The concept of the happiness of the wicked, particularly in terms of their worldly prosperity, is a recurring theme in the Bible. This topic explores the apparent success and joy experienced by those who live in opposition to God's commandments, raising questions about divine justice and the ultimate fate of the unrighteous.

Worldly Prosperity of the Wicked

The Bible acknowledges that the wicked often experience prosperity and success in this world. In the Book of Job, Job laments the prosperity of the wicked, observing, "Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power? Their homes are safe and free from fear; the rod of God is not upon them" (Job 21:7-9). This passage highlights the perplexing reality that those who defy God can still enjoy material wealth and security.

Similarly, the Psalmist grapples with the prosperity of the wicked in Psalm 73. He confesses his envy of the arrogant when he sees the prosperity of the wicked, noting, "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" (Psalm 73:4-5). This observation underscores the apparent ease and comfort that often accompany the lives of those who reject God's ways.

Temporary Nature of Their Happiness

Despite their apparent success, the Bible consistently teaches that the happiness of the wicked is fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying. In Proverbs, it is written, "The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish" (Proverbs 14:11). This verse contrasts the temporary nature of the wicked's prosperity with the enduring blessings of the righteous.

The Book of Ecclesiastes also addresses the futility of worldly success apart from God. Solomon, reflecting on his own experiences, declares, "I have seen a grievous evil under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner" (Ecclesiastes 5:13). This insight reveals that material wealth, when pursued without regard for God's will, can lead to harm rather than true happiness.

Divine Justice and the Fate of the Wicked

The Bible assures believers that divine justice will ultimately prevail, and the wicked will face consequences for their actions. In Psalm 37, David encourages the righteous not to fret over the prosperity of the wicked, stating, "For like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away" (Psalm 37:2). This imagery emphasizes the transient nature of the wicked's success and the certainty of their downfall.

The New Testament echoes this theme, with the Apostle Paul writing, "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return" (Galatians 6:7). This principle assures believers that God's justice will ultimately be served, and the wicked will reap the consequences of their actions.

The Call to Righteousness

While the wicked may experience temporary happiness through worldly prosperity, the Bible calls believers to seek true joy and fulfillment in a relationship with God. Jesus teaches in the Sermon on the Mount, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" (Matthew 5:6). This beatitude promises that those who pursue righteousness will find lasting satisfaction and joy, in contrast to the fleeting happiness of the wicked.

In conclusion, the Bible acknowledges the worldly prosperity of the wicked but consistently affirms that their happiness is temporary and ultimately unfulfilling. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's justice and seek true joy through righteousness and obedience to His will.Psalm 17:14
From men which are your hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly you fill with your hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 37:3,4,7
Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shall you dwell in the land, and truly you shall be fed.
Nave's Topical Index

'Stout Words,' and their Confutation
... His commandments did not seem to hinder happiness, and 'they ... light of Christianity
has eased their pressure, but ... see 'the prosperity of the wicked,' and, like ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/stout words and their confutation.htm

Blessed Prosperity Meditations on the First Psalm.
... literally, O the blessings, the manifold happiness of the man ... of the wicked." Now
the wicked have often ... wisdom, and become noted for their prosperity and their ...
/.../taylor/a ribband of blue/blessed prosperity meditations on the.htm

The Third Season
... upon the valley of vision, that the wicked shall devour ... Do their enemies want malice,
power, or opportunity? ... Indeed if you estimate the happiness of the church ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/iii the third season.htm

Psalm XCIV.
... temporal happiness, or eternal life? ... which I had ceased to seek for in that worldly
prosperity. ... nevertheless, unto all who persevered in their wicked hatred of ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xciv.htm

Reprobation.
... If the virtue and happiness that could be secured by the administration ... "The wicked
are reserved ... to religion, and yield to the claims of their Maker, expecting ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/finney/systematic theology/lecture xliv reprobation.htm

Persecution in the First Centuries.
... obeyed, would spread peace, harmony, and happiness throughout the ... persecution at
the hand of the wicked, has been a ... even ready to cast away their confidence in ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /2 persecution in the first.htm

Persecution in the First Centuries
... obeyed, would spread peace, harmony, and happiness throughout the ... persecution at
the hand of the wicked has been a ... even ready to cast away their confidence in ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 2 persecution in the.htm

Psalm XLII.
... I do not "see," so long as my happiness is postponed ... Why, that the wicked, when
reprieved here, are reserved for ... be seen by the operations of their members, may ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xlii.htm

Excellency of the Christian Institution.
... Oh envied happiness! ... without distinction, were obliged to be present for their general
improvement? And what wicked wretches would they think those men, who ...
/.../sect vi excellency of the.htm

A Caution to the Presumptuous
... is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can ... believe that they
are saved not by their works, but ... up higher," let it be your happiness to hear ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/a caution to the presumptuous.htm

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