Topical Encyclopedia
In the Bible, the term "wicked" is used to describe individuals who live in opposition to God's laws and righteousness. The wicked person is characterized by actions, thoughts, and intentions that are contrary to the will of God. This entry explores the biblical understanding of wickedness, its characteristics, consequences, and the ultimate fate of the wicked as presented in Scripture.
Characteristics of the WickedThe wicked are often depicted as those who reject God's commandments and pursue their own sinful desires. In the Book of Psalms, the wicked are described as those who "plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them" (
Psalm 37:12). They are known for their deceitful speech, as "the mouth of the wicked conceals violence" (
Proverbs 10:6). Their hearts are filled with malice, and they are quick to shed innocent blood (
Proverbs 6:17).
The wicked are also characterized by their pride and arrogance. They often believe they are beyond the reach of divine judgment, as seen in
Psalm 10:4: "In his pride the wicked man does not seek Him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God" . This pride leads them to act with impunity, disregarding the moral and ethical standards set by God.
Consequences of WickednessThe Bible is clear about the consequences that befall the wicked. Their actions lead to spiritual and often physical ruin.
Proverbs 11:21 states, "Be assured that the wicked will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will escape" . The wicked may prosper temporarily, but their success is fleeting and ultimately leads to destruction.
Psalm 73:18-19 describes their fate: "Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin. How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors!" .
The wicked are also separated from God, as their sin creates a barrier between them and the divine.
Isaiah 59:2 declares, "But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear" . This separation results in a lack of peace and fulfillment, as "there is no peace for the wicked" (
Isaiah 48:22).
Ultimate Fate of the WickedThe ultimate fate of the wicked is one of eternal separation from God. The New Testament reinforces this idea, emphasizing the final judgment where the wicked will be held accountable for their actions. In
Matthew 13:49-50, Jesus explains, "So it will be at the end of the age: The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous, and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth" .
Revelation 21:8 further describes the destiny of the wicked: "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 eternal punishment underscores the seriousness of wickedness and the importance of repentance and turning towards God.
Call to RepentanceDespite the grim portrayal of the wicked, the Bible consistently offers a message of hope and redemption. God desires that the wicked turn from their ways and seek His forgiveness.
Ezekiel 33:11 captures this divine longing: "As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways, for why should you die, O house of Israel?" .
The call to repentance is a central theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing God's mercy and willingness to forgive those who genuinely seek Him. Through faith in Jesus Christ, even the wicked can find redemption and be reconciled to God, as stated in 1
John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" .