In "Wicked Men Compared to Mad Men," Benjamin Keach addresses the theological understanding of human depravity, particularly emphasizing the chaotic and irrational nature of wickedness in light of Scripture. The key argument posits that the morally corrupt—referred to as "wicked men"—are akin to "mad men," illustrating their loss of spiritual reason and understanding, leading them to behave irrationally and destructively (Ecclesiastes 9:3; Luke 15:17). Keach draws parallels between characteristics of madness and the actions of the wicked, highlighting the desperate, cruel tendencies of sinners, their enslavement to sin, and their rejection of divine righteousness (2 Timothy 2:26). This comparison underscores the gravity of sin and the importance of divine grace, as it shows the stark contrast between those who are spiritually alive in Christ and those who remain in their natural state of folly. The practical significance of this exhortation lies in encouraging believers to maintain their faith amidst the chaos of a world filled with spiritual madness.
Key Quotes
“Wicked Men are set forth in the scripture as Men out of their wits, Men distracted Mad Men.”
“How desperate are Wicked Men! How will they swear, curse and blaspheme the holy name of God… for mischief they delight in nothing more spoiling and utterly destroying their innocent neighbours.”
“God chains up or puts wicked Men into bonds, limits their power lest they should go too far in their cruel and mischievous designs against his people.”
“Wicked Men refuse spiritually to be clothed with the robe of Christ's righteousness; they will go naked in God's sight.”
What does the Bible say about wicked men?
The Bible depicts wicked men as devoid of reason, likening them to mad men, lost in their evil ways (Ecclesiastes 9:3).
Moreover, these men exhibit behaviors that are desperate and mischievous, showing no concern for the consequences of their actions. They engage in swearing and blaspheming against God, reflecting their complete disregard for His holiness. This madness leads them to act in ways that are cruel and harmful, demonstrating that they are not governed by reason but by folly. Their actions serve as a warning to the righteous, showing the potential dangers that exist in a world filled with such wickedness.
Ecclesiastes 9:3, Luke 15:17
Why is understanding wickedness important for Christians?
Understanding wickedness helps Christians recognize the dangers posed by the unregenerate and to remain steadfast in faith (Romans 12:2).
Additionally, understanding wickedness can deepen a Christian's compassion for the unregenerate. As they come to see wicked individuals as spiritually blind and without true understanding, it may compel Christians to pray for their salvation and to engage in loving outreach, seeking to share the truth of the Gospel. Awareness of the maddening effects of sin can foster a sense of urgency among believers to spread the message of redemption found in Christ, encouraging all people to come to themselves, as the prodigal son did, and seek the grace offered through faith in Him.
Romans 12:2
How do we know that wickedness leads to madness?
The consequences of wicked actions reveal a profound disconnect from reason and righteousness, as seen throughout scripture (Proverbs 1:7).
Moreover, the behaviors of wicked men often reflect a perverse logic that leads them to choices that are ultimately self-destructive. Their disregard for God's laws and their inclination toward evil demonstrate a state of madness characterized by destructive patterns of sin. This madness manifests in their lack of empathy, their cruelty toward others, and their blasphemous attitudes toward the divine. Therefore, the Bible's teachings help us to conclude that such wickedness is not just a moral failing but represents a deeper spiritual disorientation, framing the wicked as mad in their pursuit of evil.
Proverbs 1:7
WICKED MEN COMPARED TO MAD MEN
"Yea also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and Madness is in their hearts whilst they live" &c., Ec 9:3
"When he came to himself, he said, how many hired servants of my father have bread enough, and to spare" &c., Lu 15:17.
WICKED Men are set forth in the scripture as Men out of their wits, Men distracted, Mad Men. And truly the choice they make, their actions, and behaviour show, as if they were indeed beside themselves; they are really void of right reason, or Men that have lost their spiritual understanding.
PARALLELS
I. A Mad Man is one that is deprived of his natural reason, a beast as it were, in the shape of a Man. So all the ungodly of the earth have lost their spiritual reason, they are Men of no understanding, and more fitly may be said to be beasts in the form or shape of Men, than such as have lost their human reason.
II. Some Mad Men are desperate, and very mischievous, care not what hurt they do. O how desperate are Wicked Men! How will they swear, curse, and blaspheme the holy name of God, and dare God to damn them; and for mischief, they delight in nothing more, spoiling and utterly destroying their innocent neighbours.
III. Mad Men are usually bound, lest they should proceed too far in their mischievous ways: so God chains up, or puts, wicked Men into bonds, limits their power, lest they should go too far in their cruel and mischievous designs against his people.
IV. Mad Men are usually committed to prison: so Wicked Men are under the cursed bondage and slavery of Satan, who takes them captive at his will.
V. A Mad Man will even spit in the face of his dearest friend, who with much affection seeks his good: so Wicked Men do as it were spit in the very faces of God's faithful ministers, who in bowels of tender love and compassion seek their good; and is this any marvel, when they in a base manner spit in the face of Christ himself?
VI. Mad Men refuse clothes, and will go naked: so Wicked Men refuse spiritually to be clothed with the robe of Christ's righteousness; they will go naked in God's sight, or have nothing to cover them but the rags of their own righteousness.
There are many other properties in Mad people, which may aptly be applied to ungodly men; but because divers of them agree likewise with the characters of fools or idiots, we shall refer you to that concerning fools, &c.
INFERENCES
No marvel if God's people meet with so much trouble in this world, and are exposed to so many dangers by the Wicked: alas! they are mad: let us take the less notice of what they do to us; they are out of their right minds, distracted, &c. What a Mad world is this! How few are there that come to themselves! Most Men and woman are Mad.
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