Grass of Prosperity of the Wicked
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The phrase "Grass of Prosperity of the Wicked" is a metaphorical expression derived from biblical imagery, particularly found in the Psalms, that illustrates the fleeting and superficial success of those who live in opposition to God's righteousness. This concept is rooted in the understanding that while the wicked may appear to flourish temporarily, their prosperity is ultimately transient and lacks eternal substance.

Biblical References:

1. Psalm 37:1-2 : "Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong. For they will wither quickly like grass and fade like the green herb." This passage highlights the ephemeral nature of the wicked's success, comparing it to grass that quickly withers. The psalmist encourages the righteous not to be envious or anxious about the apparent prosperity of evildoers, as their success is short-lived.

2. Psalm 92:7 : "Though the wicked sprout like grass, and all evildoers flourish, they will be forever destroyed." Here, the psalmist acknowledges that the wicked may seem to thrive, much like grass that sprouts abundantly. However, this flourishing is deceptive, as their ultimate end is destruction. The imagery of grass serves to emphasize the temporary and fragile nature of their prosperity.

3. Isaiah 40:6-8 : "A voice says, 'Cry out.' And I asked, 'What should I cry out?' 'All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.'" This passage contrasts the transient nature of human life and achievements, including those of the wicked, with the enduring word of God. The prosperity of the wicked is likened to grass that withers under God's breath, underscoring its impermanence.

Theological Implications:

The metaphor of grass in relation to the prosperity of the wicked serves as a reminder of the ultimate justice and sovereignty of God. While the wicked may appear to succeed in the short term, their prosperity is not rooted in the eternal truths of God's kingdom. This imagery calls believers to focus on the enduring promises of God rather than the fleeting successes of those who oppose Him.

From a theological perspective, the "Grass of Prosperity of the Wicked" underscores the biblical principle that true prosperity is found in righteousness and obedience to God. The righteous are encouraged to trust in God's timing and justice, knowing that the apparent success of the wicked is temporary and will ultimately be brought to account by the divine Judge.

Practical Application:

For believers, the concept of the "Grass of Prosperity of the Wicked" serves as a caution against envy and discouragement when observing the success of those who do not follow God's ways. It is a call to maintain faithfulness and integrity, trusting that God's justice will prevail. This understanding encourages Christians to invest in spiritual riches that endure, rather than being swayed by the temporary allure of worldly success.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Psalm 92:7
When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Psalm XCII.
... Be not seduced by the prosperity of the wicked, admire not the flower of grass:
admire not those who are happy only for a season, but miserable unto eternity ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xcii.htm

The Peaceable Fruits of Sorrows Rightly Borne
... also that thy seed shall be great, and thine offspring as the grass of the ... had even
then to wrestle with the problem of the prosperity of the wicked and the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the peaceable fruits of sorrows.htm

The Present Recompense
... envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the ... or rise to fame and power,
by base and wicked means ... the heart to thank God for the green grass, and the ...
/.../all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxix the present recompense.htm

Psalm XC.
... goodliness of man as the flower of the field; the grass withereth, the ... few who are
thus taught, the vain and seductive prosperity of the wicked is judged to ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xc.htm

The Resemblance Between the Old Testament and the New.
... For I was envious of the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked ... and thy
thoughts are very deep." "When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 10 the resemblance between.htm

Psalm XXXVII.
... For they shall soon wither like the grass, and fade ... murmur against Him, when thou
seest the wicked flourishing ... ver.9). "But I see their prosperity." Believe Him ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxxvii.htm

The Importance of a Choice
... But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the ... increased, and his companion,
Lot, has shared in the prosperity. ... or two more or less of grass land does ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the importance of a choice.htm

Letters to Olympias.
... And another prophet compared all human prosperity not to grass, but ... of man is as
the flower of grass." [911]. ... a drunkard, and a friend of the wicked and depraved ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/letters to olympias.htm

"And we all do Fade as a Leaf, and Our Iniquities, Like the Wind ...
... The wicked's prospering is like a green bay tree spreading ... beautiful excellency in
the world, the prosperity of nations ... 6, 7, 8,) "All flesh is grass and the ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvii and we all.htm

