Have you ever questioned your worth or struggled to understand what it means to be truly valuable? The Bible has a lot to say about the value of each individual. From our inherent worth as creations of God to the spiritual principles of valuing others, Scripture offers timeless wisdom. Let’s explore how the Bible defines value and how it can shape our understanding of self and others.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Being Clean
What Does The Bible Say About Evil In The World
1 John 5:19
“We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.”
This verse reminds us that as believers, we are not of this world, but we are called to navigate through it. It emphasizes the reality of evil in the world, acknowledging that there is a spiritual battle taking place. However, it also reassures us that as children of God, we have His protection and guidance in overcoming the evil influences around us.
While evil may seem pervasive, this verse encourages us to remember our identity as children of God and to draw strength from Him as we seek to combat the effects of evil in our lives and in the world.
Ephesians 6:12
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
This verse reveals the source of evil and emphasizes the spiritual battle we face as believers. It reminds us that our fight is not against other people but against the spiritual forces of darkness. It highlights the power and influence that these evil forces possess.
Understanding this truth, we are encouraged to equip ourselves with the armor of God described in the following verses in Ephesians 6. By relying on God’s strength and utilizing the tools He provides, we can stand firm against evil and protect ourselves from its deceptive attacks.
Matthew 6:13
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
Within the Lord’s Prayer, this verse acknowledges the presence of evil and the need for God’s deliverance. It demonstrates our dependence on God to shield us from the snares and temptations of the evil one.
By praying for God’s guidance and protection, we humble ourselves before Him and recognize our vulnerability to the temptations and influences of evil. This verse reminds us to seek God’s intervention and deliverance as we navigate through a world filled with evil.
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of submitting to God and actively resisting the devil’s influence. It encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, knowing that when they resist the devil, he will eventually retreat.
By submitting to God, we acknowledge His authority and actively choose to align our lives with His will. This submission enables us to overcome the schemes of the evil one and remain steadfast in our commitment to righteousness.
1 Peter 5:8
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
This verse serves as a warning and a call to vigilance. It reminds us that the devil is actively seeking to destroy and deceive believers. Like a lion stalking its prey, he looks for vulnerable individuals to target.
Being alert and of sober mind involves staying focused on God, being aware of the enemy’s tactics, and guarding against his schemes. By relying on God’s strength and wisdom, we can resist the devil’s attacks and avoid being devoured by his deceit.
John 8:44
“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
Jesus spoke these words to those who opposed Him. This verse reveals the true nature of the devil as a liar and a murderer. It exposes the destructive influence of evil and the deceptive tactics employed by the evil one.
By recognizing that lies are the language of the devil, we are equipped to discern and resist his deceptions. This verse reminds us to hold steadfastly to the truth found in Christ and to reject the falsehoods perpetuated by the evil one.
2 Corinthians 4:4
“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
This verse highlights the spiritual blindness caused by the god of this age, referring to the devil. It reveals his influence in obscuring the truth of the gospel from the unbelieving world.
Understanding this truth compels us to share the gospel with a sense of urgency and compassion, recognizing the spiritual battle that is taking place for the souls of unbelievers. We are called to pray for God’s intervention in removing the spiritual blindness and to boldly proclaim the light of the gospel to those who are still under the control of the evil one.
1 Peter 3:12
“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
This verse assures believers that God is actively watching over the righteous and listening to their prayers. It also affirms that God will bring judgment upon those who do evil.
In times when evil seems to prevail, this verse provides comfort by reminding us that God is ultimately just and that the wicked will not go unpunished. It encourages us to continue living righteously and to trust in God’s perfect timing for justice to be served.
Proverbs 16:4
“The Lord works out everything to its proper end—even the wicked for a day of disaster.”
This verse reveals the sovereignty of God over all things, including the wicked. It assures us that ultimately, God will bring justice and determine the proper outcome for every situation.
When grappling with the apparent triumph of evil, this verse encourages us to trust in God’s wisdom and righteous judgment. It reminds us that even though evil may seem to prosper temporarily, God will ultimately work everything out according to His purposes.
1 Timothy 4:1
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”
This verse serves as a warning about the potential for spiritual deception in the latter days. It acknowledges the existence of deceiving spirits and demons who seek to lead people away from the truth of the faith.
As believers, this verse calls us to remain vigilant and discerning, holding fast to sound doctrine and rejecting any teaching that contradicts the truth of God’s Word. It reminds us to rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance and to be aware of the spiritual battles that surround us.
