The term "viciously" is not directly found in the Bible; however, the concept of vicious behavior is addressed throughout Scripture. Viciousness can be understood as a form of malice, cruelty, or wickedness, often manifesting in actions that are harmful or destructive to others. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that warn against such behavior and highlight its consequences.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, vicious behavior is often associated with the wicked and unrighteous. Proverbs frequently contrasts the righteous with the wicked, highlighting the destructive nature of the latter. Proverbs 4:16 states, "For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; they are deprived of slumber until they make someone fall." This verse illustrates the relentless and harmful intent of those who act viciously.

The account of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4 is an early example of viciousness, where Cain's jealousy and anger lead him to commit the first murder. Genesis 4:8 recounts, "Cain said to his brother Abel, 'Let us go out to the field.' And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him." This act of violence is condemned by God, demonstrating the serious consequences of such behavior.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, viciousness is addressed through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus emphasizes love and forgiveness, contrasting sharply with any form of malice or cruelty. In Matthew 5:44 , Jesus instructs, "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." This teaching calls believers to rise above viciousness and respond with love.

The Apostle Paul also addresses vicious behavior in his epistles. In Galatians 5:19-21 , Paul lists the "acts of the flesh," which include "hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy." He warns that those who live in such a manner "will not inherit the kingdom of God." Instead, Paul encourages believers to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, kindness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Moral and Ethical Implications

The Bible consistently portrays viciousness as contrary to God's will and character. Believers are called to emulate Christ, who exemplified love, compassion, and forgiveness. Ephesians 4:31-32 advises, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you."

Consequences of Viciousness

Scripture warns of the spiritual and relational consequences of vicious behavior. Those who engage in such actions are often depicted as being separated from God and His blessings. Psalm 34:16 declares, "But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to wipe out all memory of them from the earth." This underscores the seriousness with which God views viciousness and the ultimate justice He will bring.

Call to Righteousness

Believers are encouraged to pursue righteousness and reject all forms of viciousness. Romans 12:17-21 provides guidance on how to respond to evil: "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.' On the contrary, 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Through these teachings, the Bible calls individuals to a higher standard of conduct, one that reflects the love and holiness of God.

How Cyrenius was Sent by Caesar to Make a Taxation Of
... their notion is, that it hath pleased God to make a temperament, whereby what he
wills is done, but so that the will of man can act virtuously or viciously. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how cyrenius was.htm

Look we Then, Beloved, what Hardships in Labors and Sorrows Men ...
... 3. Look we then, beloved, what hardships in labors and sorrows men endure, for things
which they viciously love, and by how much they think to be made by them ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on patience /3 look we then beloved.htm

Man Would be More Unfavourably Situated than the Beasts if There ...
... who have lived well and ill, it must be either in the present life, while men are
still living who have conducted themselves virtuously or viciously, or after ...
/.../the treatise on the resurrection of the dead/chapter xix man would be more.htm

Theological Systems Devised to Harmonize the Dogmas of Grace and ...
... To-day, when so many more important things are at stake and the faith is viciously
assailed from without, the ancient controversy between Thomism and Molinism ...
/.../pohle/grace actual and habitual/section 2 theological systems devised.htm

Chapter twenty-seven
... stone. The other man stood viciously digging his stake into the ground.
"That's just what I am staying for," replied the Bishop. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter twenty-seven.htm

He Comes to his Own.
... rejected and accepted. He is rejected silently and contemptuously, then
aggressively and bitterly, viciously and murderously. "His own ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/he comes to his own.htm

The Twenty-Fifth Chapter: Zeal in Amending Our Lives
... Two things particularly further improvement"to withdraw oneself forcibly from those
vices to which nature is viciously inclined, and to work fervently for ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the twenty-fifth chapter zeal in.htm

That Love is Exercised in Penitence, and First, that There are ...
... For certainly many philosophers understood that to live virtuously was a thing
agreeable to the divinity, and that consequently to live viciously was offensive ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xviii that love is.htm

Cicero and Others of the Wisest Men Teach the Immortality of the ...
... For as life itself is a good if it is passed virtuously, but an evil if it is spent
viciously, so also death is to be weighed in accordance with the past ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xix cicero and others of.htm

Nevertheless one who Regards Only the Dissolution of the Body is ...
... the taste of honey, and so, falling away from that blessedness which is involved
in the thought of passionlessness, we have been viciously transformed"for ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/chapter viii nevertheless one who.htm

Viciously (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Viciously (1 Occurrence). Judges 15:8 He struck
them hip and thigh with a great slaughter: and he went ...
/v/viciously.htm - 6k

Victim (3 Occurrences)

/v/victim.htm - 7k

Vicious (3 Occurrences)

/v/vicious.htm - 7k

Wickedly (34 Occurrences)
... (adv.) In a wicked manner; in a manner, or with motives and designs, contrary to
the divine law or the law of morality; viciously; corruptly; immorally. ...
/w/wickedly.htm - 17k

Pharisees (86 Occurrences)
... that under the earth there will be rewards or punishments, according as they have
lived virtuously or viciously in this life, and the latter are to be detained ...
/p/pharisees.htm - 66k

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