Evil Is As Evil Does

(Proverbs 18:3 KJV)  When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

We again see a truth that our culture does not like to admit.  “Wicked” (7563) people exist.  They are all around us.  They have an effect on the world.  This could also be saying that the “contempt” (937) comes from the “wicked” (7563).  Showing contempt is part of being wicked.  Many times this contempt is well hidden.  Many ruling elites act like they care but in their hearts they are looking down their nose at people below them.  The righteous have courtesy for the poor and downtrodden.  We see this in another context:

(Proverbs 12:10 KJV)  A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

What looks like “tender mercies” are really cruel when they come from the wicked.  Sometimes the “wicked” (7563) man brings “contempt” (937) demonstrated in his attitude.  Other times his attitude brings contempt from his audience.  How does this work?  We have leaders and people who are not leaders.  They may be in politics, education, religion, or entertainment.  They use all the right words but in reality they are trying to divide and destroy for their own glory.  I see it in the kids I work with.  When a student is not getting his way he will call you something like “racist” or “hater”.  He is calling on words that are used to condemn evil behavior but he is using them for personal gain. 

The wicked do not feel “ignominy” (dishonor NASB) (7036) or “reproach” (2781).  It is hard for us to believe this.  As Christians we have been taught a certain way to look at the world.  We have been taught right and wrong.  We want the world to be Polyanna.  It is not and never will be.  Again I say, evil exists.  There are many people who have destroyed what conscience they had.  They have hardened their hearts.

So?  First, stay alert and don’t just accept what people say.  Watch their actions.  Make your decisions based on their fruit, not their words.  Second, look at your own heart and listen to your own mouth.  Are you living the life of holiness?  Are you representing your Savior the way you want to?  If not, repent.  Ask for divine help and allow the Holy Spirit to move change you into the person God intends you to be.