Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terms, the word "scoundrel" is often used to describe a person of low moral character, someone who is deceitful, wicked, or unscrupulous. The Bible provides several examples and descriptions of scoundrels, highlighting their behaviors and the consequences of their actions.
Old Testament ReferencesThe concept of a scoundrel is frequently addressed in the Old Testament, where such individuals are often depicted as those who oppose God's will and act in ways that are harmful to others. In
1 Samuel 25:17, Nabal is described as a "worthless man" , a term synonymous with scoundrel, indicating his foolish and churlish behavior towards David and his men. Nabal's refusal to provide hospitality and his subsequent demise serve as a cautionary tale about the fate of those who act wickedly.
Proverbs, a book rich in wisdom literature, frequently contrasts the righteous with the wicked, including scoundrels.
Proverbs 6:12-14 describes a scoundrel as "a worthless person, a wicked man, who walks with a perverse mouth, winks with his eyes, signals with his feet, and points with his fingers, who plots evil with deceit in his heart; he always stirs up dissension." This passage highlights the deceptive and divisive nature of scoundrels, emphasizing their tendency to sow discord and engage in underhanded schemes.
New Testament ReferencesWhile the New Testament does not use the term "scoundrel" as frequently, it addresses similar concepts through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. In the parable of the wicked tenants (
Mark 12:1-12), Jesus describes tenants who act treacherously towards the landowner's servants and son, ultimately leading to their destruction. This parable serves as an allegory for those who reject God's messengers and act with malicious intent.
The apostle Paul, in his letters, warns against associating with those who exhibit scoundrel-like behavior. In
1 Corinthians 5:11 , Paul advises believers not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is "sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or verbal abuser, a drunkard or swindler." Such individuals, though not explicitly labeled as scoundrels, embody the characteristics of deceit and moral corruption.
Characteristics and ConsequencesScoundrels in the Bible are often characterized by their deceitful speech, malicious intent, and disruptive actions. They are portrayed as individuals who reject wisdom and righteousness, choosing instead to follow paths of wickedness. The consequences for such behavior are severe, as seen in the accounts of Nabal and the wicked tenants. The Bible consistently warns that scoundrels will face divine judgment and that their actions will ultimately lead to their downfall.
Moral and Spiritual ImplicationsFrom a moral and spiritual perspective, the Bible's depiction of scoundrels serves as a warning to believers to guard against such behaviors in their own lives. The scriptures encourage followers of Christ to pursue righteousness, integrity, and truth, avoiding the pitfalls of deceit and wickedness. By adhering to biblical principles, believers can resist the temptations that lead to scoundrel-like behavior and instead cultivate a life that honors God and reflects His character.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A mean, worthless fellow; a villain; a man without honor or virtue.
2. (a.) Low; base; mean; unprincipled.
Greek
3835. panourgos -- ready to do anything, crafty, skillful... 3935 ("crafty-fellow") is used only in 2 Cor 12:16 where it describes a
scoundrel (an unscrupulous person) who will do any evil to "succeed." See 3834 ().
...Library
I Knew How it Would Be.
... in all his intentions, it was hard for him to believe that any man who spoke fair
to him, and professed to be governed by right principles, could be ascoundrel...
Preface
... This is the reason the master in the gospel reprimands the unfaithful servant like
a lazyscoundrel for having hidden and buried his money in the ground....
Of the Mass.
... For it has been held that this sacrifice or work of the Mass, even though it be
rendered by a wicked [and abandoned]scoundrel, frees men from sins, both in...
Of the Papacy.
... as pertain to the secular government, where God often permits much good to be effected
for a people, even through a tyrant and [faithless]scoundrel) for the...
Thy Kingdom Come.
... were ready to give great imperial presents, and the fool would beg only for a dish
of gruel, he would be rightly considered a rogue and ascoundrel who treated...
Hypocrisy
... a profligate life in secret; who pretends to believe certain doctrines, while at
heart he disbelieves them; a man, in short, who is ascoundrel, and knows it...
The Consulship of Eutropius
... market. We all know why the Archbishop's bills at a certain shop are so
extravagant""'. You youngscoundrel!' said Philip. Whoever...
Regeneration the Work of God.
... That may be true of somescoundrel or knave behind the bars, or of robbers and
unscrupulous murderers; but really, it can not be applied to our honorable...
Or the Gods of Heaven Should be Said to be Ungrateful If...
... If of two who are sacrificing, one is ascoundrel, [4820] and rich, the other of
small fortune, but worthy of praise for his integrity and goodness,"if the...
Judith, after Enduring Many Dangers for virtue's Sake, Gained Very...
... greater concern to good women. She feared not the blow of onescoundrel,
nor even the weapons of a whole army. She, a woman, stood...
Thesaurus
Scoundrel (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Scoundrel (3 Occurrences).
... (See NIV). Isaiah 32:5 The fool
will no longer be called noble, nor the
scoundrel be highly respected.
...Scorpions (9 Occurrences)
Villain (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (n.) A vile, wicked person; a man extremely depraved, and capable or guilty of
great crimes; a deliberatescoundrel; a knave; a rascal; a scamp....
Devices (43 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Isaiah 32:7 The ways of thescoundrel are evil. He devises wicked devices
to destroy the humble with lying words, even when the needy speaks right....
Devises (11 Occurrences)
... (WEB). Isaiah 32:7 The ways of thescoundrel are evil. He devises wicked devices
to destroy the humble with lying words, even when the needy speaks right....
Scoundrels (2 Occurrences)
Respected (28 Occurrences)
... a hearing. (BBE). Isaiah 32:5 The fool will no longer be called noble, nor
thescoundrel be highly respected. (WEB NIV). Isaiah 33...
Noble (61 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Isaiah 32:5 The fool will no longer be called noble, nor thescoundrel
be highly respected. (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Needy (83 Occurrences)
... in the Holy One of Israel. (DBY NAS NIV). Isaiah 32:7 The ways of thescoundrel
are evil. He devises wicked devices to destroy the...
Speaks (109 Occurrences)
... drink of the thirsty to fail. (See NAS RSV NIV). Isaiah 32:7 The ways of
thescoundrel are evil. He devises wicked devices to destroy...
Resources
Scoundrel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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