Bible verses about evil people reveal how deeply evil is rooted in the world. The Bible teaches us that all are born with sin, and even among God’s people, some act as wolves in sheep’s clothing. Though we are sinners, God has given us a conscience to guide us and help us resist evil urges.
Emotions such as shame and guilt serve as important signs, directing us toward repentance and righteousness. These verses will help you discern the difference between an evil heart and an ordinary sinful heart. In a world filled with difficult people, including the wicked who walk paths of darkness, we are often faced with tough situations, from workplace toxicity to family conflicts.
Understanding God’s judgment on the wicked through Scripture offers profound wisdom for navigating these challenges. The Bible encourages us to develop spiritual discernment, which leads to personal growth. Even when interacting with evil people, we are called to respond with Christ-like love, maintaining healthy boundaries while trusting in God’s protection from evil.
By equipping ourselves with divine insight and practical wisdom, we can be wise as serpents yet gentle as doves, striking a balance between grace and truth in our relationships with others.
Bible Verses About Evil People
Bible verses about evil people warn us about the harmful impact of those who oppose God’s truth. They often live selfishly, spreading deceit, corruption, and wickedness.
Despite their apparent success, Scripture assures that God will ultimately bring justice, and their actions will not go unpunished. Bible verses about protection from evil doers remind us that God is our refuge and will shield us from the harm of those who seek to do evil.
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Verses About Evil and Wickedness
1: 1 Corinthians 13:6
Love doesn’t find happiness or pleasure in anything that is evil or wrong. Instead, it finds joy in truth, meaning love always supports what is honest, genuine, and righteous. Love encourages and celebrates what is right and stands against what is false or harmful.
“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.”
2: 1 John 5:19
This statement tells us that we are aware of our identity as children of God, meaning we belong to Him and are part of His divine family. However, it also reminds us that the entire world is under the influence and control of the evil one, referring to the forces of evil that oppose God’s truth and goodness.
Bible verses about evil in the world highlight the ongoing spiritual battle and the need for believers to remain steadfast in faith.
“We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.”
3: 1 Kings 14:9
This verse expresses anger and disappointment towards someone who has committed greater evil than anyone before them. It highlights how they have created other gods—idols made of metal, which refers to worshiping false deities or idols instead of honoring the true God.
By doing so, they have stirred up God’s anger and have completely turned their back on Him, showing a complete rejection of His ways and commands.
“You have done more evil than all who lived before you. You have made for yourself other gods, idols made of metal; you have aroused my anger and turned your back on me.”
4: 1 Samuel 12:20
This verse shows God’s mercy despite Israel’s sins. Even though the people did wrong by asking for a king, Samuel tells them not to be afraid but to turn back to God sincerely and keep serving Him faithfully. It highlights repentance, God’s forgiveness, and the importance of wholehearted devotion to the Lord.
“Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart.”
5: 1 Samuel 15:23
Rebellion and arrogance are as serious as divination and idolatry. Saul’s rejection of God’s command led to God’s rejection of him as king. This shows the importance of obedience to God’s Word.
“For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.”
6: Isaiah 5:20
This verse warns against those who distort the truth, calling evil things good and vice versa. It condemns the reversal of moral values, where darkness is seen as light and bitterness is mistaken for sweetness. It highlights the danger of rejecting God’s truth and embracing falsehood.
“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!”
7: Isaiah 32:6
This verse describes a fool whose thoughts and actions are filled with sin and wickedness. They speak falsely about the Lord, ignore the needs of the hungry, and withhold drink from the thirsty. It highlights the consequences of a corrupt heart and the failure to meet the basic needs of others.
“For the fool speaks folly, and his heart is busy with iniquity, to practice ungodliness, to utter error concerning the Lord, to leave the craving of the hungry unsatisfied, and to deprive the thirsty of drink.”
8: Jeremiah 17:9
“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”
9: John 3:20
This verse explains that anyone who engages in wicked or evil actions dislikes the light, which symbolizes truth and goodness. They avoid coming to the light because they fear their wrongdoings will be exposed.
In other words, those who do wrong prefer to stay in darkness to keep their actions hidden and avoid being held accountable.
“For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.”
10: Job 4:8
This verse means that those who engage in evil deeds or cause trouble will eventually face the negative consequences of their actions. The principle of reaping what you sow suggests that bad actions lead to bad outcomes.
“As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it.”
11: Psalm 7:14
This verse means that anyone who is filled with evil intentions or thoughts will eventually bring about trouble or difficulties. The evil inside them leads to negative outcomes, ultimately resulting in disillusionment or disappointment, as their harmful actions or plans do not lead to fulfillment or success.
“Whoever is pregnant with evil conceives trouble and gives birth to disillusionment.”
