Rom 1:29b Vices: Part 2

Vices: Part 2

Rom 1:29b Full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers,

While covetous is the obsession with things, the object of envy is that which another has whether material thing or not. For example Jesus was handed over to be crucified because of the envy of the chief priests. "the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy" Mark 15:10 They envied his popularity. Envy is something we've all experienced from time to time. "For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another." Titus 3:3 But now "lay aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking" 1Pet 2:1

"Murder" speaks for itself - unjustly killing another person be it by abortion or otherwise. I say "unjustly" because the Bible does make a distinction between capital punishment and murder as it also does with unintentional manslaughter. In fact it advocates capital punishment in the case of murder. "Whoever kills a person, the murderer shall be put to death on the testimony of witnesses" Num 35:30 And while this was reserved for physical murder, hatred is a form of murder - unjustly wishing someone's death. "Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him." 1John 3:15 Murderers are one of the many categories of people who don't have eternal life.

"Strife" is contention for contention's sake. Christians are exhorted to contend. But not for the sake of contenting but to contend for the faith. "I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints." Jude 1:3b Thus for example we find Paul characteristically contending against false teaches and sinful practices within the Christian community. But he also says, "Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen." 2Tim 2:14 and "If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind ..." 1Tim 6:3-5a Therefore "don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels." 2Tim 2:23 even though labeling someone's argument as "stupid" may itself produce a quarrel.

"Deceit" is something Christians are regularly warned to be alert to. "Let no one deceive you by any means" 2Th 2:3 "Let no one deceive you with empty words" Eph 5:6a "These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you." 1John 2:26 and certainly Christians should not try to deceive others, but rather should be honest. Beware for there "are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light." 2Cor 11:13,14

"Evil-mindedness" is a sort of malicious craftiness. It's the intentional planning out of malicious acts. It's organizing crime and evil acts. Pr 12:20 "There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil, but joy for those who promote peace." Pr 14:22 "Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness."

"Whisperers" is a word only used here in the New Testament, though its a form of gossip, which is used more generally. But in particular this means to secretly slander someone. That is, to misrepresent a person behind their back.

The Berean Christian Bible Study Resources