wickedness
Wickedness refers to moral corruption and evil actions. In the biblical narrative, it is often associated with the rejection of God's laws and commands. The Old Testament frequently warns against wickedness, emphasizing that it leads to judgment and separation from God (Psalm 1:4-6). Jesus' mention of wickedness underscores the internal nature of sin, which defiles a person.

deceit
Deceit involves misleading or lying to others, often for personal gain. It is a violation of the commandment against bearing false witness (Exodus 20:16). In the New Testament, deceit is contrasted with truth, which is a key attribute of God (John 14:6). The Pharisees, whom Jesus often rebuked, were criticized for their hypocrisy and deceitful practices (Matthew 23:27-28).

debauchery
Debauchery refers to excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures, often leading to moral corruption. In the Greco-Roman world, such behavior was common in pagan rituals and feasts. The Bible warns against such lifestyles, urging believers to live soberly and righteously (Ephesians 5:18). This term highlights the contrast between the world's values and the holiness God requires.

envy
Envy is the feeling of discontent or resentment aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or success. It is a destructive emotion that can lead to further sin, as seen in the story of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:3-8). The New Testament teaches contentment and gratitude as antidotes to envy (Philippians 4:11-13).

slander
Slander involves making false and damaging statements about others. It is condemned in both the Old and New Testaments as it harms relationships and community (Proverbs 10:18). Jesus emphasizes the importance of truth and love in speech, reflecting God's character (Ephesians 4:15).

arrogance
Arrogance is an attitude of superiority and pride, often leading to the devaluation of others. The Bible consistently warns against pride, as it leads to downfall (Proverbs 16:18). Jesus exemplified humility, teaching that greatness in God's kingdom comes through servanthood (Mark 10:43-45).

foolishness
Foolishness in the biblical sense is not merely a lack of intelligence but a moral failing, characterized by a disregard for God's wisdom and commands. The book of Proverbs contrasts the wise, who fear the Lord, with fools who despise wisdom and instruction (Proverbs 1:7). Jesus' teachings often highlight the importance of building one's life on His words, which is the foundation of true wisdom (Matthew 7:24-27).

• Jesus lists greed to show that sin is not just outward action but an inward craving for more than God provides.

• Luke 12:15 warns, “Watch out and guard yourselves against every form of greed,” reminding us that life is not built on possessions.

• Ephesians 5:3 links greed with impurity and idolatry, exposing its spiritual danger.

• 1 Timothy 6:10 explains how “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil,” revealing how unchecked desire corrupts the heart.

• Wickedness is general moral corruption springing from a heart that refuses God’s standard.

• Genesis 6:5 shows how “every inclination of the thoughts of their hearts was altogether evil all the time,” resulting in judgment.

• Psalm 7:9 prays for God to “bring an end to the evil of the wicked,” indicating a clear divide between righteousness and wickedness.

• Romans 1:29 lists wickedness among the fruits of a mind that suppresses truth.

• Deceit twists truth to gain advantage, opposing the God who “cannot lie” (Titus 1:2).

• Psalm 34:13 urges us to “keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech.”

• Jeremiah 17:9 highlights how “the heart is deceitful above all things,” exposing why deception flows from within.

• 1 Peter 2:1 instructs believers to lay aside deceit just as newborns crave pure milk, marking genuine growth.

• Debauchery describes reckless indulgence that deadens spiritual sensitivity.

• Ephesians 4:19 portrays those who “having lost all sense of shame, indulge in every kind of impurity.”

• Galatians 5:19 lists “sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery” as works of the flesh, opposed to the fruit of the Spirit.

• 1 Peter 4:3 reminds believers they have spent enough past time in debauchery, urging a break with old patterns.

• Envy resents God’s blessings in another’s life, defying contentment.

• Proverbs 14:30 states, “A tranquil heart gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”

• James 3:16 warns that “where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil practice.”

• 1 Peter 2:1 again singles out envy as a hindrance to growth in salvation.

• Slander uses words to assassinate character, contradicting the God of truth.

• Proverbs 10:18 says, “Whoever spreads slander is a fool,” connecting malicious speech to folly.

• Colossians 3:8 commands, “Rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander.”

• James 4:11 cautions against speaking evil of a brother, noting that judgment belongs to God.

• Arrogance exalts self and diminishes God and neighbor.

• Proverbs 16:18 warns, “Pride goes before destruction.”

• James 4:6 assures that “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble,” showing divine resistance to haughtiness.

• 1 Corinthians 13:4 reminds us that love “does not boast, it is not proud,” placing humility at love’s core.

• Foolishness in Scripture is moral, not merely intellectual—living as if God’s wisdom does not matter.

• Psalm 14:1 declares, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’”

• Proverbs 15:21 teaches that “folly is joy to one who lacks sense,” revealing how sin darkens delight.

• Ephesians 5:17 urges, “Do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is,” calling believers to purposeful obedience.

In Mark 7:22 Jesus diagnoses the heart, exposing eight inner sins that defile a person long before any outward act. Greed longs for more, wickedness rejects God’s standard, deceit manipulates truth, debauchery indulges passions, envy resents blessings, slander wounds with words, arrogance glorifies self, and foolishness dismisses divine wisdom. Each carries its own scriptural warnings, yet all share the same root: a heart turned away from God. Christ’s list drives us to repentance and to the cleansing only He can provide, transforming the inner life so that what flows out honors Him.

An evil eye.--As explained by Matthew 20:15 (where see Note), the "evil eye" is that which looks askance on the good of others--i.e., envy in its most malignant form.

Pride.--Better, perhaps, haughtiness. This is the only passage in the New Testament where the word so translated occurs. The cognate adjective meets us in Romans 1:30; 2Timothy 3:2.

Foolishness.--This, again, is a rare word in the New Testament, meeting us only in 2Corinthians 11:1; 2Corinthians 11:17; 2Corinthians 11:21. As interpreted by Proverbs 14:18; Proverbs 15:21, it is the folly which consists in the absence of the fear of God, the infatuation of impiety. . . .

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