12: Psalm 28:3
This verse is a plea to not be associated with the wicked those who do evil. It describes people who may appear friendly, speaking cordially with others, but secretly hold malice or harmful intentions in their hearts. The verse highlights the hypocrisy of such individuals and asks for protection from being linked with them.
“Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts.”
13: Psalm 37:9
This verse emphasizes that those who live evil lives will ultimately face destruction, while those who place their hope and trust in the LORD will be rewarded and will inherit the land, meaning they will receive blessings and a prosperous future. It contrasts the fate of the wicked with the blessings of the righteous.
“For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.”
14: Psalm 50:19
This verse highlights that someone has allowed their mouth to speak evil, using it without restraint. Their tongue creates or constructs deceit, meaning they lie and deceive others. It points to the destructive power of speech when used for falsehood and wrongdoing.
“You give your mouth free rein for evil, and your tongue frames deceit.”
15: Psalm 73:7
This verse describes how the callous or hardened hearts of individuals give birth to iniquity or wickedness. Their evil imaginations have no boundaries, meaning they think up endless ways to do wrong. It highlights the depth of evil that can arise from a person who is indifferent to goodness or truth.
“From their callous hearts comes iniquity ; their evil imaginations have no limits.”
16: Psalm 141:4
This verse is a prayer asking God to protect the heart from being enticed or drawn toward evil. It seeks help in avoiding participation in wicked actions with those who do wrong, and it asks not to be tempted into enjoying the pleasures that come from sin.
The plea is for strength to resist the pull of wrongdoing and stay aligned with righteousness.
“Do not allow my heart to be enticed by evil, leading me to partake in wicked actions with those who do wrong; do not let me indulge in their pleasures.”
17: Romans 6:12
This verse warns against letting sin control your actions. It urges you to resist following evil desires. Instead, live in a way that honors righteousness.
“Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.”
18: Romans 12:21
This verse advises not to let evil defeat or influence you. Instead, it encourages you to overcome evil by responding with good actions, showing that goodness has the power to conquer wickedness.
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
19: Mark 7:21-22
This verse explains that evil thoughts originate from the heart of a person. It lists various sins like immorality, theft, murder, and greed, showing that these wrongdoings come from within, not from external sources. It highlights the importance of guarding one’s heart to prevent these negative traits from taking root.
“For it is from within, from the heart of man, that evil thoughts arise—along with immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lust, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness.”
20: Matthew 12:34-35
This verse rebukes those who claim to speak good while their hearts are filled with evil. It emphasizes that what a person says reflects what is in their heart. A good person speaks and acts with goodness, while an evil person will express evil from their wicked heart.
24: Proverbs 12:20
Those who plan evil are filled with deceit, while those who seek peace experience joy. It shows that evil intentions lead to negativity, while promoting peace brings happiness.
“Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.”
25: Proverbs 14:16-22
These verses contrast the behavior of the wise and the foolish. The wise fear the Lord, avoid evil, and act with prudence and knowledge, leading to peace and understanding.
In contrast, the foolish are hotheaded, quick-tempered, and filled with envy and hatred, leading to turmoil and destruction. It emphasizes that it is better to have little with peace and love than to have wealth or abundance with strife.
“A wise man fears the Lord and shuns evil, but a fool is hot-headed and reckless. The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. The evil doer is bowed down before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends. It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy. Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.”
26: Romans 7:19-25
In this passage, Paul expresses the internal struggle between the desire to do good and the reality of sin. Despite wanting to follow God’s law, he finds himself trapped in sinful actions. He acknowledges the war between his mind (which delights in God’s law) and his body, which succumbs to sin.
Paul feels wretched but gives thanks to God for deliverance through Jesus Christ. The passage highlights the struggle between the desire for righteousness and the pull of sin.
“For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.”
27: Proverbs 6:12-19
This passage warns against being a troublemaker who causes division and conflict, using deceit and evil plans. It lists seven things that the Lord hates, including pride, lying, murder, wicked schemes, evil actions, false testimony, and stirring up conflict.
It emphasizes that such behavior will lead to sudden disaster and destruction, showing that these actions are deeply detestable to God.
“A troublemaker and a villain, who goes about with a corrupt mouth, who winks with his eye, signals with his feet and motions with his fingers, who plots evil with deceit in his heart—he always stirs up conflict. Therefore disaster will overtake him in an instant; he will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy. There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
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Verses About God’s Wrath and Judgment on Evil
28: Romans 2:6-8
This passage teaches that God will judge each person based on their actions. Those who persist in doing good and seek glory, honor, and eternal life will be rewarded with eternal life.
However, those who are self-seeking, reject truth, and follow evil will face wrath and anger from God. It emphasizes the importance of living according to God’s will to receive His blessings.
“God ‘will repay each person according to what they have done.’ To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.”
