Proverbs 16:4...

[CaptWalker]

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

Was just wondering how others interpreted this even though I lean more towards it saying what it means literally. Now maybe you could interpret it as He chose to USE the wicked for that specific time period only after they chose to go bad, which He would have foreknown even before they were born. 

And Jeremiah 1:5 says..."Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou came forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and ordained thee a prophet unto the nations."

Edited June 30, 2024 by CaptWalker

[NConly]

Isa 45

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

It is my opinion before man was created all creatures created only knew good. Now through man there

is a choice to make how one wants to live each of us have to make that choice. If a relative does not choose

the good way then God made a way for that.

Rev 21

4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

[CaptWalker]

Well the only thing is that I have mostly heard from those who say God does not and cannot create Evil...so obviously there must be another interpretation of this verse from the Hebrew manuscripts, which unfortunately most people would never have access to...?

So maybe someone else could better explain or enlighten us all regarding Strongs Hebrew #7451 as defining the word "evil"... but I really cant even confirm that is the correct word from an online Bible concordance? And i am not really in the mood to get into some kind of debate about this or anything else. But I do appreciate the replies to my original question.

Edited June 30, 2024 by CaptWalker

[Jayne]

3 hours ago, CaptWalker said:

Well the only thing is that I have mostly heard from those who say God does not and cannot create Evil...so obviously there must be another interpretation of this verse from the Hebrew manuscripts, which unfortunately most people would never have access to...?

So maybe someone else could better explain or enlighten us all regarding Strongs Hebrew #7451 as defining the word "evil"... but I really cant even confirm that is the correct word from an online Bible concordance? And i am not really in the mood to get into some kind of debate about this or anything else. But I do appreciate the replies to my original question.

God did not create evil.

Actually, Strong's #7451 gives many meanings for the Hebrew word רַע [rah'].  Evil is one of them, but the overwhelming majority of Bibles that are based on the oldest of manuscripts use the words "calamity" or "disaster".

Here's what Strong's #7451 says:

[1] evil as in bad, unpleasant, displeasing, worse

[2] evil as in injury, calamity, distress, adversity

In the context of Isaiah  45:6-7, God is using comparisons.  He says so all may know from the "sunrise" to the "sunset".  Those are opposites.  He says he makes "light" and "darkness".  Those are opposites.  Then he uses two more opposites - "peace", the Hebrew word שָׁלוֹם [salom], which means completeness, soundness, peace, safety.

What is the opposite of that?  Evil as in "bad"?  No.  The opposite of being at peace or safe and sound is distress or calamity.

[First and the Last]

Proverbs 16:4, "The Lord hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil,"

Speaks to the sovereignty and ultimate purpose of God in creation. This verse underscores the belief that everything in existence serves a purpose within God's divine plan, including the existence of wickedness and evil, which are ultimately under His control and will be dealt with in His righteous judgment.

In understanding this verse, it is crucial to acknowledge the oneness of God as central to Biblical doctrine. God, who is sovereign and all-knowing, created the universe with intentionality and purpose. "The Lord hath made all things for himself" affirms that all creation is designed to fulfill God's purposes and reflect His glory. This aligns with the belief that God's nature is singular and His will is paramount in the unfolding of history.

The phrase "even the wicked for the day of evil" does not imply that God creates individuals to be wicked, but rather that God, in His omniscience, allows for human free will and the presence of evil, knowing that He will ultimately bring about justice and righteousness. The "day of evil" refers to a time of judgment when God will address wickedness and evil, ensuring that His divine justice prevails. This perspective encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate plan and His ability to use even adverse circumstances to fulfill His righteous purposes.

[Truswell]

On 6/30/2024 at 5:19 PM, CaptWalker said:

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

Was just wondering how others interpreted this even though I lean more towards it saying what it means literally. Now maybe you could interpret it as He chose to USE the wicked for that specific time period only after they chose to go bad, which He would have foreknown even before they were born. 

And Jeremiah 1:5 says..."Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou came forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and ordained thee a prophet unto the nations."

“The Lord hath made all things for himself: yea even the wicked for the day of evil.” Proverbs 16:4.

For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.  (Rom 11:36)

He prepared a place for the wicked, as well as a place for the righteous.

Therefore, put on the whole armour of God.  

.

Edited July 1, 2024 by Truswell

[Markie51]

      The account of Pharaoh may be helpful.  Pharoh, by refusing to release of enslaved Israelites, was influenced by Almighty God.  Although God did not create this ruler wicked, He did allow him to continue living until He saw fit to execute his adverse judgment.  God also influenced and allowed the circumstances that caused this ruler's wickedness in order to serve His purposes. (Exodus 9:16)  Compare also: Exodus 9:12; 10:1; 20, 27; 11:10.