Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Nature:Maliciousness refers to the intent to harm or cause suffering to others. It is characterized by a desire to inflict injury, harm, or suffering on another, either because of a hostile impulse or out of deep-seated meanness. In the biblical context, maliciousness is often associated with wickedness and is considered a manifestation of the sinful nature of humanity.
Biblical References:The Bible addresses maliciousness as a sin that is contrary to the nature of God and the teachings of Christ. It is often listed among other vices that are condemned by Scripture.
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Romans 1:29 : "They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice." This verse highlights maliciousness as part of a broader spectrum of sinful behaviors that characterize those who have turned away from God.
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Ephesians 4:31 : "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice." Here, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to rid themselves of malice, indicating that it is incompatible with the Christian life and the new nature in Christ.
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1 Peter 2:1 : "Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander." The call to discard malice is part of a broader appeal to live a life that reflects the holiness and purity expected of followers of Christ.
Theological Implications:Maliciousness is seen as a direct violation of the command to love one's neighbor as oneself (
Matthew 22:39). It is antithetical to the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, kindness, and goodness (
Galatians 5:22-23). The presence of malice in one's heart is indicative of a deeper spiritual issue that requires repentance and transformation through the Holy Spirit.
Moral and Ethical Considerations:From a moral standpoint, maliciousness is condemned because it seeks to harm others, which is contrary to the ethical teachings of the Bible. Christians are called to live in peace and harmony with others, seeking their welfare rather than their harm. Malicious actions disrupt community and fellowship, which are central to the Christian life.
Practical Application:Believers are encouraged to examine their hearts and motives, seeking to root out any form of malice. This involves a conscious effort to cultivate love, forgiveness, and compassion, reflecting the character of Christ. Prayer, confession, and accountability within the community of faith are essential practices in overcoming malicious tendencies.
Conclusion:While maliciousness is a serious sin, the Bible offers hope for transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit. By embracing the teachings of Christ and allowing His love to permeate their lives, believers can overcome malice and live in a manner that honors God and edifies others.
Library
Rom. I. 28
... (Plat. Phaedr.246 AB). Ver.29. "Being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness,
covetousness,maliciousness.". See how everything here is intensitive....
The Testament of Asher Concerning Two Faces of vice and virtue.
... For, having his mind set upon righteousness, and casting awaymaliciousness,
he straightway overthroweth the evil, and uprooteth the sin....
Jowett -- Apostolic Optimism
... abounding: "Senseless hearts," "fools," "uncleanness," "vile passions," "reprobate
minds," "unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness,maliciousness; full of...
The Christians Defamed a Sarcastic Description of Fame; Its...
... For the more inclined you are tomaliciousness, the more ready are you to believe
evil; in short, men more easily believe the evil that is false, than the good...
Matt. xii. 33
... was too palpable. Wherefore to no purpose is yourmaliciousness, saith He,
and your self-contradictory statements. Because in truth...
Acts xix. 21, 23
... craft, that it would have nothing to work upon. Observe themaliciousness
of the man. He was wealthy himself, and to him indeed...
The Woe Pronounced on the Traitor a Judicial Act, which Disproves...
... he was ignorant; [5098] or else that he was unwilling, even if he had the foreknowledge
and the ability; and so deserved the stigma ofmaliciousness, in having...
That He is the Righteous one whom the Jews Should Put to Death.
... For theirmaliciousness hath blinded them, and they knew not the sacraments of God."
[4026] Also in Isaiah: "See ye how the righteous perisheth, and no man...
A Discourse of Mercifulness
... 118:12), to an adder for his poison (Psalm 140:3). By nature we do not send forth
oil, but poison; not the oil of mercifulness, but the poison ofmaliciousness...
Francis Bacon.
... been my enemies, I thought not of them, neither has the sun gone down upon my
displeasure; but I have been as a dove, free from superfluity ofmaliciousness....
Thesaurus
Maliciousness (2 Occurrences)...Maliciousness (2 Occurrences).
... 1 Peter 2:16 As free, and not using your liberty for
a cloke of
maliciousness, but as the servants of God. (KJV WBS).
...Malignity (1 Occurrence)
... 28:7, we have "malice" in the more restricted sense as the translation of menis,
"confirmed anger." In the New Testament "malice" and "maliciousness" are the...
Maliciously (8 Occurrences)
Malign (6 Occurrences)
Fornication (52 Occurrences)
... Romans 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness,
covetousness,maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity...
Debate (13 Occurrences)
... Romans 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness,
covetousness,maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity...
Malice (24 Occurrences)
... 28:7, we have "malice" in the more restricted sense as the translation of menis,
"confirmed anger." In the New Testament "malice" and "maliciousness" are the...
Cloke (7 Occurrences)
... parchments. (KJV WBS). 1 Peter 2:16 As free, and not using your liberty for a
cloke ofmaliciousness, but as the servants of God. (KJV WBS)....
Liberty (32 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). 1 Peter 2:16 As free, and not using your liberty
for a cloke ofmaliciousness, but as the servants of God. (KJV DBY WBS)....
Resources
How should Christians view the “defund the police” movement? | GotQuestions.orgMaliciousness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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