We’ve all encountered people who seem to embody “bad” behavior, but what does the Bible say about bad people? Scripture doesn’t gloss over the existence of evil and wrongdoing, but it also reminds us of the power of redemption and God’s ability to transform lives. Let’s take a look at what the Bible teaches about bad people and how we should respond to them.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Drinking Beer
What Does The Bible Say About Bad People
Psalm 37:1
“Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong.”
This verse reminds us not to worry or be jealous of those who are wicked or engage in wrongdoing. It encourages us to trust in God’s justice and to focus on living according to His ways, rather than being consumed by negative thoughts about bad people.
As Christians, we are called to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). While it can be disheartening to see evil prosper, we must remember that God is ultimately in control and will bring justice in His perfect timing.
Proverbs 10:6
“Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.”
This verse highlights the contrasting outcomes for the righteous and the wicked. The righteous are blessed and experience the favor of God, while the wicked ultimately face the consequences of their violent actions.
It serves as a reminder that although bad people may appear to succeed temporarily, their wickedness will ultimately lead to their downfall. As believers, we can find comfort in knowing that God’s justice prevails and that He rewards those who live righteously.
Proverbs 24:19-20
“Do not fret because of evildoers or be envious of the wicked, for the evildoer has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.”
In these verses, we are cautioned against being consumed by worry or envy towards evildoers. The wicked may seem to prosper temporarily, but their future is devoid of hope, and their light will be extinguished.
As Christians, our focus should be on eternity rather than temporary earthly success. Rather than desiring the lifestyle or possessions of the wicked, we should seek to build our lives on a firm foundation of righteousness, knowing that it is in God alone that our true hope lies.
Proverbs 29:16
“When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall.”
This verse highlights the correlation between the flourishing of the wicked and the presence of sin. When wickedness is allowed to prosper, it often leads to an increase in sinful behavior.
However, the righteous can take comfort in knowing that God will bring about the downfall of the wicked. It serves as a reminder to remain steadfast in our faith and to trust that God will ultimately bring justice and put an end to the reign of sin.
Psalm 37:9-10
“For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land. A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found.”
These verses reassure us that evil will not prevail in the end. Those who put their hope in the Lord will inherit the land and witness the ultimate destruction of the wicked.
Even though bad people may seem to hold power or cause trouble, their time is limited. As believers, we can find solace in knowing that God will bring about justice and remove the presence of evil from our lives.
Romans 12:17-21
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
These verses provide guidance on how we should respond to bad people. We are instructed not to seek revenge or repay evil with evil. Instead, we are called to do what is right in the eyes of everyone and to live at peace with others, as far as it depends on us.
By responding to evil with acts of kindness and love, we not only overcome evil but also demonstrate the transformative power of God’s grace. Our ultimate hope lies in God’s justice, and it is our role to extend His love and forgiveness to those who may oppose us.
Psalm 10:15
“Break the arm of the wicked man; call the evildoer to account for his wickedness that would not otherwise be found out.”
This verse expresses a prayer for God to intervene and hold the wicked accountable for their actions. It acknowledges that without divine intervention, the wickedness of evildoers might go unnoticed and unpunished.
While it is not our place to seek personal vengeance, we can place our trust in God to bring about justice. This verse reminds us that God sees all things and that He will ensure justice prevails, even in situations where the wickedness of bad people may seem hidden.
Psalm 94:3-4
“How long, Lord, will the wicked, how long will the wicked be jubilant? They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers are full of boasting.”
In these verses, the psalmist expresses frustration and impatience with the triumph and arrogance of the wicked. They question how long the wicked will continue to celebrate and boast in their sinful ways.
These verses serve as a reminder that God’s timing is not always immediate, and it can be challenging to witness the temporary success of bad people. However, we are encouraged to trust in God’s sovereignty and to remember that He will ultimately put an end to their boasting and bring about justice.
Proverbs 2:21-22
“For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it; but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be torn from it.”
This verse emphasizes the contrast between the destiny of the righteous and the wicked. The upright and blameless will have a place to dwell in the land, while the wicked and unfaithful will be removed from it.
As followers of Christ, we are called to live upright and blameless lives, committing ourselves to God’s ways. Although it may seem that bad people prosper in the short term, their ultimate fate is separation from the blessings and goodness of God’s presence.
Psalm 1:1-6
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.”
These verses contrast the path and destiny of the righteous and the wicked. Those who delight in the law of the Lord and seek to follow His ways will be fruitful, prosperous, and firmly rooted in God’s blessings.
On the other hand, the wicked are described as chaff that is easily blown away by the wind. They will not stand in the judgment or be included in the assembly of the righteous. The Lord watches over the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
Proverbs 28:1
“The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.”
This verse contrasts the behavior of the wicked with that of the righteous. The wicked are described as being paranoid and constantly running away, even when no one is pursuing them.