29: Jeremiah 12:1
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah expresses his confusion and frustration with God’s justice. While acknowledging that God is always righteous, Jeremiah questions why the wicked prosper and live easy lives, while the faithful often face struggles.
This verse reflects a common question about the apparent success of evil people, even though they are opposed to God’s ways.
“You are always righteous, Lord, when I bring a case before you. Yet I would speak with you about your justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?”
30: Psalm 5:4
This verse emphasizes that God does not take pleasure in wickedness and that evil cannot exist in His presence. It highlights the holiness and righteousness of God, indicating that He is completely separate from sin and wrongdoing. Those who follow evil cannot be in harmony with God, who is pure and just.
“For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you.”
31: Romans 13:4
This verse teaches that those in authority are God’s servants who exist for the good of the people. They have been given the power to enforce justice, and those who do wrong should be afraid, as rulers are tasked with punishing evil.
It emphasizes that government authorities are part of God’s plan to maintain order and justice in society. Bible verses about the wicked being punished remind us that evil will not go unpunished, and God’s justice will prevail through the actions of those in power.
“For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.”
32: Romans 1:26-29
This passage speaks of people who have rejected God and chosen to live in sin, turning away from His natural order. As a result, God allowed them to follow their shameful and unnatural desires, leading to their depravity.
It describes how they became filled with a range of wicked behaviors, including envy, greed, malice, and deceit, as they continued in their rebellion against God.
“Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In the same way, the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips.”
33: Psalm 37:1-4
This verse encourages not to worry or be envious of evildoers or those who do wrong, as their success is temporary. Bible verses about evil doers remind us that they will fade like grass and wither.
Instead, trust in the Lord, do good, and remain faithful. When you delight in the Lord and seek His will, He will give you the true desires of your heart, bringing lasting peace and fulfillment.
“Of David. Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
34: Romans 3:23
This verse emphasizes that everyone has sinned and cannot meet the perfect standard of God’s glory. It highlights the universal nature of sin, meaning no one is exempt from falling short of God’s righteousness. It reflects the need for God’s grace and redemption through Jesus Christ, as humanity cannot achieve God’s perfection on its own.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
35: Isaiah 48:22
This verse declares that the wicked will not experience peace. Despite their actions or circumstances, those who live in sin and reject God’s ways are not granted the inner peace that comes from Him. It emphasizes that true peace is found only in God, and without His presence, there is no lasting peace for the wicked.
“There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.”
36: Ephesians 4:29
This verse instructs us to avoid corrupting talk or harmful words and instead speak in ways that build up others. Our speech should be purposeful and appropriate for the occasion, aiming to offer grace and encouragement to those who hear.
It highlights the importance of uplifting and positive communication that reflects kindness and God’s love.
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
37: 2 Timothy 3:1-5
This passage warns that in the last days, people will display a range of sinful behaviors, including being self-centered, greedy, proud, and unloving. They will have a form of godliness but lack true devotion to God, living hypocritically.
The verse advises believers to avoid such people, as they are led by their own desires rather than by God’s truth. It highlights the moral decline in society and the importance of staying faithful to God’s ways. Bible verses about evil in the last days emphasize the growing wickedness and the need for believers to remain steadfast in faith amidst the increasing ungodliness.
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”
38: Isaiah 45:7
This verse emphasizes that God has sovereign control over all things, both light and darkness, well-being and calamity. It highlights that God is the Creator of everything, and nothing happens without His will or permission.
The verse reminds us of God’s authority over all circumstances, whether good or bad, and affirms that He is the ultimate sovereign over all creation.
“I form light and create darkness; I make well-being and create calamity; I am the Lord, who does all these things.”
39: Exodus 14:14
This verse assures that God will fight on behalf of His people, and they need not take matters into their own hands. The call to be silent signifies trusting in God’s power and timing rather than attempting to control the situation. It encourages faith and patience, knowing that God will handle the challenges and deliver victory.
“The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”
40: Romans 1:18-22
This passage emphasizes that God’s wrath is revealed against ungodliness and unrighteousness. People suppress the truth about God through their sinful behavior, even though His invisible attributes—His eternal power and divine nature—are clearly visible in the world around them. As a result, they are without excuse.
Despite knowing God, they did not honor or thank Him, leading their thinking to become futile and their hearts darkened. Despite claiming to be wise, they became fools by turning away from God and worshiping created things rather than the Creator.
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools,”
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Verses About the Consequences of Associating with Evil
41: Genesis 6:1-8
This passage tells how the wickedness of humanity grew, leading to God’s decision to bring judgment. He saw that people were evil, and although He regretted creating them, Noah found favor and was spared. This sets the stage for the coming flood.
