The concept of the happiness of the wicked is a recurring theme in the Bible, often serving as a point of tension between the apparent prosperity of those who do evil and the ultimate justice of God. This theme is explored through various illustrations and teachings, providing insight into the temporary nature of such happiness and the eventual consequences of wickedness.

Psalm 73: A Struggle with Envy

One of the most poignant illustrations of the happiness of the wicked is found in Psalm 73. The psalmist, Asaph, candidly expresses his struggle with envy as he observes the prosperity of the wicked: "For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked" (Psalm 73:3). He describes how they seem to live without struggles, their bodies healthy and strong, free from the burdens common to man (Psalm 73:4-5). This apparent happiness leads Asaph to question the value of his own righteousness.

However, the psalmist's perspective shifts when he enters the sanctuary of God and discerns the ultimate fate of the wicked: "Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin" (Psalm 73:18). This realization underscores the temporary nature of their happiness and the certainty of divine justice.

Job: The Prosperity of the Wicked

The Book of Job also addresses the prosperity of the wicked, as Job laments the success of those who defy God: "Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power?" (Job 21:7). Job observes that their homes are secure, their livestock multiply, and they spend their days in prosperity (Job 21:9-13). Despite their apparent happiness, Job acknowledges that their joy is fleeting and that they will ultimately face judgment: "They are like straw before the wind, like chaff swept away by a storm" (Job 21:18).

Ecclesiastes: The Vanity of Wicked Prosperity

The Book of Ecclesiastes offers a philosophical reflection on the happiness of the wicked, emphasizing the vanity and futility of their pursuits. The Preacher observes that the wicked often receive what the righteous deserve, and vice versa, leading to a sense of injustice: "There is a futility that occurs on earth: there are righteous men who get what the actions of the wicked deserve, and there are wicked men who get what the actions of the righteous deserve" (Ecclesiastes 8:14). Despite this, the Preacher concludes that fearing God and keeping His commandments is the ultimate duty of man (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

Proverbs: The End of the Wicked

The Book of Proverbs frequently contrasts the temporary happiness of the wicked with the enduring joy of the righteous. Proverbs 10:28 states, "The hope of the righteous is joy, but the expectations of the wicked will perish" . This proverbial wisdom highlights the fleeting nature of the wicked's happiness and the ultimate fulfillment found in righteousness.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the apparent happiness of the wicked in the Sermon on the Mount. He warns against storing up treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and thieves break in and steal (Matthew 6:19). Instead, believers are encouraged to seek treasures in heaven, emphasizing the eternal over the temporal.

The Apostle Paul also speaks to this theme, reminding believers that God is not mocked, and a man reaps what he sows (Galatians 6:7). The temporary happiness of the wicked is contrasted with the eternal rewards of those who live according to the Spirit.

Through these illustrations, the Bible provides a comprehensive view of the happiness of the wicked, emphasizing its temporary nature and the ultimate justice of God.Psalm 37:35,36
I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 12:16-20
And he spoke a parable to them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 16:19,25
There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
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The Power of Christ Illustrated by the Resurrection
... The Power of Christ Illustrated by the Resurrection. ... body in all its holiness, happiness,
purity, perfection ... debased, depraved, and wilfully wicked, that Jesus ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the power of christ illustrated.htm

Evidences of Regeneration.
... selfish reason for envy, or unless the happiness of others ... I have known that very
wicked men, and men who ... of this description, or to have illustrated the same ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxix evidences of regeneration.htm

The Important Question
... I ask, What can make a wicked man happy? ... us for a moment imagine, that wickedness
is happiness; and that ... In how striking a manner is this illustrated by one of ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 84 the important question.htm

The Christian Rejoicing in the views of Death and Judgment.
... Surely I come quickly," in the sense illustrated before; and ... the sentence he shall
pass on wicked men and ... 11) upon the consummation of that happiness which the ...
/.../chapter xxix the christian rejoicing.htm

Particular Index of Subjects.
... graces, 388. happiness, 411. life, 340. ... God's providence in, 515, 520. illustrated,
519. its changes, 527. ... Rich and poor, 973. Righteous and wicked, 409, 413. ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/particular index of subjects.htm

Attributes of Love.
... number does not forbid it, the happiness of all and ... good of the greatest number,
is illustrated by the ... of his glorious justice in the punishment of the wicked. ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xii attributes of love.htm

Foundation of Moral Obligation.
... the holy from using the same means as do the wicked. ... up a zeal within them to secure
their own happiness. ... The tendency of this philosophy is illustrated in the ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture viii foundation of moral.htm

Letter xvi. Charity.
... human character and happiness are strikingly illustrated in the ... interest to promote
the welfare or happiness of others ... law of God; while the wicked "rejoice to ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter xvi charity.htm

The Torments of Giant Bad Feelings
... and other emotions that are essential to social happiness. ... This is illustrated in
Jesus, when He "looked ... vulgar, frivolous, giddy, jay chatter of the wicked. ...
/.../berry/adventures in the land of canaan/chapter ten the torments of.htm

The Sins of Communities Noted and Punished.
... The strength and happiness of a people are proportioned ... to punish the sins of that
wicked ruler""Surely ... confirmed, and in some measure illustrated by other ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxix the sins of.htm

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Happiness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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