The Bible offers extensive wisdom on how to understand, respond to, and avoid evil, often using direct teachings and parables to highlight the nature of evil people and actions. In this article, we’ll explore 30 Bible verses that address the characteristics of evil people, God’s perspective on evil, and guidance for how believers can handle encounters with wickedness. Understanding these passages can strengthen our discernment, resilience, and faith, helping us stay close to God’s righteousness.
1. Psalm 37:1-2
“Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.”
This verse assures believers not to be anxious or envious of the wicked, reminding us that God’s justice will ultimately prevail.
2. Proverbs 4:14-15
“Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.”
Here, the writer warns us to avoid the ways of the wicked entirely, encouraging proactive steps to steer clear of evil influences.
3. Romans 12:19
“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
Believers are urged to trust in God’s judgment rather than taking vengeance into their own hands, affirming God’s promise of justice.
4. Psalm 10:15
“Break thou the arm of the wicked and the evil man: seek out his wickedness till thou find none.”
The psalmist prays for God to intervene and destroy the power of the wicked, showing that believers can appeal to God for justice.
5. Proverbs 6:12-14
“A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth. He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers; frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.”
This proverb describes the behavior and intentions of evil people, highlighting their deceitful, destructive tendencies.
6. Psalm 28:3
“Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbors, but mischief is in their hearts.”
The verse reveals that evil people often disguise their intentions with words of peace, while secretly planning harm.
7. 1 Corinthians 15:33
“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”
Paul warns that associating with evil individuals can corrupt one’s character, stressing the importance of guarding our influences.
8. Proverbs 16:27-28
“An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire. A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.”
These verses caution against those who spread gossip and discord, disrupting unity and relationships.
9. Isaiah 5:20
“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”
Isaiah warns of those who twist moral standards, making sin appear righteous and good seem evil.
10. Proverbs 24:19-20
“Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked; for there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.”
This passage reinforces that the wicked have no lasting reward, encouraging believers not to envy or fear them.
11. Psalm 34:16
“The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.”
The psalmist reassures us that God actively opposes evil and will remove their influence.
12. Ephesians 5:11
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”
Paul advises Christians to reject participation in evil deeds and instead expose them.
13. Proverbs 1:10
“My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.”
A warning to resist the lure of sinful companionship, emphasizing the importance of personal integrity.
14. Matthew 5:44
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”
Jesus teaches a counter-cultural response to evil, instructing us to respond with love, not retaliation.
15. Psalm 1:1
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”
True blessing comes from avoiding the company and counsel of evil people, living a life focused on God.
16. Proverbs 11:21
“Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.”
No matter how secure the wicked may seem, their punishment is certain, while God promises deliverance for the righteous.
17. Psalm 36:1-4
“The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes…”
This psalm describes the heart of the wicked as void of reverence for God, leading them to evil deeds.
18. 2 Timothy 3:13
“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.”
Paul warns Timothy that evil will continue to increase, highlighting the importance of spiritual vigilance.
19. Proverbs 24:1-2
“Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them. For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.”
This passage advises against associating with or envying those whose intentions are rooted in malice.
20. Matthew 7:15
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”
Jesus warns of those who disguise themselves as good but harbor destructive intentions.
21. Psalm 140:1-2
“Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man; which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war.”
The psalmist’s plea reflects the need for God’s protection from those who harbor violent and malicious intentions.
22. Proverb 21:10
“The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbor findeth no favor in his eyes.”
This verse speaks to the relentless desire for harm that defines the wicked, who show no compassion.
23. Romans 16:17-18
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.”
Paul instructs believers to be cautious of those who cause division, advocating for avoidance of such individuals.
24. Micah 2:1
“Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! When the morning is light, they practice it, because it is in the power of their hand.”
Micah describes the premeditated nature of the wicked, who plan evil and carry it out without remorse.
25. Proverbs 3:7
“Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.”
This verse encourages humility before God, with a reminder to distance oneself from evil.
26. Psalm 64:2-4
“Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity…”
The psalmist calls on God for refuge from those who secretly plot harm.
27. Isaiah 32:7
“The instruments also of the churl are evil: he deviseth wicked devices to destroy the poor with lying words, even when the needy speaketh right.”
Isaiah condemns those who exploit and deceive the poor, emphasizing God’s opposition to such evil.
28. John 3:19
“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”
Jesus explains that evil people choose darkness over light to hide their wicked deeds.
29. 2 Thessalonians 3:2
“And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.”
Paul prays for protection from evil people, recognizing that faith is not shared by all.
30. Proverbs 29:27
“An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.”
This verse highlights the natural conflict between the righteous and the wicked, as they oppose each other’s values.
These verses collectively reveal God’s disdain for evil and His desire for His people to pursue righteousness. While the Bible acknowledges that we live in a world with evil influences, it also equips us with wisdom to recognize, resist, and stand firm in our faith against these forces. By meditating on these verses, believers can grow in understanding and find courage to trust in God’s justice and protection.
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