God's displeasure with wickedness is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, reflecting His holy nature and His desire for righteousness among His people. The Scriptures consistently portray God as a righteous judge who cannot tolerate sin and wickedness. This entry explores various aspects of God's response to human wickedness as revealed in the Bible.

Old Testament

In the Old Testament, God's displeasure with wickedness is evident from the earliest narratives. In Genesis 6:5-6, the Bible describes the state of humanity before the flood: "Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time. And the LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart." This passage highlights God's sorrow over human sinfulness and sets the stage for the judgment of the flood.

The account of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 18-19 further illustrates God's intolerance of wickedness. The cities were notorious for their sin, and God revealed to Abraham His intention to destroy them. Genesis 18:20-21 states, "Then the LORD said, 'The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great. Because their sin is so grievous, I will go down to see if their actions fully justify the outcry that has reached Me. If not, I will find out.'" The subsequent destruction of these cities serves as a powerful example of divine judgment against pervasive wickedness.

The prophets frequently addressed the issue of wickedness among the Israelites, warning them of impending judgment if they did not repent. In Isaiah 1:4, the prophet laments, "Alas, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a brood of evildoers, depraved children! They have forsaken the LORD; they have despised the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on Him." This passage underscores the seriousness with which God views the sin of His people and His call for repentance.

New Testament

In the New Testament, God's displeasure with wickedness continues to be a significant theme. Jesus Himself spoke against sin and called for repentance. In Matthew 23, Jesus denounces the hypocrisy and wickedness of the religious leaders, saying in verse 27, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity."

The apostle Paul also addresses God's wrath against wickedness 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 emphasizes that God's righteous judgment is directed toward those who persist in sin and reject His truth.

The book of Revelation provides a vivid depiction of God's ultimate judgment against wickedness. Revelation 21:8 warns, "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 passage serves as a sobering reminder of the eternal consequences of unrepentant wickedness.

God's Call to Righteousness

Despite His displeasure with wickedness, God consistently calls His people to righteousness and offers forgiveness to those who repent. In Ezekiel 18:30-32, God declares, "Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge each one of you according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your offenses, so that sin will not be your downfall. Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel? For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live!"

The New Testament echoes this call to repentance and righteousness. In 2 Peter 3:9, it is written, "The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance." This verse highlights God's desire for all to turn from wickedness and embrace His offer of salvation through Jesus Christ.