91 Powerful Bible Verses About Evil and Wicked People

Human evil. It's a lot to think about — and something every believer must wrestle with at some point in their faith journey.

The Bible has much to say about evil and wicked people. Evil behavior stems from humanity's sinful nature, a brokenness that has plagued the world since the fall in the Garden of Eden. Scripture teaches us that evil stirs up conflict, sin produces death, and all wickedness ultimately derives from Satan, the adversary of God. Many of the wicked people who plot evil may even be among our friends, family, or those who oppose us.

Satan's mission is clear: he comes to steal, kill, and destroy. He unleashes the spiritual forces of evil to shed innocent blood, and he despises the light. Throughout history, the enemy has worked to turn authorities and powers against goodness and righteousness. Yet God remains sovereign over all — and His Word provides both warnings about evil and hope for overcoming it.

In this comprehensive Bible study, we'll explore 91 powerful Bible verses about evil and wicked people, examine why God allows evil in this world, and discover how Scripture calls us to respond to wickedness with faith, love, and the power of God.

Let's dig into the age-old question: Why does God allow evil in this world?

Why Does God Allow Evil in the World?

The problem of evil is one of the most profound philosophical and theological questions ever asked. Evil causes strife, suffering, and heartbreak. None of us want to suffer, yet every single person will face suffering at some point in their lives.

We will never fully understand the mind of God this side of eternity. But Scripture gives us important insights into why a loving God permits evil to exist. If God were to eliminate all human evil instantly, He would also eliminate our free will — the very gift that allows us to choose to love Him freely.

Here are several biblical reasons why God allows evil and suffering:

1. Evil and suffering are caused by man's sinful nature — Human beings chose to rebel against God in the Garden of Eden, and that brokenness has passed to every generation since.
2. God allows suffering to judge the wicked — Scripture repeatedly shows that God uses consequences to bring justice upon those who practice evil.
3. God allows suffering to discipline His children — Like a loving Father, God uses trials to refine and strengthen the faith of believers.
4. God achieves good through suffering — Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works all things together for good for those who love Him.
5. God allowed His only Son, Jesus Christ, to endure all pain and suffering to eradicate it — The cross is the ultimate proof that God did not remain distant from our pain but entered into it to redeem us.

If you're struggling with anxiety or difficult emotions related to suffering, you may also find comfort in our collection of prayers for anxiety and depression.

In today's Bible reading, we will center our study around what Scripture says about evil, wickedness, and God's ultimate victory over darkness. Put on your armor of God and ask for help from the heavenly realms for God's discernment today.

What Does the Bible Say About Evil?

The following 91 Bible verses address evil and wicked people from every angle — from warnings about the nature of wickedness, to promises of God's protection, to instructions on how believers should respond when confronted with evil. As you read through these Scriptures, let the Holy Spirit speak to your heart and strengthen your faith.

1. Romans 12:9 KJV

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

2. Proverbs 4:27 KJV

Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

3. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV

Abstain from all appearance of evil.

4. Romans 12:21 KJV

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

5. Micah 2:1 KJV

Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand.

6. John 1:1 KJV

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Bible Verses About the Fear of the Lord and Departing from Evil

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom — and it is also the foundation for turning away from wickedness. These verses remind us that reverence for God naturally leads us to hate and avoid evil.

7. Proverbs 3:7 KJV

Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

8. Proverbs 8:13 KJV

The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

9. Isaiah 45:7 KJV

I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things.

10. Psalms 141:4 KJV

Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.

11. 2 Timothy 4:18 KJV

And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

12. Proverbs 10:29 KJV

The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

Scriptures on God's Judgment Against Wickedness

God does not turn a blind eye to evil. Throughout the Bible, we see that the Lord actively opposes the wicked and promises that justice will come. These verses offer both a warning to evildoers and comfort to the righteous.

13. Malachi 2:17 KJV

Ye have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?

14. Romans 12:19 KJV

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

15. James 1:13 KJV

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

16. Romans 13:4 KJV

For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

17. 1 Kings 17:13 KJV

And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.

18. Revelation 21:8 KJV

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Bible Verses About Love Overcoming Evil

One of the most beautiful truths in Scripture is that love is more powerful than evil. God calls His people not to fight wickedness with more wickedness, but to overcome evil through love, kindness, and faithfulness. Building a consistent prayer life through Christian meditation can help you cultivate this kind of love in your daily walk.

19. Proverbs 10:12 KJV

Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

20. Proverbs 29:11 KJV

A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

21. Psalms 34:16 KJV

The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

22. 1 Corinthians 13:6 KJV

Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

23. 1 John 4:4 KJV

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

24. 1 John 5:19 KJV

And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

Verses Warning Against Calling Evil Good

Scripture contains stern warnings for those who blur the lines between good and evil. In a world that increasingly calls darkness "light," these Bible verses serve as a powerful reminder to hold fast to God's truth.

25. Isaiah 5:20 KJV

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

26. Psalms 5:4 KJV

For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.

