Evil exists in the world, opposing God’s righteousness and goodness. Here are verses that illuminate the nature of evil and the importance of discernment, resisting temptation, and overcoming darkness.
Bible Verses About Evil People
Psalm 37:1 – Do not let the actions of evil doers disturb your peace.
“Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong.”
Proverbs 4:14-15 – Avoid the paths of the wicked.
“Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.”
Micah 6:12 – Beware of the deceitful nature of the wicked.
“Your rich people are violent; your inhabitants are liars and their tongues speak deceitfully.”
Isaiah 5:20 – Understand the moral confusion of the wicked.
“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.”
Romans 12:19 – Leave the vengeance to God.
“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.”
Proverbs 2:12-15 – Wisdom will protect you from evil men.
“Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who have left the straight paths to walk in dark ways.”
Psalm 10:3 – Evil people are driven by greed.
“He boasts about the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the Lord.”
Galatians 6:7 – Every action has consequences.
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”
Psalm 73:3 – Don’t envy the prosperity of evil doers.
“For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”
Matthew 7:16 – Recognize evil by their fruits.
“By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?”
Proverbs 11:21 – The fate of the wicked is assured.
“Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free.”
Psalm 34:21 – Evil will ultimately lead to destruction.
“Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned.”
John 3:20 – Evil people avoid the light.
“Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.”
Proverbs 24:19 – Do not be troubled by the wicked.
“Do not fret because of evildoers or be envious of the wicked.”
Ephesians 5:11 – Expose the works of darkness.
“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”
James 4:7 – Resist evil and it will flee.
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Psalm 26:4 – Stay away from the wicked.
“I do not sit with the deceptive nor will I go with hypocrites.”
1 John 3:10 – Children of God versus children of the devil.
“This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.”
Proverbs 12:21 – Righteousness protects from harm.
“No harm overtakes the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.”
Isaiah 26:10 – There is no peace for the wicked.
“Though the wicked are shown favor, they do not learn righteousness; even in a land of uprightness they go on doing evil and do not regard the majesty of the Lord.”
Revelation 21:8 – The fate of the wicked is eternal.
“But the cowardly, the untrustworthy, the vile, the murderer, the sexually immoral, those practicing magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
Psalm 37:9 – The wicked are cut off.
“For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.”
Proverbs 15:9 – The path of the wicked leads to ruin.
“The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue righteousness.”
Matthew 5:11 – Expect persecution from the wicked.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.”
2 Thessalonians 3:3 – God protects the righteous from wickedness.
“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”
Proverbs 6:12 – Be wary of a wicked man.
“A wicked person is a deceitful person, one who walks with a perverse mouth.”
Psalm 141:4 – Guard your heart against evil.
“Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds along with those who are evildoers; do not let me eat their delicacies.”
Matthew 12:34 – Evil hearts produce evil words.
“You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”
John 17:15 – Prayer for protection from the evil one.
“My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.”
Proverbs 10:29 – The Lord is a refuge for the righteous.
“The way of the Lord is a refuge for the blameless, but it is the ruin of those who do evil.”
2 Corinthians 6:14 – Do not be unequally yoked with evil.
“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?”
Psalm 1:1 – Blessed is the one who does not follow the wicked.
“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.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Warriors
What Does the Bible Say About Evil People
When we explore what the Bible says about evil people, we find a wealth of wisdom, guidance, and warnings. The scriptures provide us with clear distinctions between good and evil, offering both cautionary tales and assurances of justice.
First, let’s acknowledge that the Bible recognizes the existence of evil individuals and their actions throughout its pages. From Genesis to Revelation, we see examples of people who choose paths of wickedness. In the Old Testament, figures such as Cain, who committed the first murder, and Pharaoh, who enslaved the Israelites, showcase early instances of evil behavior.
The Bible often describes the characteristics of evil people, making it clear how their actions are contrary to God’s desires. We see references to their deceit, malice, and their corrupt nature. These individuals spread lies, act treacherously, and foster division. The Psalms and Proverbs are especially rich in these descriptions. These texts not only paint a vivid picture of how evil operates but also serve as warnings to us to stay vigilant and maintain our integrity.
Moreover, the Bible isn’t silent on the ultimate fate of evil people. It regularly emphasizes that their actions will not go unpunished. In both the Old and New Testaments, we read about divine justice. The Psalms often highlight how the wicked will be brought down and how their plans will ultimately fail. The apostle Paul also warns that evildoers will not inherit the kingdom of God, illustrating the spiritual consequences of a life lived in defiance of divine law.
Interestingly, the Bible also calls us to respond in specific ways to evil people. We are urged to avoid the temptations they present and instead embrace wisdom and righteousness. While it is often tempting to seek our own revenge, the scriptures advise against this. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, teaches us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, emphasizing the need for compassion and forgiveness, even towards those who commit evil acts.
Additionally, the Bible speaks about the transformative power of God’s grace. There are stories of individuals who committed grievous sins but found redemption and a new path through divine intervention. The story of Saul, who became Paul, is a prime example. Initially a persecutor of Christians, he underwent a profound transformation and became one of the most influential apostles.
In conclusion, the Bible provides a multifaceted perspective on evil people. It acknowledges their presence, describes their attributes, assures us of divine justice, and instructs us on how to respond to both their actions and their potential for transformation. These teachings remind us to uphold righteousness, seek justice, and extend grace where possible, all while trusting in God’s ultimate plan for justice and redemption.