The concept of the happiness of the wicked is a recurring theme in the Bible, often serving as a cautionary tale for the faithful. The Scriptures consistently warn against envying the prosperity and apparent happiness of those who live in opposition to God's commandments. This entry explores the biblical perspective on the fleeting nature of the wicked's happiness and the admonition to avoid envy.

Biblical Warnings Against Envy

The Bible explicitly advises believers not to envy the wicked, recognizing that their prosperity is temporary and ultimately leads to destruction. In Psalm 37:1-2 , David writes, "Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong. For they will wither quickly like grass and wilt like tender plants." This passage underscores the transient nature of the wicked's success, likening it to grass that quickly fades away.

Similarly, Proverbs 24:19-20 states, "Do not fret over evildoers, and do not be envious of the wicked. For the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished." Here, the text emphasizes the ultimate fate of the wicked, whose apparent happiness is overshadowed by their lack of a future in God's eternal plan.

The Illusion of Prosperity

The prosperity of the wicked is often portrayed as an illusion, a deceptive appearance that masks their eventual downfall. In Psalm 73, Asaph reflects on his own struggle with envying the wicked, who seem to live carefree lives. He writes in Psalm 73:3-5 , "For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed. They are free of the burdens others carry; they are not afflicted like other men."

However, Asaph's perspective shifts when he enters the sanctuary of God and discerns the true end of the wicked. In Psalm 73:17-19 , he acknowledges, "Then I entered the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end. Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin. How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors!"

The Righteous Perspective

The Bible encourages believers to maintain a righteous perspective, focusing on God's promises and eternal rewards rather than the temporary success of the wicked. In Proverbs 23:17-18 , the text advises, "Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always continue in the fear of the LORD. For surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off." This passage reassures the faithful that their hope in the Lord is secure and enduring.

Furthermore, the New Testament echoes this sentiment, urging believers to seek first the kingdom of God. In Matthew 6:33 , Jesus instructs, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." This directive encourages Christians to prioritize their spiritual well-being over worldly concerns.

The Ultimate Justice of God

The Bible assures believers that God's justice will ultimately prevail, and the wicked will face the consequences of their actions. In Romans 2:6-8 , Paul writes, "God 'will repay each one according to his deeds.' To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger."

This assurance of divine justice serves as a reminder that the happiness of the wicked is fleeting and that true joy and fulfillment are found in a life aligned with God's will.Psalm 37:1
Fret not yourself because of evildoers, neither be you envious against the workers of iniquity.
Nave's Topical Index

Whether in Hell the Damned Would Wish Others were Damned who are ...
... risen up from their thrones," says: "The wicked are comforted ... Further, envy reigns
supreme in the damned. Therefore they grieve for the happiness of the blessed ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether in hell the damned 2.htm

How the Kindly-Disposed and the Envious are to be Admonished.
... more unhappy than these, who, when touched by the sight of happiness, are made more
wicked by the ... For of him it is written, But by envy of the devil death ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter x how the kindly-disposed.htm

Treatise x. On Jealousy and Envy.
... in respect of his virtue or of his happiness; that is ... in his way." [3656] And again:
"The wicked shall observe ... tore away every cause and matter of gnawing envy. ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise x on jealousy and.htm

The Hope of Future Bliss
... that the Psalmist has been speaking of the wicked. ... another's lot, what would have
been happiness becomes his ... I envy not your greatness, ye mighty emperors; I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the hope of future bliss.htm

Though in Order to Establish this Suitable Difference Between the ...
... Let not thine heart envy sinners, but be thou in the fear of the Lord ... they go two
different ways; the virtuous to a place of happiness, the wicked and the ...
/.../iv proposition iv though in.htm

Lastly; they who Will Not, by the Arguments and Proofs Before ...
... least possibility of obtaining eternal happiness, or the ... standing instance, how far
prejudice, envy, pride, and ... unexpected a messenger: But as wicked men upon ...
/.../xv proposition xv lastly they.htm

That all the Saints, Both under the Law and Before It, were ...
... he saw them enjoyed by the wicked, his feet had ... a transitory and fleeting
happiness;"a happiness of mire ... blessed and immortal spirits, who do not envy us ( ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 25 that all the saints.htm

Psalm LXXXII.
... But they will envy Him, and will not at all spare Him ... who by their dissembling suffered
such a wicked deed to ... it, and set at nought the vain happiness of this ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxii.htm

Whether There is Sorrow in the Demons?
... others to be, which are not: for, out of envy, they would ... Moreover, they are deprived
of happiness, which they desire naturally; and their wicked will is ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there is sorrow in.htm

Upon the Collections , iv.
... pride and then to injure us through envy, because "he ... cut off man's devout hopes
from that happiness which he ... his ways and the sinner give up his wicked habits ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon ix upon the collections.htm

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