Wicked People

רָשָׁע/WIK-ed PEE-pul/

“Rasha, wicked, guilty, one who is in the wrong; Greek poneros, evil, bad, wicked”

Summary

Scripture extensively describes the character, conduct, and destiny of the wicked—those who persistently reject God and pursue evil, contrasting them sharply with the righteous.

☩Biblical Descriptions

Scripture employs powerful imagery to characterize the wicked: chaff blown by the wind, dogs returning to vomit, clouds without water, fruitless trees twice dead, wild waves foaming their shame, wandering stars for whom blackest darkness is reserved. They are compared to bad fish to be thrown away, corrupt trees bearing bad fruit, grass that withers, and serpents with deadly venom. These metaphors emphasize both their worthlessness before God and their destructive influence on others.

Key verses:Psalm 1:4Jude 12-132 Peter 2:22Matthew 7:17-19

☩Character of the Wicked

The wicked are characterized by pride, self-sufficiency, hatred of God and His people, lies and deception, violence, and moral corruption. They call evil good and good evil, putting darkness for light and light for darkness. Wickedness begins as a thought, becomes a deed, shapes character, and finally determines destiny. Jesus taught that evil proceeds from within, out of the heart—wickedness, deceit, and all evil things defile a person.

Key verses:Isaiah 5:20Psalm 10:2-11Mark 7:21-23Romans 1:28-32

☩Destiny of the Wicked

Though the wicked may prosper temporarily, their end is destruction. They are like the green bay tree that flourishes briefly but is soon cut down. God reserves wrath for them; they will not stand in the judgment. Yet God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked but desires that they turn from their ways and live. The extensive biblical descriptions of wickedness serve as warnings calling sinners to repentance before it is too late.