The theme of continual afflictions and adversities faced by the wicked is a recurring motif throughout the Bible. Scripture consistently portrays the wicked as individuals who, despite their temporary prosperity, ultimately face ongoing troubles and divine retribution due to their unrighteousness and rebellion against God.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides numerous references to the continual afflictions of the wicked. In the Book of Job, Eliphaz the Temanite articulates this principle, stating, "All his days the wicked man suffers torment, with the number of years reserved for the ruthless" (Job 15:20). This passage underscores the idea that the wicked endure a life filled with suffering and turmoil.

The Psalms also reflect this theme. Psalm 34:21 declares, "Evil will slay the wicked, and the haters of the righteous will be condemned" . Here, the psalmist emphasizes that the wicked are ensnared by their own evil deeds, leading to their downfall and continuous adversity.

Proverbs and Wisdom Literature

The wisdom literature of the Bible further elaborates on the fate of the wicked. Proverbs 13:21 states, "Disaster pursues sinners, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous" . This proverb highlights the relentless nature of the afflictions that chase after those who live in sin, contrasting it with the blessings that follow the righteous.

Similarly, Proverbs 24:19-20 advises, "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 passage reassures the faithful that the apparent success of the wicked is fleeting, and their ultimate fate is one of darkness and despair.

Prophetic Warnings

The prophets also speak to the continual adversities faced by the wicked. Isaiah 57:20-21 vividly describes their condition: "But the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and muck. 'There is no peace,' says my God, 'for the wicked'" . This imagery of a restless sea illustrates the perpetual state of turmoil and unrest that characterizes the lives of the wicked.

Jeremiah echoes this sentiment, warning of the inevitable judgment that befalls those who reject God: "Your own conduct and actions have brought this upon you. This is your punishment. How bitter it is, because it pierces to the heart!" (Jeremiah 4:18). The prophet highlights the self-inflicted nature of the wicked's suffering, as their own deeds lead to their continuous afflictions.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the theme of the wicked's continual adversities is reaffirmed. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, writes, "There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Greek" (Romans 2:9). This passage underscores the universal principle that those who engage in evil will face ongoing trouble and distress.

The Apostle Peter also addresses this theme, warning that "the face of the Lord is against those who do evil" (1 Peter 3:12). This divine opposition ensures that the wicked will not escape the consequences of their actions, leading to a life marked by continual adversities.

Conclusion

The Bible consistently teaches that the wicked, despite any temporary success, are subject to continual afflictions and adversities. This principle serves as a warning and a call to righteousness, emphasizing the ultimate futility of a life lived in opposition to God's will.Job 15:20
The wicked man travails with pain all his days, and the number of years is hidden to the oppressor.
Nave's Topical Index

Ecclesiastes 2:23
For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yes, his heart takes not rest in the night. This is also vanity.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 32:10
Many days and years shall you be troubled, you careless women: for the vintage shall fail, the gathering shall not come.
Nave's Topical Index

Christian Graces.
... be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked:" to quench ... by prevailing with
the soul to suffer all troubles, afflictions, and adversities that it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xviii christian graces.htm

Hail, Jesus;
... whereby I may pity other men's afflictions, and may ... honour of Thy name, I may not
fly adversities,. ... heart, all such wrongful detractions and wicked judgments as ...
/.../baker/holy wisdom or directions for the prayer of contemplation/hail jesus.htm

Christian Behavior
... grace, without strength; enemies in their minds by wicked works, and ... that they have
run through so many trials, afflictions, and adversities, even because ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... to suffer all troubles, afflictions, and adversities that it ... The cause from whence
these afflictions arise is known ... we give a cause of continual provocation to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm

The Treatise
... them, these see in their sufferings and afflictions nothing but ... if the devil, who
is a wicked, lying spirit ... Even if none of these adversities constrain us to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/a treatise on good works/the treatise.htm

part ii
... their flesh, and mortified it by continual abstinence and ... was he deprived by his
wicked and intentional ... with great privations and afflictions; and, therefore ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

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