The Feet of the Wicked: Swift to Mischief
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The phrase "the feet of the wicked: swift to mischief" encapsulates a recurring biblical theme that highlights the eagerness and readiness of those who pursue evil to engage in wrongdoing. This concept is woven throughout Scripture, serving as a warning against the natural inclination of the sinful heart to pursue paths of destruction and immorality.

Biblical References

The imagery of feet being swift to do evil is vividly portrayed in several passages. Proverbs 6:16-18 lists things the Lord detests, including "feet that run swiftly to evil." This passage underscores the proactive nature of wickedness, where individuals are not merely passive in their sin but are actively seeking opportunities to commit it.

Isaiah 59:7 further elaborates on this theme: "Their feet run to evil; they are swift to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are sinful thoughts; ruin and destruction lie in their wake." Here, the prophet Isaiah describes the pervasive corruption and moral decay of those who are quick to engage in violence and injustice, emphasizing the destructive consequences of their actions.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Romans 3:15-17, where he quotes from the Old Testament to describe the universal sinfulness of humanity: "Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery lie in their wake, and the way of peace they have not known." Paul uses this imagery to illustrate the inherent sinfulness of mankind and the need for redemption through Christ.

Theological Implications

The swiftness of the wicked to engage in mischief is a reflection of the fallen human nature. It highlights the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, as the righteous are called to walk in the ways of the Lord, characterized by peace, justice, and righteousness. The feet of the wicked, in contrast, are driven by selfish desires and a disregard for God's commandments.

This theme also serves as a call to vigilance for believers. The readiness of the wicked to pursue evil acts as a reminder for Christians to guard their own hearts and to be mindful of the paths they choose. It underscores the importance of seeking God's guidance and strength to resist the temptations that lead to sin.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

From a moral and ethical standpoint, the concept of "feet swift to mischief" challenges individuals to examine their own lives and motivations. It calls for a rejection of the impulsive and destructive tendencies that lead to harm and encourages a commitment to living in accordance with God's will.

The Bible consistently warns against the dangers of aligning oneself with those who are quick to do evil. Proverbs 1:15-16 advises, "My son, do not walk the road with them or set foot upon their path. For their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed blood." This counsel serves as a practical guide for avoiding the influence of those who are intent on wrongdoing.

Practical Application

In practical terms, believers are encouraged to cultivate a lifestyle that reflects the character of Christ, whose feet were not swift to mischief but rather to serve, heal, and bring the good news of salvation. Ephesians 6:15 speaks of having "your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace," suggesting that Christians should be prepared to spread peace and righteousness rather than engage in or condone evil.

By understanding the biblical portrayal of the feet of the wicked as swift to mischief, believers are better equipped to recognize the dangers of sin and to pursue a life that honors God, characterized by integrity, compassion, and a commitment to justice.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Proverbs 6:18
An heart that devises wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that
deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

Treatise x. On Jealousy and Envy.
... in the Psalms: "Be not jealous against him who walketh prosperously in his way."
[3656] And again: "The wicked shall observe ... Their feet are swift to shed ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise x on jealousy and.htm

Waiting Only Upon God
... The wicked are like the troubled sea that cannot rest: be not thou ... mine eyes follow
after vanity, my lips utter leasing, my feet become swift to shed ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/waiting only upon god.htm

Psalm CXL.
... [5749] It hath not even feet, so that ... set forth yet more plainly in another Psalm,
"The wicked walk in ... speak; as it is written, "Let every man be swift to hear ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxl.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead
... not live again, and especially that the bodies of the wicked will not ... If these feet
are to walk the golden streets, let them not be swift after mischief ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the resurrection of the dead.htm

2 Cor. Iii. 5
... the Sinner is confirmed and settled more and more, in his wicked Course, by ... of Iniquity;
in the Execution of what is evil; their Feet are swift, and their ...
/.../sermon xiv 2 cor iii.htm

The Declensions of Christianity, an Argument of Its Truth.
... bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. ... law and government, and
trampling them under their feet. ... the pains occasioned in the wicked, by the ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon iv the declensions of.htm

On Faith
... are swifter than the light; even as swift as thought ... the heirs of salvation!" Sometimes
by counteracting wicked spirits whom ... to be a lantern to our feet, and a ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 122 on faith.htm

The Subject of Plagiarisms Resumed. The Greeks Plagiarized from ...
... Nor in the streams of water lave their feet.". Archilochus having likewise said:". ...
The wicked man?". ... Guides the swift ship when driven by winds; ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter ii the subject of plagiarisms.htm

Righteous Hatred
... it "deceitful above all things and desperately wicked." Oh! ... street with unkempt hair
and shoeless feet; but should ... God and the blessings came down swift as the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/righteous hatred.htm

Resources
How tall was Goliath? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of a footstool in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

How did Noah fit all the animals on the Ark? | GotQuestions.org

Feet: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Feet

Feet Washing

Feet: Bells Worn On

Feet: Sitting At

Feet: Washing of, As an Example, by Jesus

The Feet of Criminals: Bound With Fetters

The Feet of Criminals: Placed in Stocks

The Feet of Enemies often Maimed and Cut off

The Feet of Saints: At Liberty

The Feet of Saints: Established by God

The Feet of Saints: Guided by Christ

The Feet of Saints: Kept by God

The Feet of Strangers and Travellers Washed

The Feet of the Jews: Bare in Affliction

The Feet of the Jews: Neglected in Affliction

The Feet of the Jews: Washed Frequently

The Feet of the Wicked: Ensnared

The Feet of the Wicked: Swift to Mischief

The Feet of the Wicked: Swift to Shed Blood

The Feet of Women often Adorned With Tingling Ornaments

The Feet were Liable to Disease

The Feet were Liable to Injury from Stones

The Feet were Liable to Swelling from Walking

The Feet: (Dipped in Blood) of Victory

The Feet: (Set in a Large Place) Liberty

The Feet: (Set on a Rock) Stability

The Feet: (Sliding) Yielding to Temptation

The Feet: (Treading Under) Complete Destruction

The Feet: (Washed or Dipped in Oil) Abundance

The Feet: Condemnation Expressed by Shaking the Dust From

The Feet: Early Use of Shoes

The Feet: Necessary Members of the Body

The Feet: Neglect of Washing, Disrespectful to Guest

The Feet: Often Swift

The Feet: Origin of Uncovering in Consecrated Places

The Feet: Parts of, Mentioned in Scripture: Heel

The Feet: Parts of, Mentioned in Scripture: Sole

The Feet: Parts of, Mentioned in Scripture: Toes

The Feet: Path of, to be Pondered

The Feet: Respect Exhibited by Falling At

The Feet: Reverence Expressed by Kissing

The Feet: Sleep Expressed by Covering

The Feet: Stamped on the Ground in Extreme Joy or Grief

The Feet: Subjection Expressed by Licking the Dust of

The Feet: Subjugation of Enemies Expressed by Placing on Their Necks

The Feet: To be Directed by God's Word

The Feet: To be Guided by Wisdom and Discretion

The Feet: To be Refrained from Evil

The Feet: To be Turned to God's Testimonies

The Feet: Washing for Others, a Menial office

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The Feet of the Wicked: Ensnared
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