In the biblical narrative, the concept of the wicked deriving happiness from their power is a recurring theme. This notion is explored through various scriptures that highlight the temporary and often deceptive nature of such happiness. The wicked, in their pursuit of power, often find a fleeting sense of satisfaction and joy, which is ultimately rooted in their ability to exert control and influence over others.

Scriptural References:

1. Psalm 37:35-36 : "I have seen a wicked, ruthless man flourishing like a well-rooted native tree, yet he passed away and was no more; though I searched, he could not be found." This passage illustrates the temporary prosperity and apparent happiness of the wicked, which is closely tied to their power and influence. Despite their flourishing, their end is inevitable, and their power is ultimately fleeting.

2. Job 21:7-13 : "Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power? They see their children established around them, their offspring before their eyes. Their homes are safe from fear; the rod of God is not upon them. Their bulls breed without fail; their cows calve and do not miscarry. They send forth their little ones like a flock; their children skip about. They sing to the tambourine and lyre and make merry at the sound of the flute. They spend their days in prosperity and go down to Sheol in peace." Job's lament highlights the apparent prosperity and happiness of the wicked, which is derived from their power and success. However, this prosperity is portrayed as superficial and ultimately lacking in true, lasting fulfillment.

3. Ecclesiastes 8:12-13 : "Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and may lengthen his life, yet I know that it will be well with those who fear God, who revere His presence. But it will not be well with the wicked, and the length of their days is like a shadow, because they do not fear God." The Preacher acknowledges the temporary success and happiness of the wicked, which is often linked to their power. However, he contrasts this with the ultimate fate of those who fear God, emphasizing the transient nature of the wicked's happiness.

4. Psalm 73:3-12 : "For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 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. Therefore pride is their necklace; a garment of violence covers them. From their prosperity proceeds iniquity; the imaginations of their hearts run wild. They scoff and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression. They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth. Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance. The wicked say, 'How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?' Behold, these are the wicked—always carefree as they increase their wealth." This psalm reflects the psalmist's struggle with the apparent happiness and prosperity of the wicked, which is derived from their power and wealth. The psalmist ultimately recognizes the futility of envying such temporary success.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the happiness of the wicked derived from their power is seen as a counterfeit joy that lacks the depth and permanence of the joy found in righteousness and obedience to God. The scriptures consistently warn against envying the wicked, as their power and the happiness it brings are temporary and ultimately lead to destruction. The Bible encourages believers to seek true happiness in a relationship with God, which offers eternal fulfillment and peace.Job 21:7
Why do the wicked live, become old, yes, are mighty in power?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 37:35
I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Eternal Punishment of the Wicked Reconciled with the Goodness ...
... the never-ending torments of the wicked in another ... They have derived all their apparent
force and ... there would have been more holiness and happiness, with less ...
/.../chapter iv the eternal punishment.htm

Death Swallowed up in victory
... fall from their holiness or happiness, because He has ... If the prosperity of the wicked
sometimes continues ... supports, and the consolation they derived from their ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xliii death swallowed up.htm

Book iv Thus Gently Sang the Lady Philosophy with Dignified Mien ...
... This is my home, hence was I derived, here shall ... the fulfilment of their desires,
falls to the wicked. ... lives of those who undergo them; their happiness, on the ...
/.../boethius/the consolation of philosophy/book iv thus gently sang.htm

On the Discoveries of Faith
... even of these is not innate, but derived from some ... holy and happy, and the other
part wicked and miserable ... in the Holy Ghost; of holiness and happiness, by the ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 110 on the discoveries.htm

The Third Season
... Comfort may be derived from reflections on the permitting ... the valley of vision, that
the wicked shall devour ... Indeed if you estimate the happiness of the church ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/iii the third season.htm

Cestius Sends Neopolitanus the Tribune to See in what Condition ...
... it is not by their command that any wicked governor is ... and send out plentiful streams
of happiness over almost ... Nor indeed have the Cyrenians, derived from the ...
/.../chapter 16 cestius sends neopolitanus.htm

The Sheep and their Shepherd
... wisdom that we possess we have derived from him ... he found him a disreputable, abandoned,
wicked, guilty criminal ... bound publicly to express my happiness of heart. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the sheep and their shepherd.htm

Reply to the Arguments of the Adversaries.
... us, which console us against the happiness of the ... against the godless, whose works
are wicked; and the ... The heathen had sacrifices, derived from the fathers. ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 7 reply to the.htm

The Arguments Usually Alleged in Support of Free Will Refuted.
... A wicked man thus serving the power of God, while he ... thing good in the will is entirely
derived from the ... teaches, that, in regard to life and happiness, he has ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 5 the arguments usually.htm

Andover Orthodox Creed.
... end, and the enjoyment of GOD his supreme happiness; that this enjoyment is derived
solely from ... of GOD, to all eternity: but that the wicked will awake to ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/andover orthodox creed.htm

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Happiness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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