The concept of the happiness of the wicked, particularly as it is marred by jealousy, is a recurring theme in the Bible. This theme explores the temporary and superficial nature of the prosperity and joy experienced by those who live in opposition to God's commandments. The Scriptures provide numerous insights into how the wicked may appear to thrive, yet their happiness is often tainted by internal strife, including jealousy.

Biblical Context

The Bible acknowledges that the wicked may experience moments of prosperity and happiness. However, this happiness is often short-lived and fraught with inner turmoil. In the Book of Psalms, the psalmist grapples with the apparent success of the wicked: "For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked" (Psalm 73:3). This verse highlights the initial perception of the wicked's happiness, which can lead to envy among the righteous.

Jealousy as a Source of Turmoil

Jealousy is a destructive force that can mar the happiness of the wicked. Proverbs 14:30 states, "A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones" . This proverb underscores the corrosive nature of jealousy, suggesting that even if the wicked appear content, their internal state is often one of decay and dissatisfaction.

The account of Cain and Abel in Genesis further illustrates how jealousy can disrupt the happiness of the wicked. Cain's jealousy of Abel's favor with God leads to anger and ultimately murder, demonstrating how envy can destroy relationships and inner peace (Genesis 4:3-8).

The Illusion of Prosperity

The Bible frequently warns against the illusion of prosperity among the wicked. In Psalm 37:1-2, the psalmist advises, "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 reassures the faithful that the apparent happiness of the wicked is fleeting and ultimately unsustainable.

The End of the Wicked

The Scriptures consistently affirm that the end of the wicked is one of destruction, despite any temporary happiness they may experience. Proverbs 24:19-20 cautions, "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" . This serves as a reminder that the wicked's happiness is not only marred by jealousy but is also destined to end in darkness.

Contrast with the Righteous

In contrast to the wicked, the righteous are promised lasting joy and peace. Psalm 37:4 encourages believers to "Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart" . This verse highlights the enduring happiness that comes from a life aligned with God's will, free from the corrosive effects of jealousy and envy.

Conclusion

The happiness of the wicked, as depicted in the Bible, is often marred by jealousy and is ultimately transient. While they may appear to prosper, their internal struggles and the inevitable consequences of their actions reveal the superficial nature of their joy. The Scriptures encourage believers to focus on the eternal rewards of righteousness, which offer true and lasting happiness.Esther 5:13
Yet all this avails me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Letter xvi. Charity.
... or interest to promote the welfare or happiness of others ... it, your Christian character
will be so marred as in ... not the law of God; while the wicked "rejoice to ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter xvi charity.htm

The Origin of Evil
... foundation of the government of God, the happiness of all ... But a note of discord now
marred the celestial harmonies. ... time to manifest himself by his wicked works ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 29 the origin of.htm

The Origin of Evil.
... foundation of the government of God, the happiness of all ... But a note of discord now
marred the celestial harmonies. ... time to manifest himself by his wicked works ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /29 the origin of evil.htm

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
... connection which has been altogether ruinous to their happiness. ... in the Red Sea,
destroyed the seven wicked nations of ... Sin it is that has so marred and spoiled ...
/.../chapter xix tit 2 6 thoughts.htm

Letter xx. Self-Examination.
... duty; and as every duty is marred by so much ... of God, in the eternal punishment of
the wicked? ... interest, and enjoyment, to promote their welfare and happiness? ...
/.../letter xx self-examination.htm

Conversion.
... and unless also they left that wicked world behind ... with fresh doubts about my future
happiness; especially with ... Pray that thou be not marred in the potter's ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xi conversion.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... is the beginning of true life and happiness, and is ... They were"enemies in [their]
mind by wicked works" (Colossians ... made, till his visage was so marred by his ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... saith, 'So will I make my fury toward thee to rest, and my jealousy shall depart ...
of the devil, from the raging of their lusts, and from the fury of the wicked. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... I have, as you may perceive, been of late under much exercise in my soul, about
the death of your father; not for that I doubt at all of his happiness, for I ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

Answer to Eunomius' Second Book .
... and Who falls short of no excellence in all knowledge of that which is good, I know
not how they have been so perverted by malignity and jealousy of the Lord's ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/answer to eunomius second book.htm

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Happiness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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