The concept of preferring evil over good is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, illustrating the fallen nature of humanity and the spiritual battle between righteousness and wickedness. This preference for evil is often depicted as a willful rejection of God's commandments and a turning away from His light.

Biblical References

1. Genesis 6:5 · The early chapters of Genesis set the stage for understanding humanity's inclination towards evil. "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." This verse highlights the pervasive nature of evil in the human heart, even from the earliest times.

2. Proverbs 17:13 · The wisdom literature of the Old Testament often contrasts good and evil, emphasizing the consequences of choosing the latter. "If anyone returns evil for good, evil will never leave his house." This proverb warns of the enduring repercussions of preferring evil over good.

3. Isaiah 5:20 · The prophet Isaiah speaks directly to the moral confusion that arises when evil is chosen over good. "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness to light and light to darkness, who replace bitter with sweet and sweet with bitter." This verse underscores the distortion of moral values that occurs when evil is embraced.

4. John 3:19-20 · In the New Testament, Jesus Himself addresses the human tendency to love darkness rather than light. "And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed." Here, the preference for evil is linked to a fear of exposure and a rejection of divine truth.

5. Romans 1:28-32 · The Apostle Paul provides a detailed description of the depravity that results from choosing evil over good. "Furthermore, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them up to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity." This passage illustrates the moral decay that follows when individuals and societies turn away from God.

Theological Implications

The love of evil over good is not merely a moral failing but a spiritual condition that reflects humanity's fallen state. It is a manifestation of sin, which separates individuals from God and leads to spiritual death. The Bible consistently calls believers to reject evil and cling to what is good, as seen in Romans 12:9: "Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good."

Practical Considerations

For believers, the call to choose good over evil is a daily challenge that requires vigilance and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 6:11-12 reminds Christians to "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This spiritual armor equips believers to resist the temptation to prefer evil and to stand firm in righteousness.

Conclusion

The love of evil over good is a profound biblical theme that underscores the need for redemption and transformation through Jesus Christ. The Scriptures call believers to discernment, urging them to reject evil and pursue the goodness that reflects God's character.