Calling bad things good can lead to confusion and sin. The Bible warns us to stay grounded in truth and righteousness. Today, we’ll see how scripture guides us in discerning right from wrong.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Calling Someone An Idiot
What Does The Bible Say About Calling The Bad Good
Isaiah 5:20
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!”
This verse warns against the danger of distorting the moral and ethical standards established by God. Calling the bad good implies a rejection of God’s righteous standards and a deliberate attempt to deceive oneself and others. It highlights the need for discernment and a steadfast commitment to truth and righteousness.
When individuals label sinful or wicked behavior as good, they confuse the boundaries between right and wrong, ultimately leading to moral confusion and moral decay. It is a reminder to be vigilant and not allow society’s shifting values to dictate our understanding of what is truly good and evil.
Proverbs 17:15
“Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent— the Lord detests them both.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of justice and integrity. Calling the bad good includes unjustly absolving the guilty and unjustly condemning the innocent. God is the epitome of justice, and He abhors any form of corruption or perversion of justice.
As believers, we are called to uphold justice and fairness in all aspects of our lives. We should actively resist the temptation to twist the truth or justify wrongdoing, recognizing that God’s standard of justice cannot be compromised or manipulated.
Matthew 7:15
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”
This verse serves as a cautionary warning against those who seek to deceive and manipulate others by calling bad actions or false teachings good. False prophets may appear righteous outwardly but their true intentions are to lead people astray and promote what is evil.
It is crucial for believers to remain discerning in their interactions and to test every teaching against the truth of God’s Word. By staying grounded in the truth and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can identify false teachings and protect ourselves from those who would deceive us.
Proverbs 24:24-25
“Whoever says to the guilty, ‘You are innocent,’ will be cursed by peoples and denounced by nations. But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come on them.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining justice and truthfulness. Calling the bad good by declaring the guilty innocent brings about condemnation and curses. On the other hand, upholding justice by convicting the guilty leads to blessings and the approval of people.
In a world that often seeks to excuse or justify wrongdoing, it is essential for believers to stand firm in their commitment to truth and justice. By convicting the guilty and holding them accountable, we participate in God’s righteousness, promoting a just society and demonstrating love for both the victim and the culprit.
Isaiah 10:1
“Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees.”
This verse highlights the consequences of those who call the bad good through the enactment of unjust laws or oppressive decrees. Such actions not only violate God’s moral law but also result in the oppression and suffering of others.
As believers, we are called to advocate for justice and speak out against laws or decrees that perpetuate injustice or harm others. It is our responsibility to work towards a society that upholds fairness and equity while adhering to the principles of God’s Word.
Psalm 52:3-4
“You love evil rather than good, falsehood rather than speaking the truth. You love every harmful word, you deceitful tongue!”
This verse depicts the mindset of individuals who call the bad good. They are characterized by their preference for evil over good, their inclination towards falsehood and deception, and their delight in uttering harmful words.
As believers, we should strive to embody the opposite of what is described in this verse. We are called to love good, speak the truth, and use our words to bring life and encouragement. By doing so, we can counteract the negative impact of those who distort the truth and promote what is evil.
Proverbs 17:23
“The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice.”
This verse exposes another form of calling the bad good by accepting bribes to pervert justice and manipulate the legal system. Such actions demonstrate a lack of integrity and disregard for the righteous principles that should govern society.
As believers, we are called to uphold justice and fairness in all aspects of our lives. We should resist any form of bribery or corruption, recognizing that true justice requires impartiality and a commitment to righteousness.
Isaiah 32:6
“For fools speak folly, their hearts are bent on evil: They practice ungodliness and spread error concerning the Lord; the hungry they leave empty and from the thirsty they withhold water.”
This verse highlights the consequences of calling the bad good by spreading error and practicing ungodliness. It portrays the foolishness of those who prioritize wickedness over righteousness and neglect the needs of others.
As believers, we are called to be bearers of truth and righteousness. We should guard against spreading misinformation or misleading others about the nature of God. Additionally, we should demonstrate compassion and generosity toward those in need, reflecting the character of Christ.
Proverbs 21:27
“The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable—how much more so when brought with evil intent!”
This verse highlights the futility of calling the bad good by engaging in religious practices with evil intentions. It emphasizes that God detests insincere and hypocritical worship.
As believers, our worship should be characterized by sincerity and purity of heart. We should strive to align our actions with our words, ensuring that our worship is pleasing to God and rooted in genuine love for Him and others.
Hosea 8:7
“They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind. The stalk has no head; it will produce no flour. Were it to yield grain, foreigners would swallow it up.”
This verse serves as a warning against the consequences of calling the bad good. It explains that sowing wickedness and embracing evil will ultimately lead to destruction and loss.
As believers, we should be aware of the long-term implications of our choices and actions. By aligning ourselves with God’s righteousness and rejecting the temptation to justify what is evil, we can avoid the destructive outcomes associated with calling the bad good.
Proverbs 29:12
“If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked.”
This verse underscores the impact of calling the bad good by promoting a culture of lies and deception. When leaders embrace falsehood, it permeates their administration, leading to widespread corruption and wickedness.
As followers of Christ, it is our responsibility to pray for and support leaders who prioritize truth, justice, and righteousness. We should also exemplify integrity and honest communication in our own lives, resisting the temptation to participate in or condone deceitful practices.
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 warns against the dangers of calling the bad good by following deceiving spirits and teachings that contradict the truth of God’s Word. It highlights the reality of spiritual deception and false teachings that can lead people away from the genuine faith in Christ.
