Evil is something we see in the world every day.
It shows up in crime, dishonesty, betrayal, and cruelty.
Some people seem to live with no regard for others, doing harm without remorse.
But what does the Bible say about evil people?
How should we respond to them?
And what does God do about their actions?
The Bible has a lot to say about the nature of evil, how it affects the world, and what happens to those who choose to live in wickedness.
Let’s take a deeper look at what Scripture teaches about evil people and how God calls us to respond.
The Bible’s Definition of Evil
Before we can understand what the Bible says about evil people, we need to know what evil means in Scripture.
The Bible describes evil as anything that goes against God’s will, righteousness, and holiness.
It is the opposite of good and brings destruction, pain, and sin into the world.
Psalm 34:16 says, “The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to blot out their name from the earth.”
Evil is not just about bad behavior.
It is a direct rebellion against God’s ways.
Some people commit evil acts occasionally, while others live in evil as a lifestyle, choosing wickedness over righteousness.
The Bible warns about both kinds.
The Heart of an Evil Person
Evil does not happen by accident.
It comes from a heart that has turned away from God.
Jeremiah 17:9 tells us, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”
This verse shows that the root of evil is in the human heart.
Without God, people are naturally selfish, prideful, and capable of great sin.
Jesus also spoke about this in Matthew 15:19, saying, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.”
Evil actions begin with evil thoughts.
When a person refuses to submit to God, their heart becomes hardened, and they live according to their own desires instead of God’s truth.
How Evil People Act
The Bible describes the behaviors of evil people in many passages.
They are known for lying, deceit, pride, violence, and a lack of compassion.
Psalm 36:3-4 says, “The words of their mouths are wicked and deceitful; they fail to act wisely or do good. Even on their beds they plot evil; they commit themselves to a sinful course and do not reject what is wrong.”
Evil people do not just make mistakes.
They embrace sin and refuse to turn from it.
They plan wickedness and take pleasure in harming others.
They deceive, manipulate, and destroy without guilt.
Proverbs 6:16-19 lists seven things the Lord hates, all of which describe the actions of evil people.
God despises 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.
These behaviors reflect a life that is opposed to God.
God’s Judgment on Evil People
The Bible makes it clear that God does not ignore evil.
He sees everything, and He will bring justice.
Romans 2:6 says, “God will repay each person according to what they have done.”
No evil deed escapes His sight.
Psalm 37:9 says, “For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.”
God allows evil to exist for a time, but He will ultimately judge those who choose wickedness.
Proverbs 11:21 reminds us that the wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free.
While it may seem like evil people prosper for a while, their end is destruction unless they repent.
Should We Fear Evil People?
With so much evil in the world, it’s easy to feel afraid.
But the Bible tells us not to fear evil people.
Psalm 23:4 gives comfort, saying, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
God is greater than any evil we face.
He protects His people and gives them strength.
Romans 8:31 says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Evil may seem powerful, but it is nothing compared to the power of God.
Those who trust in Him have nothing to fear.
How Should We Respond to Evil People?
The Bible gives clear instructions on how we should deal with evil people.
Romans 12:21 says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
When we encounter evil, we should not respond with more evil.
Instead, we are called to do what is right, even when it’s difficult.
Proverbs 4:14-15 warns, “Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.”
God tells us to stay away from those who practice evil.
Bad company can corrupt good character, and surrounding ourselves with wicked people can lead us into sin.
It’s natural to want to get revenge on those who hurt us, but God tells us to leave justice in His hands.
Romans 12:19 says, “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.”
God’s justice is perfect.
He sees every wrong and will deal with evil people in His time.
While we should not tolerate evil, we should also pray for those who do wrong.
Matthew 5:44 says, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
While we do not excuse their actions, we can ask God to soften their hearts and lead them to repentance.
Some of the most evil people in history have turned to God and changed because someone prayed for them.
Can Evil People Change?
The good news of the gospel is that no one is beyond God’s grace.
Even the most wicked person can be transformed by His love.
Paul, one of the greatest apostles, was once an enemy of God.
He persecuted Christians and approved of their deaths.
But God changed his heart, and he became a powerful witness for Christ.
1 Timothy 1:15 says, “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.”
This means that even the worst sinners can be saved if they repent and turn to Jesus.
God’s love is greater than any sin, and His mercy is available to all who seek Him.
Final Thoughts
The Bible makes it clear that evil exists, but it also assures us that God is in control.
Evil people may seem to prosper for a time, but they will not escape God’s justice.
As believers, we are called to stand firm, avoid wickedness, and trust in God’s plan.
While we should pray for evil people and hope for their transformation, we must also guard our hearts and stay on the path of righteousness.
God’s justice will prevail, and His light will always overcome darkness.