27. Psalms 28:3 KJV

Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts.

28. Revelation 1:1 KJV

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

Scriptures on Resisting Evil and Spiritual Warfare

As believers, we are not called to be passive in the face of evil. The Bible equips us with spiritual weapons to resist the devil, stand firm in faith, and fight against the spiritual forces of wickedness. If you're looking for practical ways to build spiritual resilience, explore these meditation techniques for beginners rooted in faith.

29. James 4:7 KJV

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

30. Romans 7:13 KJV

Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.

31. James 1:21 KJV

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

32. 2 Peter 3:9 KJV

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

33. Isaiah 1:16 KJV

Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;

Bible Verses About the Origin of Evil and the Knowledge of Good and Evil

Evil didn't appear out of nowhere — it entered the world through a choice. These foundational Scriptures take us back to the very beginning, where humanity first encountered the knowledge of good and evil and the devastating consequences that followed.

34. Genesis 2:17 KJV

But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

35. Matthew 6:13 KJV

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

36. Judges 2:19 KJV

And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, that they returned, and corrupted themselves more than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down unto them; they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way.

37. Genesis 3:5 KJV

For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

38. Matthew 5:39 KJV

But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

39. Joshua 24:15 KJV

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

The Fate of Evildoers According to Scripture

What happens to those who persist in evil? The Bible is clear: evildoers will ultimately face God's justice. Yet even in these verses of warning, we see God's mercy — always extending an invitation to repent and turn back to Him.

40. Psalms 37:9 KJV

For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.

41. Psalms 7:14 KJV

Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood.

42. Proverbs 4:16 KJV

For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.

43. 1 Samuel 15:23 KJV

For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

Verses About Avoiding Evil Influences and Dark Works

The company we keep and the influences we allow into our lives matter deeply. These Scriptures instruct believers to separate themselves from evil influences, corrupt communication, and the unfruitful works of darkness.

44. Ephesians 5:11 KJV

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

45. Ephesians 4:29 KJV

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

46. 2 Timothy 2:22 KJV

Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

47. Psalms 50:19 KJV

Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit.

48. Exodus 14:14 KJV

The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

Scriptures on Sin, Wickedness, and God's Grace

Every human being has fallen short of God's glory. Yet the Scriptures reveal that even in the midst of our sin and wickedness, God's grace reaches out to save us. These verses paint a powerful picture of both human depravity and divine mercy.

49. Romans 3:23 KJV

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

50. 1 Peter 3:9 KJV

Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

51. Proverbs 21:15 KJV

It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

52. 1 Corinthians 15:33 KJV

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

53. Proverbs 16:4 KJV

The Lord hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

54. 1 Samuel 12:20 KJV

And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart;

Bible Verses About God Working Good Through Evil

One of the most comforting truths in Scripture is that God can bring good out of even the worst evil. What Satan means for destruction, God redeems for His purposes. These verses encourage us to trust God's sovereignty, even when we cannot understand His ways. For more encouragement, read our collection of Bible verses about faith and trust.

55. Romans 8:28 KJV

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

56. Proverbs 17:15 KJV

He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord.

57. Luke 1:37 KJV

For with God nothing shall be impossible.

58. Romans 16:17 KJV

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

59. Genesis 3:22 KJV

And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:

60. Deuteronomy 17:7 KJV

The hands of the witnesses shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterward the hands of all the people. So thou shalt put the evil away from among you.

Verses About God's Protection Against Evil

When evil surrounds us, God is our refuge and our shield. These powerful Bible verses about evil remind us that no weapon formed against us shall prosper, that God fights for His children, and that His light will always shine brighter than the darkness.

61. Isaiah 54:17 KJV

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.

62. John 1:5 KJV

And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

63. John 10:10 KJV

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

64. James 1:14 KJV

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

65. Proverbs 25:26 KJV

A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.

66. Psalms 23:4 KJV

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Scriptures on the Root of Evil and the Power of Sin

What lies at the root of all evil? Scripture points to sin, lust, and the love of worldly things as the source of wickedness in the human heart. Understanding these roots helps us guard our own hearts against the deceptions of the enemy.

67. 1 Timothy 6:10 KJV

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

68. John 3:16 KJV

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

69. Proverbs 12:20 KJV

Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.

70. Psalms 34:14 KJV

Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

71. Psalms 119:133 KJV

Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

72. 2 Chronicles 29:6 KJV

For our fathers have trespassed, and done that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord our God, and have forsaken him, and have turned away their faces from the habitation of the Lord, and turned their backs.

Bible Verses About Responding to Evil with Righteousness

How should Christians respond when wicked people do evil against them? Jesus Himself taught us to turn the other cheek, to pray for our enemies, and to let God handle vengeance. These Scriptures show us the righteous way to respond to evil — not with retaliation, but with grace.

73. Matthew 7:12 KJV

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

74. Ephesians 6:12 KJV

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

75. Psalms 73:7 KJV

Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.

76. Genesis 6:5 KJV

And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth