Topical Bible: The Happiness of the Wicked is Derived From: Vain Pleasure

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the happiness of the wicked is often depicted as fleeting and rooted in vain pleasures. This concept is explored throughout Scripture, highlighting the temporary and ultimately unsatisfying nature of such happiness.

Biblical References:

1. Job 20:5 : "the triumph of the wicked has been brief and the joy of the godless momentary?" This verse underscores the transient nature of the wicked's joy, suggesting that any pleasure derived from their actions is short-lived.

2. Proverbs 21:17 : "He who loves pleasure will become poor; the one who loves wine and oil will never be rich." Here, the pursuit of pleasure is linked to poverty, both materially and spiritually, indicating that such happiness is ultimately unfulfilling.

3. Ecclesiastes 2:1-2 : "I said to myself, 'Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy what is good!' But it proved to be futile. I said of laughter, 'It is folly,' and of pleasure, 'What does it accomplish?'" Solomon's exploration of pleasure reveals its futility, emphasizing that it does not lead to true fulfillment or lasting happiness.

4. Isaiah 47:8-9 : "So now hear this, O lover of luxury who sits securely, who says in her heart, 'I am, and there is none besides me. I will never be a widow or know the loss of children.' But these two things will overtake you in a moment, in a single day: loss of children and widowhood." This passage warns of the sudden downfall that awaits those who find comfort in luxury and self-indulgence, illustrating the precariousness of their happiness.

5. Luke 12:19-20 : "Then I will say to myself, 'You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy; eat, drink, and be merry!' But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?'" Jesus' parable of the rich fool highlights the folly of finding happiness in material wealth and pleasure, as it can be taken away in an instant.

Theological Insights:

The Scriptures consistently portray the happiness of the wicked as rooted in vain pleasures that are ultimately empty and unsatisfying. This is contrasted with the enduring joy found in righteousness and a life aligned with God's will. The pursuit of vain pleasures is often associated with self-indulgence, pride, and a disregard for the eternal consequences of one's actions.

The Bible warns that such happiness is deceptive, leading individuals away from true fulfillment and into spiritual poverty. The temporary nature of this happiness serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking lasting joy through a relationship with God and adherence to His commandments.

Moral Implications:

From a moral standpoint, the pursuit of vain pleasures is seen as a distraction from the higher calling of living a life that honors God. The happiness derived from such pursuits is not only fleeting but also potentially destructive, leading individuals away from the path of righteousness. Believers are encouraged to seek joy in the things of God, which offer true and lasting satisfaction.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 21:12
They take the tambourine and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 5:12
And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Against Rash and Vain Swearing.
... of angels from the top of heaven and happiness into the ... my mouth with a bridle, while
the wicked is before me ... Sometimes it is derived from apish imitation, or a ...
/.../sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/against rash and vain swearing.htm

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... himself in Christ, in whom he offers all happiness for our ... be useful, and pray to
obtain, is derived from him ... that God does not listen to the wicked; that their ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm

Death Swallowed up in victory
... 12:6-8) . If the prosperity of the wicked sometimes continues ... supports, and the
consolation they derived from their ... from God the fountain of happiness, with an ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xliii death swallowed up.htm

On Regeneration
... same carnal persons as ever, being derived from carnal ... and are not so scandalously
wicked as once ... a well-grounded assurance of pardon, peace, and happiness. ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/on regeneration.htm

Book iv Thus Gently Sang the Lady Philosophy with Dignified Mien ...
... This is my home, hence was I derived, here shall I ... increases my amazement; He often
grants happiness to good ... to the good and grants the desires of the wicked. ...
/.../boethius/the consolation of philosophy/book iv thus gently sang.htm

He Passes from Philosophy to the Philosophers, Beginning with ...
... him; to one who has bad children, the happiness of those ... source the whole of this
system is derived, and what ... On the contrary, he saw that the wicked were happy ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xvii he passes from philosophy.htm

Letter xvi. Charity.
... far more elevated enjoyment than can be derived from private ... interest to promote
the welfare or happiness of others ... the law of God; while the wicked "rejoice to ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter xvi charity.htm

The Marriage of Cana
... which he wrought, not by a power derived from another ... but I am persuaded you will
be wicked over-much. ... Fifthly, and lastly, This shows us the happiness of that ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the marriage of cana.htm

Through the Fall and Revolt of Adam, the Whole Human Race Made ...
... from God, from whom all true happiness must be ... however, not only has punishment been
derived, but pollution ... imagining that man was essentially wicked, went the ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 through the fall.htm

Introductory Notice to Lactantius.
... and treats of the punishment of the wicked, and the reward of the righteous in
everlasting happiness. ... truth of the Christian religion is derived from the ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/introductory notice to lactantius.htm