bible portrays the wicked as those who neglect and exploit the sick, failing to show the compassion and mercy that God desires. This behavior is a stark contrast to the example set by Christ and the expectations laid out in Scripture for those who seek to live righteously. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 25:43I was a stranger, and you took me not in: naked, and you clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and you visited me not. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library A Prayer when one Begins to be Sick. Letter cciii. To the Bishops of the Sea Coast. The Monk Nilus. In Death and after Death The Resurrection of Lazarus How Another Contrarywise Before his Death Saw a Book Containing ... The Mystery of Iniquity The Good Samaritan Motives from the Necessities of the Work Prison Meditations Directed to the Heart of Suffering Saints and ... Resources What does the Bible say about healing? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a spirit of infirmity? | GotQuestions.org Why doesn't God heal everyone? | 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 |
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