As believers, we must diligently study and know God’s Word, staying rooted in the truth and discerning the teachings that align with Scripture. By being vigilant and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can safeguard our faith against the schemes of the enemy.
2 Timothy 4:3-4
“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”
This verse describes the danger of calling the bad good by embracing false teachings that align with personal desires rather than the truth of God’s Word. It warns of a time when people will seek out teachers who tickle their ears and cater to their own preferences instead of upholding the sound doctrine.
As believers, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to the truth of Scripture, recognizing that it is the ultimate authority for our lives. By resisting the temptation to conform to popular opinions or teachings contrary to God’s Word, we ensure that our faith remains grounded in truth.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
This verse confronts the danger of calling the bad good by disregarding the moral standards set forth by God. It lists various forms of wrongdoing and reminds believers that those who persist in such behaviors will not inherit the kingdom of God.
As followers of Christ, we are called to pursue holiness, abstaining from behaviors that contradict God’s commandments. It is a reminder that our choices and actions have eternal significance, and we should prioritize aligning our lives with God’s righteous standards.
Romans 12:9
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”
This verse calls believers to love sincerely and reject what is evil. It encourages a genuine and pure love that is characterized by a hatred for what is wrong and a commitment to embracing what is good.
Calling the bad good is in direct opposition to the command to hate what is evil. As Christians, we are called to discern what aligns with God’s standards of goodness and cling to them, refusing to compromise or validate what is contrary to His character.
Psalm 97:10
“Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.”
This verse reiterates the call to hate evil and align oneself with the Lord. It assures believers that God protects and delivers those who remain faithful to Him and stand firmly against what is evil.
As Christians, we are called to actively resist evil and pursue righteousness. By staying loyal to God and abhorring what is wicked, we can experience His protection and deliverance in our lives.
James 4:17
“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of not only recognizing what is good but actively pursuing it. It asserts that failing to do what is known to be good is a sinful act.
Calling the bad good can manifest in both commission and omission. As believers, we are called to not only refrain from endorsing or participating in evil but also to actively seek opportunities to do good. By consistently aligning our actions with God’s goodness, we demonstrate our commitment to His will.
Proverbs 8:13
“To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.”
This verse presents the correlation between the fear of the Lord and hating evil. It reinforces that those who truly fear the Lord will develop a profound aversion to pride, arrogance, wicked behavior, and corrupt speech.
Calling the bad good is incompatible with the fear of the Lord. As followers of Christ, we should strive to cultivate humility, righteousness, and pure speech, aligning our lives with God’s standards and reflecting His character to the world around us.
Psalm 34:14
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of actively turning away from evil and pursuing goodness. It encourages believers to seek peace and make it a priority in their lives.
Calling the bad good contradicts the call to turn from evil. As followers of Christ, we are called to actively pursue what is good, demonstrating a genuine desire for peace and righteousness in our relationships and interactions.
Romans 12:21
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
This verse encourages believers to overcome evil with good rather than allowing evil to prevail. It encourages the cultivation of a lifestyle that responds to evil with acts of righteousness and love.
Calling the bad good is a sign of being overcome by evil. As followers of Christ, we are called to resist the temptation to compromise our values or endorse what is wrong. Instead, we should actively pursue goodness and allow our actions to be a powerful testimony against evil in the world.
Psalm 97:10
“Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.”
This verse reiterates the call to hate evil and align oneself with the Lord. It assures believers that God protects and delivers those who remain faithful to Him and stand firmly against what is evil.
As Christians, we are called to actively resist evil and pursue righteousness. By staying loyal to God and abhorring what is wicked, we can experience His protection and deliverance in our lives.
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
This verse encourages believers to focus their minds on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. By intentionally fixing our thoughts on these positive attributes, we guard our hearts against the temptation to call the bad good.
As followers of Christ, we should shift our attention away from the negative and dwell on the positive qualities of God. By actively cultivating a mindset rooted in truth and gratitude, we create an atmosphere of righteousness and reject the inclination to justify what is evil.
1 John 3:18
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
This verse challenges believers to demonstrate love not merely through empty words but through genuine action rooted in truth. It stresses the importance of aligning one’s actions with the love of Christ.
Calling the bad good contradicts the call to love in truth. As followers of Jesus, our actions should reflect His love and truth in all circumstances. By actively showing love and working for the betterment of others, we resist the temptation to endorse or excuse evil.
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 good, assuring them that their efforts will bear fruit in due time. It emphasizes the importance of consistently pursuing what is right, regardless of the challenges or opposition encountered.
Calling the bad good results from weariness in doing good. However, as Christians, we are called to remain steadfast and not grow weary in our commitment to righteousness. By trusting in God’s faithfulness and relying on His strength, we can continue to do good, knowing that our labor is not in vain.
Ephesians 5:11
“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”
This verse instructs believers to distance themselves from the unfruitful works of darkness and, instead, expose them for what they are. It calls for a proactive stance against evil and an unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness.
Calling the bad good is contrary to the command to expose darkness. As followers of Christ, we are called to be beacons of light, shining God’s truth into the world and standing against what is false. By recognizing and actively exposing evil, we contribute to the restoration of truth and justice.
Through this collection of Bible verses and their accompanying commentary, we are reminded of the importance of discernment and the adherence to God’s righteous standards. Calling the bad good is a dangerous act that distorts truth, promotes moral confusion, and ultimately leads to spiritual decay. As Christians, we are called to uphold justice, pursue righteousness, and reject the temptation to compromise our beliefs or validate what is contrary to God’s character. By staying rooted in the truth of God’s Word, seeking wisdom through prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and actively living out our faith, we can effectively combat the allure of calling the bad good and instead be beacons of light in a dark world.