Galatians 5:19-21
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
These verses provide a list of the works of the flesh, which are indicative of the evil in the world. They serve as a reminder of the destructive behaviors and attitudes that oppose God’s standards and hinder our relationship with Him.
By highlighting the consequences of such behaviors, these verses urge believers to flee from the works of the flesh and instead live according to the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). They emphasize the importance of cultivating godly virtues instead of indulging in the evil desires of the world.
Psalm 37:1-2
“Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.”
This passage encourages believers not to be consumed by worry or envy when observing the apparent success or prosperity of those who do evil. It reminds us that their temporary prosperity is fleeting.
By focusing on God’s perspective and trusting in His righteous judgment, we can find peace and contentment instead of being overwhelmed by the presence of evil in the world. This passage reminds us to fix our gaze on God and His faithfulness rather than allowing ourselves to be disheartened by the temporary successes of the wicked.
Romans 12:21
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
This verse calls believers to respond to evil with goodness instead of allowing themselves to be defeated by it. It emphasizes the power of our actions to counteract and conquer evil.
By living a life characterized by love, kindness, and forgiveness, we can actively resist the evil in the world. This verse challenges us to be agents of change, bringing light into darkness and actively working to overcome evil’s influence through the power of God’s goodness and grace.
Proverbs 14:22
“Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.”
This verse highlights the ultimate outcome of those who engage in evil schemes. It suggests that their plans will ultimately lead to their own downfall.
For believers, this verse provides encouragement to consistently choose what is good, knowing that it will lead to love and faithfulness. It reminds us that evil may seem attractive and appealing in the moment, but its consequences are ultimately destructive.
1 Thessalonians 5:22
“Abstain from every form of evil.”
This verse calls believers to have a zero-tolerance approach towards evil in any form. It emphasizes the importance of actively rejecting and abstaining from any actions, behaviors, or influences that are contrary to God’s standards.
As followers of Christ, we are called to live lives that reflect His holiness and righteousness. This verse challenges us to be intentional in our choices and to prioritize our commitment to God by avoiding all forms of evil.
Romans 16:19
“I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.”
Here, the apostle Paul encourages believers to cultivate wisdom regarding what is good while maintaining a sense of innocence towards what is evil. It emphasizes the importance of discernment and wisdom in navigating the complexities of the world.
By actively seeking wisdom and discernment from God, we can develop a clear understanding of what is pleasing to Him and recognize the deceitful schemes of the evil one. This verse challenges us to pursue wisdom while remaining untainted by the evil that surrounds us.
Psalm 11:5
“The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion.”
This verse reveals God’s attitude towards the wicked and those who perpetrate violence. It portrays His righteous anger towards those who delight in evil and harm others.
As believers, this verse calls us to align our hearts with God’s and to share His disdain for violence and wickedness. It reminds us that God’s justice will ultimately prevail, offering hope and assurance that the evil in the world will be held accountable.
2 Timothy 3:1-5
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”
These verses paint a grim picture of the state of the world in the last days. They outline the various characteristics and behaviors that will be prevalent in a society influenced by evil.
As believers, these verses serve as a warning to not be swayed by the prevailing attitudes and values of the world. They call us to remain steadfast in our commitment to godliness, righteousness, and love for God and others. They highlight the importance of discernment and the pursuit of authentic, transformative faith rather than mere religious externalities.
Psalm 91:10-11
“No harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”
These verses offer comfort and assurance to believers, highlighting God’s promise of protection from all harm and disaster. They emphasize the supernatural protection and guidance provided by God through His angels.
Amidst the presence of evil in the world, these verses remind us that we are not left defenseless. They encourage us to trust in God’s protective hand and to rely on His divine intervention in the face of danger or adversity.
Psalm 37:7
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”
This verse encourages believers to remain calm and patient before the Lord despite witnessing the success of those who carry out wicked schemes. It reminds us not to be consumed by worry or envy towards the apparent prosperity of the wicked.
By trusting in God’s sovereignty and timing, we can find peace in knowing that He will ultimately bring justice and judgment. Instead of being overwhelmed by the presence of evil, we are called to fix our eyes on God and patiently await His righteous judgment.
Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
This verse encourages believers to persevere in doing what is good, even when faced with the persistent presence of evil. It reminds us that our efforts to live according to God’s standards and make a positive impact are not in vain.
Despite the challenges and discouragements we may face, this verse offers hope by assuring us that our faithful obedience will bear fruit in due time. It encourages us to keep pressing on, knowing that God’s promises are sure and that the ultimate victory over evil is already secure in Christ.