The concept of the happiness of the wicked, particularly through successful oppression, is a recurring theme in the Bible. This notion challenges the understanding of divine justice and the moral order of the world. The Scriptures provide numerous instances where the wicked appear to prosper, causing distress and confusion among the righteous.

Biblical Instances and Descriptions

1. Psalm 73:3-12: The psalmist Asaph grapples with the prosperity of the wicked, expressing his envy and confusion. He observes that the wicked are free from common human burdens and are not plagued by the troubles that afflict others. They are described as having pride as their necklace and violence as their garment. Asaph notes, "Behold, these are the wicked—always carefree as they increase their wealth" (Psalm 73:12).

2. Job 21:7-13: Job questions why the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power. Their homes are secure, and they spend their days in prosperity. Job laments, "They spend their days in prosperity and go down to Sheol in peace" (Job 21:13). This passage highlights the apparent contradiction between the wicked's actions and their seemingly blessed lives.

3. Jeremiah 12:1-2: The prophet Jeremiah voices his complaint to God, questioning why the way of the wicked prospers. He observes that those who deal treacherously are at ease, and God has planted them, allowing them to take root and bear fruit. Jeremiah states, "You are always on their lips but far from their hearts" (Jeremiah 12:2).

4. Ecclesiastes 8:14: The Preacher reflects on the vanity and futility of life, noting the existence of righteous people who suffer despite their righteousness and wicked people who prosper despite their wickedness. He declares, "There is a futility that occurs on the earth: there are righteous men who get what the wicked deserve, and wicked men who get what the righteous deserve" (Ecclesiastes 8:14).

Theological Reflections

The prosperity of the wicked through successful oppression raises questions about the justice and sovereignty of God. The Bible acknowledges this tension and provides insights into the ultimate fate of the wicked. While they may experience temporary happiness and success, their end is often portrayed as one of destruction and divine retribution.

1. Psalm 37:1-2: The psalmist advises not to fret over those who prosper in their ways, for they will soon wither like grass. "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" (Psalm 37:1-2).

2. Proverbs 24:19-20: The wisdom literature counsels against envying the wicked, as their future holds no hope. "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" (Proverbs 24:19-20).

3. Psalm 73:16-19: Asaph finds resolution in understanding the ultimate destiny of the wicked. When he enters the sanctuary of God, he perceives 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!" (Psalm 73:18-19).

Moral and Ethical Implications

The happiness of the wicked through successful oppression serves as a test of faith for the righteous. It challenges believers to trust in God's ultimate justice and to maintain integrity despite apparent injustices. The Scriptures encourage believers to focus on eternal perspectives rather than temporary circumstances, emphasizing that true happiness and fulfillment are found in righteousness and obedience to God.

The Bible's portrayal of the wicked's prosperity is a reminder of the transient nature of earthly success and the enduring value of a life lived in accordance with God's will.Habakkuk 1:15
They take up all of them with the angle, they catch them in their net, and gather them in their drag: therefore they rejoice and are glad.
Nave's Topical Index

Upon the Character of Balaam. Preached the Second Sunday after ...
... first attempt, though he was not so successful in it ... degrees: yet men will and can
be wicked, with calmness ... appear that vice cannot be the happiness, but must ...
//christianbookshelf.org/butler/human nature/sermon vii upon the character.htm

Calvin -- Enduring Persecution for Christ
... possest two of the greatest elements in successful pulpit oratory ... He wishes to account
that as happiness which in ... cast down when we see the wicked stronger than ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/calvin enduring persecution for.htm

Accession of Cyrus to the Throne.
... and the same unconcern for the welfare and happiness of others ... The plan was perfectly
successful. ... a miserable wretch, the most foolish and most wicked of mankind ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter v accession of cyrus.htm

The Danger of Riches
... are liable to be pronounced wicked, because unprofitable ... Seeking happiness in learning,
of whatever kind ... suppose our endeavours are successful, without actually ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 87 the danger of.htm

Luke x. The Latter Part of the 25Th Verse.
... of Judgment; and to their Eternal Happiness after this ... the others justly be denominated
wicked Men, from ... meet with much fewer Opportunities successful to their ...
/.../sermon iii luke x the.htm

"What Doest Thou Here?"
... greatest demonstration that is most successful in accomplishing ... which was ordained
for the happiness and salvation ... will thwart the purposes of wicked men and ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 13 what doest thou.htm

The Romance of Orthodoxy
... is the meaning of that almost insane happiness in the ... poems suggesting wonder, but
no really successful ones ... In Christian morals, in short, it is wicked to call ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/orthodoxy/viii the romance of orthodoxy.htm

Cheer for Despondency
... that our soul shall live for ever in happiness or in ... those of us who have been least
successful may not ... of God, who is always angry with the wicked, abiding on ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/cheer for despondency.htm

Discouragement
... its paths are paths of peace and happiness.". ... will do," exclaimed Satan, "you will
be successful. ... the utmost freedom the foolish and wicked discouragements that ...
/.../smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 13 discouragement.htm

Conclusion --Repent Ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand.
... can such a man perpetrate cruel and wicked acts, as ... and raise monuments to generals
and successful commanders? ... being, called to watch over the happiness of one ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter xii conclusionrepent ye for.htm

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