The Royal Jubilee
... I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes ... shall come down like rain upon the mown
grass, and as ... whose self-will has threatened to wreck a nation's prosperity. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the royal jubilee.htm

Resources
What is Romanticism? How has Romanticism affected Christianity? | GotQuestions.org

What was a shepherd in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Does God need us? | GotQuestions.org

Grass: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Grass

Grass of Prosperity of the Wicked

Grass of Shortness and Uncertainty of Life

Grass: (On Tops of Houses) the Wicked

Grass: (Refreshed by Dew and Showers) the Saints Refreshed By

Grass: A Green Herb

Grass: Called: Grass of the Earth

Grass: Called: Grass of the Field

Grass: Cattle Fed Upon

Grass: Created on the Third Creative Day

Grass: Destroyed by Drought

Grass: Destroyed by Hail and Lightning

Grass: Destroyed by Locusts

Grass: Failure of, a Great Calamity

Grass: Figurative

Grass: God: Adorns and Clothes

Grass: God: Causes to Grow

Grass: God: Originally Created

Grass: God: The Giver of

Grass: God's Care of

Grass: Mown

Grass: Often Grew on the Tops of Houses

Grass: On Roofs of Houses

Grass: Ovens often Heated With

Grass: Refreshed by Rain and Dew

Grass: Springs out of the Earth

Grass: Sufferings of Cattle from Failure of, Described

Grass: when Young, Soft and Tender

Related Terms

Grass-lands (42 Occurrences)

Grass-land (9 Occurrences)

River-grass (3 Occurrences)

Reed-grass (3 Occurrences)

Grass's (1 Occurrence)

Sea-grass (1 Occurrence)

Vegetation (18 Occurrences)

Meadow (8 Occurrences)

Withers (20 Occurrences)

Taker (26 Occurrences)

Graze (11 Occurrences)

Greenness (4 Occurrences)

Withereth (13 Occurrences)

Mown (2 Occurrences)

Withered (46 Occurrences)

Drenched (11 Occurrences)

Mowing (1 Occurrence)

Stems (31 Occurrences)

Flower (33 Occurrences)

Wither (30 Occurrences)

Roofs (13 Occurrences)

Mow (1 Occurrence)

Blighted (6 Occurrences)

Scorched (21 Occurrences)

Sprout (25 Occurrences)

Lands (226 Occurrences)

Wet (25 Occurrences)

Grows (46 Occurrences)

Hay (5 Occurrences)

Grazing (6 Occurrences)

Feeble-handed (3 Occurrences)

Falleth (119 Occurrences)

Townsmen (18 Occurrences)

Darnel (9 Occurrences)

Powerless (19 Occurrences)

Blasted (6 Occurrences)

Shoots (32 Occurrences)

Sprouting (4 Occurrences)

Shorn (5 Occurrences)

Plants (70 Occurrences)

Chaff (24 Occurrences)

Tender (66 Occurrences)

Confounded (64 Occurrences)

Dried (66 Occurrences)

Bethsaida (7 Occurrences)

Bathed (45 Occurrences)

Dew (35 Occurrences)

Oven (22 Occurrences)

Fades (10 Occurrences)

Fadeth (9 Occurrences)

Faded (12 Occurrences)

Ruleth (21 Occurrences)

Reedgrass (1 Occurrence)

Dirty (9 Occurrences)

Producing (20 Occurrences)

Periods (8 Occurrences)

Bent (107 Occurrences)

Blossom (23 Occurrences)

Stump (7 Occurrences)

Showers (20 Occurrences)

Green (72 Occurrences)

Plant (92 Occurrences)

Amid (31 Occurrences)

Thereof (845 Occurrences)

Realm (23 Occurrences)

Stamped (27 Occurrences)

Tops (37 Occurrences)

Groweth (29 Occurrences)

Dismayed (69 Occurrences)

Growing (31 Occurrences)

Growth (77 Occurrences)

Roots (31 Occurrences)

Falls (79 Occurrences)

Roof (55 Occurrences)

Fallen (233 Occurrences)

Dry (217 Occurrences)

Becomes (138 Occurrences)

Trees (179 Occurrences)

Grass and Flowers
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