Proverbs 18:3 (KJV) When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

This proverb shows us one way to discern if there is any wickedness in a person.

Contempt (scorn and disrespect) of a person or people is a fruit of a wicked person. Therefore when someone who is evil and disagreeable comes they will say and do things that scorn and disrespect. Contempt of someone brings dishonour and reproach to that person but also to the person showing contempt. There is no winner.

The Bible Knowledge commentary put it the following way: “Proverbs 18:3

Sinful living is accompanied by contempt, and with shame comes disgrace. These words of dishonor contrast with the benefits of upright, wise living, which include honor and dignity (Pro 4:7-9). In Pro 18:3 an interesting progression is suggested: “contempt” leads to “shame” which leads to “disgrace” (cf. “disgraceful” in Pro 10:5; Pro 17:2).”

The Believer’s Bible commentary renders it as follows: “18:3 When the wicked comes, contempt comes also; and with dishonor comes reproach. This is another way of saying that outward shame and reproach come on the heels of inward wickedness and baseness.”

Therefore be encouraged today to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh so that we might bear fruits of righteousness instead of wickedness. When we walk in the Spirit we will bring forth what is good, right, uplifting, edifying, encouraging,…. Let us be discerning of those around us and when we see someone walk in wickedness to encourage them in love to walk in righteousness instead.

“Galatians 5:16-26 (KJV) This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. [17] For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. [18] But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. [19] Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, [20] Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, [21] Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, [23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. [24] And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. [25] If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. [26] Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.”