“Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.” – Romans 12:21
What Does The Bible Say About Evil
The Bible talks a lot about evil and how it affects the world and people’s lives. It tells us that evil is anything that goes against what God wants and anything that brings harm, pain, or wrongdoing. Evil can come from people’s choices, from the influence of the enemy of God, or from the brokenness of the world. The Bible shows us that evil brings suffering and separates people from the good and perfect plans that God has for them.
God made everything good, but evil came into the world when people chose to disobey Him. This disobedience caused a separation between God and people, and it brought pain, sickness, and death into the world. Evil can be seen in the way people treat each other with hatred, greed, or dishonesty. It can also be seen in the ways people reject what is right and choose to do things that hurt themselves or others.
The Bible teaches us that God is not the cause of evil, but He allows it for a time so that people can have free will. However, it also tells us that God is stronger than evil, and He has a plan to overcome it completely. The Bible calls people to turn away from evil and do what is good. It encourages people to trust in God, who can help them resist evil and choose what is right.
The Bible promises that one day God will remove all evil from the world. He will bring justice, heal all the pain caused by evil, and create a new world where only goodness and peace will exist. Until that time, it encourages people to stay strong in their faith, do good to others, and trust that God is in control, even when evil seems powerful.
Evil in the World
Evil exists in many forms in the world, challenging our faith and moral compass. The Bible reminds us that while evil may prevail for a moment, God’s ultimate plan is always just and good. These verses provide insight into the nature of evil and how it impacts humanity.
Genesis 6:5
“God saw that human evil was out of control. People thought evil, imagined evil—evil, evil, evil from morning to night.”
Psalm 34:16
“God keeps an eye on his friends, his ears pick up every moan and groan. God won’t put up with rebels; he’ll cull them from the pack.”
Ecclesiastes 9:3
“This is the worst thing about living on this earth: that everyone is lumped together in one fate. Also, hearts are filled with evil, and stupid things are in their hearts while they live, and then they die.”
Matthew 6:13
“Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. You’re in charge!”
John 3:19
“This is the crisis we’re in: God’s light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God.”
1 John 5:19
“We know that we are held firm by God, it’s only the people of the world who continue in the grip of the Evil One.”
God’s Power Over Evil
Though evil may seem strong, God’s power surpasses it. The Bible assures us that God is sovereign over all and that His goodness will ultimately overcome all evil. These verses emphasize the authority of God and His ability to defeat darkness.
Psalm 37:1
“Don’t bother your head with braggarts or wish you could succeed like the wicked.”
Isaiah 41:10
“Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God.”
Romans 16:20
“And before you know it, the God of peace will come down on Satan with both feet, stomping him into the dirt.”
2 Thessalonians 3:3
“But the Master never lets us down. He’ll stick by you and protect you from evil.”
1 John 4:4
“You come from God and belong to God. You have already won a big victory over those false teachers, for the Spirit in you is far stronger than anything in the world.”
Revelation 12:11
“They defeated him through the blood of the Lamb and the bold word of their witness.”
Resisting Temptation
Temptation is a tool of evil to lead us away from God’s path. Yet, through His Word and Spirit, God equips us to resist temptation and stay faithful. The following verses highlight the importance of vigilance and reliance on God when faced with temptation.
Proverbs 4:14-15
“Don’t take Wicked Bypass; don’t so much as set foot on that road.”
Matthew 26:41
“Stay alert; be in prayer so you don’t wander into temptation without even knowing you’re in danger.”
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face.”
James 1:13-14
“Don’t let anyone under pressure give in to evil say, ‘God is trying to trip me up.’”
2 Timothy 2:22
“Run away from infantile indulgence. Run after mature righteousness—faith, love, peace—joining those who are in honest and serious prayer before God.”
Hebrews 4:15
“We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin.”
Deliverance from Evil
God provides deliverance for those who trust in Him. Even in the presence of evil, God’s power to rescue and protect His children is steadfast. The following verses emphasize God’s faithfulness in delivering us from the grasp of evil.
Psalm 34:17
“Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you.”
Psalm 107:6
“Then, in your desperate condition, you called out to God. He got you out in the nick of time.”
2 Samuel 22:2-3
“God is my bedrock under my feet, the castle in which I live, my rescuing knight.”
2 Timothy 4:18
“God’s looking after me, keeping me safe in the kingdom of heaven. All praise to him, praise forever!”
Colossians 1:13
“God rescued us from dead-end alleys and dark dungeons. He’s set us up in the kingdom of the Son he loves so much.”
Psalm 91:3
“That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards.”
Overcoming Evil with Good
The Bible teaches us that the best way to counter evil is through acts of kindness and goodness. By following God’s example of love and compassion, we can be a light in dark places and overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:21
“Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.”
1 Thessalonians 5:15
“Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out.”
1 Peter 3:9
“No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless.”
Galatians 6:10
“Right now, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.”
Proverbs 25:21-22
“If you see your enemy hungry, go buy him lunch; if he’s thirsty, bring him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness.”
Luke 6:27
“To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you.”
Final Thought
God’s Word illuminates the path to overcome evil and live in His truth. By trusting in His promises, resisting temptation, and countering evil with good, we find peace and victory through Christ. Evil will not have the last word—God’s love and power will prevail.