Why do evil people succeed? 1. Introduction Throughout history, many people have wrestled with the troubling observation that those who engage in wrongdoing often appear to reap success and prosperity. This question has endured in the minds of faithful believers and sincere seekers alike. Writings in Scripture address this concern repeatedly, affirming that apparent success does not equal divine approval, nor does it remain unaccountable forever. The following entry examines key biblical passages, theological perspectives, and practical applications related to why evil people succeed and how one should respond to this dilemma. 2. Scriptural Foundations Scripture addresses the issue of prospering evildoers in passages such as Jeremiah 12:1: “Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead with You, yet I wish to contend with You: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?” Similarly, Psalm 73:3–5 highlights the psalmist’s confusion: “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.” Within these questions, the Bible never shies away from acknowledging that injustice appears to flourish. Yet Scripture also clarifies that temporary prosperity is not an indicator of final, eternal blessing. 3. Examples from Biblical History Several narrative accounts show that outward success can accompany evil-doing—yet eventual divine justice is inevitable. 3.1. The Story of Pharaoh In the Book of Exodus, Pharaoh enjoyed immense wealth, immense power, and enslaved the Israelite people with apparent impunity. However, as Exodus 14 records, his power was ultimately broken when he pursued Israelites into the parted sea; his chariots and horsemen perished in the waters. The immediate success Pharaoh displayed crumbled under the weight of divine judgment. 3.2. The Trials of Job Job’s lament in Job 21:7 captures another perspective: “Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power?” In Job’s crisis, friends initially assumed material success signified God’s favor, whereas calamity signified wrongdoing. This was proven false. The Book of Job ultimately reveals that divine purposes often extend beyond immediate appearances. While some evildoers appear successful for a time, Scripture insists God is not absent from the situation. 3.3. The Psalmists’ Lament Psalm 37:1–2 exhorts believers: “Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong. For they wither quickly like grass and wilt like tender plants.” This imagery reminds readers that wicked prosperity is fleeting, like grass that soon dries out under the sun. 4. The Nature of Temporary Prosperity Scripture teaches that earthly gain—finances, power, popularity—are temporary. While someone acting wickedly might accumulate success, such success does not endure in the presence of God, who judges righteously and weighs all deeds. 4.1. The Short-Lived Triumph Psalm 73 describes how the psalmist came to understand the destiny of the wicked after entering the sanctuary of God (Psalm 73:16–17). He realized that God set them “on slippery ground” (v. 18), and that their earthly prosperity would vanish “like a dream when one awakens” (v. 20). 4.2. The Consequence of Pride Proverbs 16:18 underscores the principle that pride goes before destruction. Those who reject God may seem to flourish, but arrogance results in downfall, whether in this life or ultimately before God. Material success is not a shield from accountability. 5. The Role of Divine Patience One reason wrongdoing may seemingly go unchecked is God’s patience. Second Peter 3:9 reveals: “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.” Such divine patience can appear to allow injustice to thrive. However, it is offered in mercy so that more might turn to righteousness before final judgment. Patience for the wicked is ultimately an act of grace and an opportunity to change. 6. God’s Ultimate Justice Scripture consistently proclaims God’s commitment to right injustices. Though evil may prosper temporarily, final judgment looms. Revelation affirms that all will stand before God’s throne (Revelation 20:11–15). No amount of wealth or success can alter the fact that God repays everyone for their deeds (Proverbs 24:12). 6.1. Resurrection as a Guarantee of Judgment Christ’s resurrection guarantees that death is not the end (1 Corinthians 15). This truth underscores that earthly injustice will be corrected in God’s final reckoning. The ultimate reality of a risen Savior affords hope that no evil escapes the divine eye. 6.2. Comfort in Present Trials Romans 8:18 notes, “I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us.” Even if evil appears to succeed now, those who trust in God have the promise of everlasting life, free from all injustice and sorrow. 7. Human Responsibility In observing the “success” of the wicked, individuals face a temptation toward envy or bitterness. Yet Scripture instructs believers to commit their ways to the Lord and to pray even for those who do evil (Matthew 5:44). By entrusting final judgment to God, believers release the burden of retaliation. 7.1. Cultivating Trust Amid Confusion Proverbs 3:5–6 teaches believers to trust in the Lord wholeheartedly and not rely solely on human understanding. Observing evil’s apparent success can create confusion, but faith in God’s plan is the anchor that sustains hope. 7.2. Encouraging One Another Fellowship and community help individuals remain steadfast when disheartened by the world’s injustices. Hebrews 10:24–25 urges people to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds,” reminding one another of God’s ongoing work and final vindication. 8. Practical Considerations and Conclusion The question “Why do evil people succeed?” has challenged minds across centuries. The overwhelming testimony of Scripture affirms that their success is only for a time. Temporary prosperity can never surpass God’s justice. Believers are encouraged to remain patient, trusting divine sovereignty and ultimate judgment. Such a view does not deny the reality of injustice—rather, it situates it within a broader hope that God will make all things right. In responding to this mystery, prayers like those found in the Psalms remind the faithful to seek God’s perspective in times of doubt. Historical accounts, archaeological records, and other forms of evidence consistently reinforce that Scripture portrays a righteous Creator who completes the story with truth and grace. Ill-gotten success, no matter how grand, cannot stand against eternal truth. As Psalm 37:7 exhorts: “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes.” This patient waiting is not a passive resignation but an active trust—confidence that the one who observes all will ensure that, in the end, justice and righteousness prevail. |
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