“When human beings began to increase in number, the sons of God saw that the daughters of humans were beautiful, and they married them. The Lord said, ‘My Spirit will not contend with humans forever, for they are mortal; their days will be 120 years.’ The Nephilim were on the earth, and the Lord saw how great the wickedness had become. The Lord regretted making humans and decided to wipe them out, but Noah found favor with God.”
42: 1 Timothy 6:2-10
This passage highlights that godliness combined with contentment brings true gain. It warns against false teachings and the love of money, which leads to temptation and ruin. True contentment comes from trusting God, not wealth.
“Those who have believing masters should serve them even better. Anyone who teaches otherwise is conceited and teaches false ideas. Godliness with contentment is great gain. We brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. If we have food and clothing, we should be content. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation, and the love of money is the root of all evil.”
43: Psalm 34:13-21
This passage encourages speaking the truth, turning from evil, and seeking peace. It assures that God is close to the brokenhearted and will deliver the righteous from their troubles.
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers them from all.”
44: Psalm 52
This psalm condemns those who boast in their evil deeds and highlights the ultimate downfall they will face. The righteous will witness their destruction and mock their arrogance.
In contrast, the psalmist trusts in God’s unfailing love, likening himself to a flourishing olive tree, secure in God’s presence and protection.
“Why do you boast of evil, you mighty hero? Why do you boast all day long, you who are a disgrace in the eyes of God? You love evil rather than good, falsehood rather than speaking the truth. You love every harmful word, you deceitful tongue! Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin; He will snatch you up and pluck you from your tent; He will uproot you from the land of the living. The righteous will see and fear; they will laugh at you, saying, ‘Here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth and grew strong by destroying others.’ But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love forever and ever.”
45: Ecclesiastes 9:3-12
“For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land. A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found.”
52: Matthew 5:44
Jesus teaches us to love our enemies and pray for those who mistreat us, instead of seeking revenge. It’s a call to show Christ-like love even to those who oppose us.
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
53: 1 Peter 3:9
This verse teaches that when faced with evil or insults, we should not respond in kind. Instead, we are called to repay evil with blessing, showing kindness and grace even in difficult situations. By doing so, we fulfill God’s calling and position ourselves to receive His blessing.
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
54: Matthew 10:16
Jesus warns His followers that they will face dangerous and hostile situations, being like sheep surrounded by wolves. He advises them to be shrewd like snakes, meaning wise and discerning, while remaining innocent like doves, meaning pure and without malice. This balance is necessary to navigate the challenges of living righteously in a world that may oppose them.
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
55: Romans 12:19
This verse instructs us not to seek revenge when wronged, but to trust God’s wrath and His justice. It reminds us that vengeance belongs to God alone, and He will right the wrongs in His perfect timing. This calls for faith in God’s ability to handle justice, rather than taking matters into our own hands.
“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.”
How Can we Apply these Verses in Real Life?
Here are some practical steps to apply Bible verses in real-life challenges and stay grounded in peace:
Memorize Key Bible Verses: Verses that speak to your current struggles. Learning them by heart will help you draw on God’s wisdom when facing tough situations, especially with difficult or toxic people. These verses can give you immediate comfort and direction, reminding you of God’s presence and guidance in the midst of challenges.
Pray for Insight: Make a habit of asking God for wisdom to recognize unhealthy situations and relationships. When you’re unsure about how to set boundaries or react to difficult people, prayer helps you find the right path while staying loving and patient.
Set Healthy Boundaries: Use Biblical teachings to set clear and respectful boundaries. This might mean reducing contact, avoiding negative conversations like gossip, or finding guidance from trusted spiritual mentors when faced with tough relationship choices.
Build a Supportive Community: Surround yourself with fellow believers who can pray for you, offer encouragement, and hold you accountable. It’s essential to lean on others in the body of Christ for support when navigating challenging relationships.
Keep a Gospel Mindset: Always remember that every person, even those who seem difficult or evil, is made in God’s image. This perspective can help you pray for their transformation while protecting yourself from their negative actions.
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Conclusion
Bible verses about evil people remind us that as you navigate relationships with difficult people, always remember that God’s protection surrounds you, and His wisdom will guide your steps.
The same God who promises judgment for persistent evil also extends grace and forgiveness to all who genuinely repent and turn to Him. Your job isn’t to change hearts that’s God’s work but to respond with Christian love, wisdom, and appropriate boundaries.
Take comfort in knowing that the Kingdom of God will ultimately triumph over all darkness, and your faith connects you to that victory today. While evil people may cause temporary trouble, they cannot separate you from God’s love or derail His good plans for your life.
Bible verse about evil not winning assures us that evil will not prevail, and God’s justice will ultimately prevail. Trust in His justice, rest in His peace, and walk forward with confidence in His unfailing protection.