The Bible frequently addresses the nature and actions of the wicked, often highlighting their corruption as a defining characteristic. The term "corrupt" in the biblical context refers to moral decay, perversion of justice, and deviation from God's righteous standards. The Scriptures provide numerous insights into the corrupt nature of the wicked, illustrating their actions and the consequences thereof.

Old Testament Insights

The Old Testament provides vivid descriptions of the corruption inherent in the wicked. In Genesis 6:11-12, the earth is described as being "corrupt in the sight of God," with all flesh having "corrupted their way upon the earth." This corruption was so pervasive that it led to the divine judgment of the flood. The narrative underscores the extent to which human wickedness can distort God's creation.

In the Psalms, the wicked are frequently depicted as corrupt. Psalm 14:1 states, "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good." This verse highlights the link between disbelief in God and moral corruption, suggesting that a rejection of divine authority leads to a life characterized by vile deeds.

The prophet Isaiah also speaks to the corruption of the wicked, particularly in the context of social injustice. Isaiah 1:4 laments, "Oh, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a brood of evildoers, children of depravity! They have forsaken the LORD; they have despised the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on Him." Here, corruption is associated with a turning away from God and a failure to uphold justice and righteousness.

New Testament Perspectives

The New Testament continues to address the theme of corruption among the wicked. In Romans 1:21-22 , the Apostle Paul describes how humanity's rejection of God leads to a corrupt mind: "For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools." This passage illustrates the spiritual and intellectual corruption that results from denying God's truth.

In 2 Peter 2:19 , the apostle warns against false teachers who promise freedom but are themselves "slaves of corruption." This highlights the deceptive nature of the wicked, who, despite their promises, are bound by their own moral decay. The passage serves as a caution against those who lead others astray through corrupt teachings.

Consequences of Corruption

The Scriptures make it clear that the corruption of the wicked leads to divine judgment. Proverbs 11:19 states, "Genuine righteousness leads to life, but the pursuit of evil brings death." This proverbial wisdom underscores the ultimate consequence of a corrupt life: separation from God and spiritual death.

In Revelation 21:8 , the fate of the corrupt is explicitly stated: "But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death." This eschatological vision affirms the eternal consequences of living a life marked by corruption and wickedness.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of the wicked as corrupt serves as a stark warning against moral decay and a call to pursue righteousness. Through both the Old and New Testaments, the Scriptures consistently reveal the destructive nature of corruption and the inevitable judgment that follows.2 Corinthians 2:17
For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... Scriptures Showing The Sin And Danger Of Joining With ... Corruption within is the mire,
the wicked's seducements are like ... And he is like a corrupt, infected, and ...
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Gentleness.
... Fruit-bearing trees are used in the Scriptures to represent the race of mankind.
The Savior likens the wicked to "corrupt trees," which bear evil fruit and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/how to live a holy life/gentleness.htm

The Treasure Hid in the Scriptures is Christ; the True Exposition ...
... the dead, proving to them from the Scriptures themselves "that ... [4162] Thou that art
waxen old in wicked days, now ... For we are not as many, who corrupt the Word ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxvi the treasure hid in.htm

The Wicked Husbandmen.
... a forest-tree; thus an apostate and corrupt Church is ... of the Lord unrevealed, and
a terror to wicked men unspoken ... Did ye never read in the Scriptures, The stone ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xi the wicked husbandmen.htm

The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine ...
... has no pleasure in the death of the wicked; that His ... day and by night in the Holy
Scriptures which are ... as Israel's kings became more and more corrupt until God ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter six the typical significance.htm

Of Passages from the Holy Scriptures, and from the Apocrypha ...
... our cause, and count us of all wicked men the ... religion which is delivered in the
Scriptures, and which ... they either overlook, or disguise, or corrupt; so that ...
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Every Thing Proceeding from the Corrupt Nature of Man Damnable.
... former chapter, proving, from passages of Scriptures that the ... to will ill the part
of corrupt nature, to ... good, is not the devil necessarily wicked, what answer ...
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Acts 17:26 "One Blood. "
... are continually pouring contempt on the Old Testament Scriptures, and especially
on ... you will find men and women are naturally wicked, corrupt, selfish, proud ...
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What the Scriptures Principally Teach: the Ruin and Recovery of ...
... As we find in the Scriptures, man once righteous and ... must our affections be, that
are certainly more corrupt! ... it is "desperately wicked," Jeremiah 17:9. In a ...
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True Christianity Defended
... the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall ... of our Church, nor the Scriptures,
nor the ... to themselves inventions wherewith they constantly corrupt others also ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 134 true christianity defended.htm

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