Dealing with evil doers is a difficult reality, but what does the Bible teach about how we should respond to those who commit wrongs? Are we called to forgive, or is there room for justice? Let’s explore what scripture says about handling those who do evil.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About A Rich Man
What Does The Bible Say About Evil Doers
Psalm 37:1
“Do not fret because of evildoers, be not envious toward wrongdoers.”
This verse reminds us not to worry or be jealous of those who do evil. Instead, we are called to trust in God’s justice and righteousness.
Proverbs 24:19-20
“Do not be envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them; for their minds devise violence, and their lips talk of trouble.”
We are warned against envy and association with evildoers. Their thoughts and speech revolve around violence and trouble, making it important for us to distance ourselves from such influences.
Psalm 1:1
“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers!”
This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding the influence of the wicked, sinners, and scoffers. By separating ourselves from their counsel and company, we can experience true blessing.
Proverbs 2:22
“But the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the treacherous will be uprooted from it.”
God assures us that the wicked and treacherous individuals will not prosper but will eventually be removed from the land. His justice will prevail in due time.
Isaiah 1:16
“Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from My sight. Cease to do evil.”
In this verse, God calls upon people to turn away from evil deeds and seek purification. He desires repentance and cleansing from sin in order to restore a right relationship with Him.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.’”
We are cautioned against the influence of bad company, as it has the potential to corrupt our morals. Surrounding ourselves with godly influences is essential in maintaining a righteous lifestyle.
Psalm 94:16
“Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? Who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?”
Giving voice to the cry of the Psalmist, this verse acknowledges the need for someone to stand against evildoers. It prompts us to be courageous in opposing injustice and defending what is right.
Proverbs 4:14-15
“Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not proceed in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not pass by it; turn away from it and pass on.”
We are exhorted to actively avoid the path of wickedness and evil. Instead of merely avoiding evil, we are encouraged to actively choose a different path and turn away from it completely.
Psalm 36:1
“Transgression speaks to the ungodly within his heart; there is no fear of God before his eyes.”
This verse highlights how transgression takes root within the hearts of the ungodly. Their lack of fear for God allows sin to freely manifest itself within them.
Matthew 7:15
“Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”
Jesus warns us to be cautious of false prophets who may appear harmless on the outside but are actually filled with deceptive intentions. Discernment is crucial in identifying their true nature.
Proverbs 24:1
“Do not be envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them.”
Envy and longing to be associated with evil individuals can lead to destructive outcomes. This verse urges us to steer clear of such desires and choose righteousness instead.
Psalm 73:3-5
“For I was envious of the arrogant as I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no pains in their death, and their body is fat. They are not in trouble as other men, nor are they plagued like mankind.”
The psalmist reflects on the temptation to envy the prosperity of the wicked. However, he soon realizes the emptiness of their lives and the ultimate judgment they will face.
Proverbs 10:29
“The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the upright, but ruin to the workers of iniquity.”
God’s ways provide strength and security for the upright, but those who engage in wickedness will ultimately experience ruin and destruction.
Psalm 52:7
“Behold, the man who would not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his riches and was strong in his evil desire.”
This verse highlights the folly of those who reject God as their refuge and instead trust in material wealth and their own evil desires. Such reliance leads to spiritual impoverishment.
1 Corinthians 5:9-10
“I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world.”
Paul clarifies that while we should not associate with immoral individuals who claim to be Christians, we are still called to interact with the world. However, caution is necessary to avoid being influenced by their sinful behaviors.
Psalm 125:5
“But as for those who turn aside to their crooked ways, the LORD will lead them away with the doers of iniquity.”
God pledges to lead those who turn away from the righteous path along with the doers of iniquity. This serves as a reminder of the eventual consequences faced by those who persist in wickedness.
1 Peter 3:12
“For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and His ears attend to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
God’s favor is upon the righteous, and He promises to listen to their prayers. However, those who commit evil face the opposition and judgment of the Lord.
Proverbs 21:15
“The execution of justice is joy for the righteous, but is terror to the workers of iniquity.”
The righteous find joy in the execution of justice, knowing that evildoers will face the consequences of their actions. However, for those who practice iniquity, justice is a source of terror.
Psalm 10:2-4
“In pride, the wicked hotly pursue the afflicted; let them be caught in the plots which they have devised. For the wicked boasts of his heart’s desire, and the greedy man curses and spurns the LORD. The wicked, in the haughtiness of his countenance, does not seek Him. All his thoughts are, ‘There is no God.'”
These verses depict the arrogance and wickedness of those who oppress the weak. Their self-centeredness blinds them from seeking God and leads them down destructive paths of greed and pride.
Proverbs 6:12-15
“A worthless person, a wicked man, is the one who walks with a perverse mouth, who winks with his eyes, who signals with his feet, who points with his fingers; who with perversity in his heart continually devises evil, who spreads strife. Therefore, his calamity will come suddenly; instantly he will be broken and there will be no healing.”
These verses caution against associating with individuals who engage in dishonesty and deceit. Such people devise evil plans, spread strife, and ultimately face sudden and irreparable consequences.
Psalm 26:4-5
“I do not sit with deceitful men, nor will I go with pretenders. I hate the assembly of evildoers, and I will not sit with the wicked.”
The psalmist clearly expresses his refusal to align himself with deceitful and wicked individuals. He detests their company and chooses to distance himself from them.
Ephesians 5:11
“Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them.”
Believers are called to refrain from participating in unfruitful deeds of darkness, actively shining the light of truth upon them. It is our responsibility to expose evil and promote righteousness.
Proverbs 13:20
“He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”
This verse encourages us to choose companionship wisely. Associating with wise individuals leads to wisdom, while the company of fools results in harm and negative consequences.
2 Timothy 3:13
“But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.”
Paul warns that evil men and impostors will continue to deceive and be deceived, worsening in their actions and intentions. This reminds believers to be discerning and cautious of such manipulative individuals.
Proverbs 28:5
“Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand all things.”
Evildoers lack the understanding of justice, while those who seek the Lord gain wisdom in comprehending all things. Seeking God enables us to grasp true justice and righteousness.
Matthew 5:44
“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Jesus teaches us to respond to evildoers with love and prayers. Instead of harboring hatred, we are called to show God’s love even to our enemies and those who mistreat us.
In a world filled with evildoers and wickedness, it becomes vital for believers to navigate through these challenges while maintaining their integrity and devotion to God. The Bible offers numerous verses that address the issue of evildoers, providing guidance, warnings, and encouragement. These verses emphasize the importance of avoiding association with evildoers, discerning their true nature, and trusting in God’s justice to prevail. They also highlight the significance of choosing wise companions and actively pursuing righteousness. Furthermore, the Scriptures encourage believers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them, exhibiting the transformative power of Christ’s love in the face of evil. By internalizing and applying these verses, Christians can uphold their faith, overcome temptations, and fulfill their calling to be a light in the darkness.