On the other hand, the righteous are portrayed as bold and courageous, much like a lion. They stand firm in their convictions and are not easily swayed or intimidated by the wicked or their actions.
Psalm 140:1-2
“Rescue me, Lord, from evildoers; protect me from the violent, who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day.”
In these verses, the psalmist cries out to the Lord for deliverance from evildoers and protection from the violent. They acknowledge the wicked schemes and continuous conflict instigated by those who harbor evil intentions in their hearts.
As believers, we can find solace in knowing that God is our ultimate protector. When faced with the actions of bad people, we can confidently turn to Him for rescue and find comfort in His unfailing love and faithfulness.
Matthew 5:44-45
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
Jesus instructs us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. By doing so, we demonstrate that we are true children of our Heavenly Father who shows kindness and generosity to both the evil and the good.
These verses remind us that our response to bad people should be rooted in God’s love and grace. Instead of seeking revenge or harboring hatred, we are called to extend forgiveness, pursue reconciliation, and pray for the transformation of those who do wrong.
Psalm 52:1-5
“Why do you boast of evil, you mighty hero? Why do you boast all day long, you who are a disgrace in the eyes of God? You who practice deceit, your tongue plots destruction; it is like a sharpened razor. You love evil rather than good, falsehood rather than speaking the truth. You love every harmful word, you deceitful tongue! Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin: He will snatch you up and pluck you from your tent; he will uproot you from the land of the living.”
These verses serve as an admonition to those who boast of their evil deeds and engage in deceitful practices. The psalmist describes their tongues as plotting destruction and their love for falsehood and harmful words.
The passage concludes with the assurance that God will bring about the downfall and ruin of the wicked. It serves as a reminder that pride, deceit, and love for evil will ultimately lead to everlasting destruction and separation from God’s presence.
Proverbs 26:26
“Though their hatred is concealed by deception, their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.”
This verse highlights the deceptive nature of the wicked and their attempts to conceal their hatred. Despite their efforts, their true wickedness will eventually be revealed in the assembly or community.
It serves as a reminder that evil may try to hide behind a facade, but it cannot remain hidden indefinitely. In due time, the true nature of bad people will come to light, and their actions will be exposed for all to see.
Psalm 73:3-5
“For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills.”
In these verses, the psalmist acknowledges the struggle of envying the prosperity and apparent ease of the wicked. They observe that bad people often seem to lead comfortable lives without the typical struggles or illnesses faced by others.
These verses reflect a common human experience of questioning why evil seems to flourish while the righteous may face difficulties. The psalmist’s journey continues to explore this perplexity and ultimately finds solace in God’s justice and the eternal perspective of the righteous.
Proverbs 24:1-2
“Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company; for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble.”
These verses caution against envy and desiring the company of the wicked. It is highlighted that bad people have hearts that plot violence and engage in conversations that stir up trouble.
As believers, we are called to be discerning and cautious about the company we keep. This verse reminds us that associating ourselves with the wicked can have negative consequences and lead us away from a righteous path.
1 Peter 3:9
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
This verse instructs believers not to retaliate when faced with evil or insults. Instead, we are called to respond with blessings, knowing that we were called to this behavior in order to inherit God’s blessings.
The teachings of Jesus consistently emphasize the importance of responding to bad people with love, forgiveness, and kindness. By repaying evil with blessings, we demonstrate God’s transformative work in our lives and create opportunities for redemption and reconciliation.
Proverbs 11:21
“Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free.”
This verse reassures us that the wicked will not escape punishment for their actions. God’s justice guarantees that they will be held accountable for their deeds.
On the other hand, the righteous can find comfort in knowing that they will be set free from the consequences of their sin through God’s grace and forgiveness. It serves as a reminder that, in the grand scheme of things, justice will always prevail, and the righteous will be vindicated.
Ecclesiastes 8:12-13
“Although a wicked person who commits a hundred crimes may live a long time, I know that it will go better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him. Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow.”
These verses acknowledge that, at times, bad people may appear to live long lives despite committing various crimes. However, the author affirms that ultimately, those who fear God and live in reverent obedience will experience a better outcome.
The passage emphasizes the importance of fearing God and living in alignment with His ways. The wicked may seem to thrive temporarily, but their ultimate fate will only lead to ruin and shorten their days in comparison to the shadowy existence they lead.
Proverbs 11:31
“If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!”
This verse draws attention to the contrast in the consequences faced by the righteous and the ungodly. If the righteous, who strive to live according to God’s ways, face challenges and difficulties on earth, it is implied that the ungodly and the sinners will face even greater consequences.
It serves as a reminder that the temporary suffering or trials faced by the righteous pale in comparison to the ultimate fate of the wicked. God’s justice ensures that each person will reap what they have sown, both in this life and in eternity.