Topical Bible: Happiness of the Wicked: Sometimes a Stumbling-Block to Saints

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The happiness of the wicked, as observed in the Scriptures, often presents a perplexing challenge to the faithful. This phenomenon can become a stumbling block to the saints, causing them to question the justice and providence of God. The Bible addresses this issue, providing insight and guidance for believers who struggle with the apparent prosperity of those who do not follow God's ways.

Biblical Observations

The psalmist Asaph candidly expresses this struggle in Psalm 73. He observes the prosperity of the wicked and admits that their success nearly caused him to stumble in his faith. Asaph writes, "For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked" (Psalm 73:3). He describes how the wicked seem to live without troubles, their bodies healthy and strong, and free from the burdens common to man (Psalm 73:4-5).

Similarly, the prophet Jeremiah questions God about the prosperity of the wicked, asking, "Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?" (Jeremiah 12:1). This inquiry reflects a common concern among the righteous, who may feel disheartened when they see those who disregard God's commandments thriving.

Theological Insights

The happiness of the wicked is often temporary and superficial. The Scriptures remind believers that the apparent success of the ungodly is fleeting. In Psalm 37, David advises the faithful not to fret over evildoers, for "they will soon wither like grass and fade like green plants" (Psalm 37:2). The prosperity of the wicked is not an indication of God's approval but rather a test of the believer's faith and trust in divine justice.

The Book of Job also addresses this issue. Job, a righteous man, suffers greatly while observing the prosperity of the wicked. Yet, through his trials, he learns that God's wisdom and purposes are beyond human understanding. Job's account encourages believers to maintain their integrity and trust in God's ultimate justice, even when circumstances seem unjust.

Practical Guidance for Believers

Believers are encouraged to focus on their relationship with God rather than comparing themselves to the wicked. The Apostle Paul writes, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things" (Colossians 3:2). By keeping an eternal perspective, Christians can find peace and contentment, knowing that their true reward is in heaven.

Furthermore, the happiness of the wicked can serve as a reminder of the importance of evangelism and prayer. Believers are called to pray for those who do not know God, that they may come to repentance and find true joy in a relationship with Him.

Conclusion

The happiness of the wicked, while sometimes a stumbling block, ultimately serves to strengthen the faith of the saints. By trusting in God's justice and focusing on eternal truths, believers can overcome the temptation to envy the prosperity of the ungodly and remain steadfast in their walk with the Lord.

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Psalm 73:3,16
For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
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Jeremiah 12:1
Righteous are you, O LORD, when I plead with you: yet let me talk with you of your judgments: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? why are all they happy that deal very treacherously?
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Habakkuk 1:13
You are of purer eyes than to behold evil, and can not look on iniquity: why look you on them that deal treacherously, and hold your tongue when the wicked devours the man that is more righteous than he?
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Library

Evidences of Regeneration.
... of others, they may alike rejoice in the happiness and safety of ... So strong is this
feeling sometimes that it cannot be ... the minds of all who know wicked men and ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxix evidences of regeneration.htm

How to Discern Our Title to the Saints' Rest.
... whether he be the foundation of thy happiness, or stone ... hinderance to self-examination
arises from wicked men ... assurance for the joy that sometimes accompanies it ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter viii how to discern.htm

On the Third Part of the Psalm.
... wicked man flourish in the world, and sometimes become righteous ... prosperity appears
to thee to be true happiness, thou hast ... The remainder of the wicked shall be ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/on the third part of.htm

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... 126; work without weariness, [67]127; their happiness in wanting ... "Can, cannot,"
sometimes express choice ... Company of wicked men dangerous and offensive, [644]206 ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm

Instructions to Converts.
... and leading them along to usefulness and happiness. ... The thing is utterly irrational,
ridiculous and wicked. 4. Sometimes persons who are known to entertain a ...
/.../lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xix instructions to converts.htm

Reprobation.
... If the virtue and happiness that could be secured by ... of your character, has any agency
in making you wicked. ... are often subjects of cavil, and sometimes of real ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/finney/systematic theology/lecture xliv reprobation.htm

The Seventh Chapter of the Epistle to the Romans.
... Before, he chose his own interest or happiness, as his ... not." The prophet had been
telling how wicked they were. ... And sometimes they are so pleased with it, as ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/the seventh chapter of the.htm

The Hedge of Thorns and the Plain Way
... Those two adjectives are nearly related""wicked and slothful ... Sometimes the way of
the righteous is mysterious ... the way of holiness shall conduct to happiness. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the hedge of thorns and.htm

The Book of Enoch
... this period occurs a time of happiness and prosperity ... matter a different mode awaits
the wicked and the ... As regards evil spirits, these are sometimes supposed to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of enoch.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... be willing to be deprived of eternal happiness and felicity? ... saints be in a better
condition than the wicked? ... Sometimes they are very visible to the dying party ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm