The apparent prosperity and happiness of the wicked have long been a source of perplexity and stumbling for the faithful. This theme is recurrent in Scripture, where the righteous grapple with the seeming success and joy of those who defy God's commandments. The Bible provides numerous insights into this issue, offering both comfort and perspective to believers who struggle with these observations.

Biblical Observations

1. Psalm 73: A Classic Lament
Asaph, the psalmist, vividly expresses his turmoil over the prosperity of the wicked in Psalm 73. He begins by acknowledging God's goodness to the pure in heart but quickly confesses his own near stumbling: "But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked" (Psalm 73:2-3). Asaph describes the carefree lives of the wicked, their freedom from common burdens, and their prideful speech, which can lead the faithful to question the value of their own righteousness.

2. Jeremiah's Complaint
The prophet Jeremiah also voices his concern about the prosperity of the wicked: "You are always righteous, O LORD, when I bring a case before You. Yet I would speak with You about Your justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?" (Jeremiah 12:1). Jeremiah's inquiry reflects a deep-seated struggle with understanding divine justice in the face of apparent inequity.

3. Job's Reflections
Job, in his suffering, observes the success of the wicked, noting their secure homes and abundant offspring: "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). Job's reflections highlight the tension between the visible prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous.

Theological Insights

1. Temporal vs. Eternal Perspective
Scripture encourages believers to adopt an eternal perspective, recognizing that the prosperity of the wicked is fleeting. Psalm 73 ultimately reveals that the wicked are on slippery ground, destined for ruin: "Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin" (Psalm 73:18). The psalmist finds solace in the presence of God, realizing that divine justice will prevail in the end.

2. Divine Sovereignty and Justice
The Bible affirms God's sovereignty and justice, even when His ways are inscrutable. In Habakkuk 1:13, the prophet questions why God tolerates the treacherous, yet he ultimately trusts in God's righteous character. Believers are called to trust in God's perfect timing and justice, as expressed in Romans 12:19: "Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord'" .

3. The Testing of Faith
The prosperity of the wicked serves as a test of faith for the righteous. James 1:2-4 encourages believers to consider trials as opportunities for growth: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance" . The happiness of the wicked can refine the faith of the saints, drawing them closer to God and deepening their reliance on His promises.

Practical Implications for Believers

1. Focus on God's Promises
Believers are encouraged to focus on the promises of God rather than the temporary success of the wicked. In Philippians 4:8, Paul exhorts the faithful to dwell on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy, redirecting their attention to the eternal truths of God's Word.

2. Cultivate Contentment
Contentment is a powerful antidote to envy. Hebrews 13:5 advises, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you'" . Trusting in God's provision and presence fosters a heart of gratitude and peace.

3. Seek God's Presence
Like Asaph, believers find true satisfaction in God's presence. Psalm 73:25-26 declares, "Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" . The ultimate joy and fulfillment for the saints lie in their relationship with God, transcending the fleeting happiness of the wicked.Psalm 73:3,16
For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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

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