Topical Bible: Truth: The Wicked Turn Away From

◄ Truth: The Wicked Turn Away From ►

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In the biblical narrative, truth is a central theme that is often juxtaposed with the actions and attitudes of the wicked. The Scriptures consistently portray truth as an attribute of God and a standard for righteous living, while the wicked are depicted as those who reject or turn away from it.

Old Testament Insights

The Old Testament frequently highlights the contrast between the righteous, who embrace truth, and the wicked, who reject it. In the book of Psalms, the psalmist declares, "The wicked are estranged from the womb; they go astray from birth, speaking lies" (Psalm 58:3). This verse underscores the inherent tendency of the wicked to deviate from truth, suggesting a deep-seated aversion to it.

Proverbs further elaborates on this theme, emphasizing the destructive nature of turning away from truth. Proverbs 12:22 states, "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight" . Here, the wicked are associated with deceit, which is in direct opposition to the truth that God values.

Prophetic Warnings

The prophets of the Old Testament also address the issue of the wicked turning away from truth. In Jeremiah 9:5, the prophet laments, "Each one deceives his neighbor; no one speaks the truth. They have taught their tongues to speak lies; they weary themselves with iniquity" . This passage highlights the societal impact of rejecting truth, as the wicked not only deceive themselves but also lead others astray.

Isaiah echoes this sentiment, warning of the consequences of abandoning truth. In Isaiah 59:14-15, it is written, "Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands at a distance. For truth has stumbled in the public square, and honesty cannot enter. Truth is missing, and whoever turns from evil becomes prey" . The absence of truth leads to a breakdown of justice and righteousness, illustrating the chaos that ensues when the wicked turn away from it.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues to address the theme of truth and the wicked's aversion to it. Jesus, in His teachings, often confronted the religious leaders of His time for their hypocrisy and rejection of truth. In John 8:44, He declares, "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies" . This stark rebuke highlights the spiritual lineage of those who reject truth, aligning them with the devil, the ultimate deceiver.

The apostle Paul also addresses the issue in his epistles. In Romans 1:18, he writes, "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness" . Paul identifies the suppression of truth as a hallmark of wickedness, leading to divine judgment.

The Call to Embrace Truth

Throughout Scripture, the call to embrace truth is clear and compelling. The wicked, by turning away from truth, align themselves with falsehood and deception, leading to spiritual and moral decay. The Bible consistently urges believers to seek and uphold truth, as it is foundational to a life that honors God and reflects His character.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Timothy 4:4
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned to fables.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Letter cxxii. To Rusticus.
... death of the wicked: but that the wicked turn from his ... enemies and overtake them:
neither will I turn again till ... the gospel, "I am the way, the truth, and the ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxii to rusticus.htm

John Chapter xv. 23
... knowing it, we love justice, we sometimes avoid, and turn away from, and ... to be wicked,
deny that to be the truth whereby the wicked are condemned. ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xc john chapter xv.htm

Letter cxlvii. To Sabinianus.
... in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way ... I am become your
enemy because I tell you the truth. ... [3994] "When thou shalt turn and bewail ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxlvii to sabinianus.htm

The Word of the Truth of the Gospel
... Do not turn away from them, as if you knew them too ... your deeds and prayers, to unfold
the heavenly truth to you ... any one be so foolish, not to say wicked, as to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bonar/gods way of peace/chapter vii the word of.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... If a man enter into the path of wicked men, he ... O pass by it, or, if thou be entered,
turn out of it ... thy heart diligently on the knowledge and lore of the truth. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

A Work of Reform.
... Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn
from his way ... to the acceptance and to the promulgation of truth, is the ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /26 a work of reform.htm

Salvation
... the 'when,' and read it as if it stood, 'If the wicked man turn away from his ... God
and Christ; a life of righteousness, and justice, and truth, and obedience ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon ii salvation.htm

Spiritual Meaning of the Passover.
... those do who have itching ears, [5041] and turn away their ears from the truth;
their methods ... or about things under the earth, or about wicked spirits and ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/13 spiritual meaning of the.htm

Epistle Catholic.
... to claim for themselves that saying: "When the wicked cometh, then ... heed to seducing
spirits, and doctrines of devils which turn away from the truth." [2466 ...
/.../ii epistle catholic.htm

The Apostasy which Prepares the Way for the Antichrist.
... the earth when He shall destroy this Wicked One by ... systems were outwardly attached
to the Truth, inasmuch as ... itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/2 the apostasy which prepares.htm