Explain Bible

What does the Bible say about evil people?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that evil is real, flows from human sin, and will not finally escape God’s righteous judgment, yet believers are called to overcome it with good. Romans 3:23 reminds us that all have sinned, so Christians should speak humbly rather than self-righteously. God takes no pleasure in wickedness (Psalms 5:4), repays each person according to his deeds (Romans 2:6-8), and gives no lasting peace to the wicked (Isaiah 48:22). Yet Romans 12:21 calls believers not to be conquered by evil, while Psalms 37:1-4 urges trust in the Lord rather than envy or fretfulness. God’s justice and grace meet supremely in Christ, who calls sinners to repentance and faith.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Romans 12:21

    Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

  • Romans 2:6-8

    [6] who "will pay back to everyone according to their works:" [7] to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and incorruptibility, eternal life; [8] but to those who are self-seeking, and don't obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, will be wrath and indignation,

  • Jeremiah 12:1

    Righteous are you, Yahweh, when I contend with you; yet would I reason the cause with you: why does the way of the wicked prosper? why are all they at ease who deal very treacherously?

  • Psalms 5:4

    For you are not a God who has pleasure in wickedness. Evil can't live with you.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:33

    Don't be deceived! "Evil companionships corrupt good morals."

  • Romans 13:4

    for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he doesn't bear the sword in vain; for he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil.

  • Psalms 37:1-4

    [1] > Don't fret because of evil-doers, Neither be envious against those who work unrighteousness. [2] For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, And wither like the green herb. [3] Trust in Yahweh, and do good. Dwell in the land, and enjoy safe pasture. [4] Also delight yourself in Yahweh, And he will give you the desires of your heart.

  • Romans 1:26-29

    [26] For this reason, God gave them up to vile passions. For their women changed the natural function into that which is against nature. [27] Likewise also the men, leaving the natural function of the woman, burned in their lust toward one another, men doing what is inappropriate with men, and receiving in themselves the due penalty of their error. [28] Even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting; [29] being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil habits, secret slanderers,

  • Romans 3:23

    for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;

  • Isaiah 48:22

    There is no peace, says Yahweh, to the wicked.

Related topics

Go deeper

Ask Explain Bible AI about evil people and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.

Ask what the Bible says about evil people