The prosperity of the wicked is a theme that recurs throughout the Bible, often serving as a point of tension and reflection for the faithful. This topic raises questions about divine justice and the apparent success of those who live in opposition to God's commandments. The Scriptures provide insight into this phenomenon, offering both a description of the prosperity of the wicked and a theological framework for understanding it.

Biblical Observations

1. Temporal Prosperity: The Bible acknowledges that the wicked often experience prosperity in this life. In Psalm 73, Asaph laments the success of the wicked, noting, "For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked" (Psalm 73:3). This prosperity is described as being free from common human burdens and marked by wealth and ease (Psalm 73:4-5).

2. A Test of Faith: The prosperity of the wicked serves as a test for the righteous. It challenges believers to maintain their faith and trust in God's ultimate justice. The psalmist Asaph, after wrestling with the issue, comes to a realization in the sanctuary of God, understanding the eventual downfall of the wicked: "Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin" (Psalm 73:18).

3. Divine Patience and Justice: The prosperity of the wicked is often temporary and serves a purpose within God's sovereign plan. The Bible teaches that God is patient, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). However, this patience should not be mistaken for approval. The ultimate justice of God is assured, as seen in Proverbs 11:21: "Be assured that the wicked will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will escape" .

4. Eternal Perspective: The Scriptures encourage believers to adopt an eternal perspective, recognizing that earthly prosperity is fleeting. Jesus teaches in the Sermon on the Mount, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal" (Matthew 6:19). The focus is on storing up treasures in heaven, where true and lasting prosperity lies.

5. The Fate of the Wicked: Ultimately, the Bible assures that the prosperity of the wicked is short-lived and that they will face judgment. Psalm 37:35-36 states, "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 serves as a reminder that God's justice will prevail.

Conclusion

The prosperity of the wicked is a complex issue that challenges believers to trust in God's justice and maintain an eternal perspective. While the wicked may flourish temporarily, the Bible assures that their prosperity is not an indication of divine favor. Instead, it serves as a test of faith for the righteous and a reminder of the ultimate justice that God will bring about. Believers are encouraged to focus on their relationship with God and the eternal rewards that await those who remain faithful.Job 5:3-5
I have seen the foolish taking root: but suddenly I cursed his habitation.
Nave's Topical Index

Job 12:6
The tabernacles of robbers prosper, and they that provoke God are secure; into whose hand God brings abundantly.
Nave's Topical Index

Job 15:21,23,27,29
A dreadful sound is in his ears: in prosperity the destroyer shall come on him.
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Job 20:5,22
That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?
Nave's Topical Index

Job 21:7-13
Why do the wicked live, become old, yes, are mighty in power?
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Psalm 37:1,35,36
Fret not yourself because of evildoers, neither be you envious against the workers of iniquity.
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Psalm 49:10-15
For he sees that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.
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Psalm 73:3-22
For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
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Psalm 92:6,7
A brutish man knows not; neither does a fool understand this.
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Ecclesiastes 8:12,13
Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him:
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Jeremiah 12:1,2
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?
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Habakkuk 1:3,4,13-17
Why do you show me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention.
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Malachi 3:15
And now we call the proud happy; yes, they that work wickedness are set up; yes, they that tempt God are even delivered.
Nave's Topical Index

Blessed Prosperity Meditations on the First Psalm.
... foolish when seeing the prosperity of the wicked, and have ... are such wiles to many
of His people; a little ... of the world, followed by a prosperity which brings ...
/.../taylor/a ribband of blue/blessed prosperity meditations on the.htm

The Character of Christ's People
... sent down to the world to pick out the righteous from the wicked. ... Oh! there have
been some of God's people, who have been more tried by prosperity than by ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the character of christs people.htm

The Great Gain of Godliness
... function of government is to promote individual prosperity. The vulgar, wicked notion
of 'glory' bewitches the ... The people who see nothing in the world's ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the great gain of godliness.htm

Prosperity under Persecution
... should be so often used against God's people; it is ... take heed unto our ways, because
the wicked watch our ... days, the summer days of peace and prosperity, we are ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/prosperity under persecution.htm

The Third Season
... O that a people entitled to such mercies as these ... What though the belly of the wicked
be filled ... common providence has not: and while prosperity and impunity ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/iii the third season.htm

God's People in the Furnace
... continually vexed with the conversation of the wicked and who ... it in peace, read it
in prosperity, and you ... the benefit of those who hate God's people"is, that ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/gods people in the furnace.htm

Daniel: a Pattern for Pleaders
... as a Church, seeing we need his Spirit, and need renewed prosperity, we will ... that
you should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for this wicked people. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/daniel a pattern for pleaders.htm

God's Controversy with Man. Rev. Charles Prest.
... shall prove your best contribution to the future safety and the prosperity of the ...
There are wicked people about you: some of you have leisure; what have you ...
/.../king/the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/gods controversy with man rev.htm

What the History of Sallust Reveals Regarding the Life of the ...
... manners which were propagated by prosperity resulted at ... with His divine authority
those wicked and hurtful ... of men, gradually withdraws His own people from a ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 18 what the history of.htm

"Who Will Rise up with Me against the Wicked?"
... of some to "rise up against the wicked," and join ... sin is a reproach to any people?"
Yea, and ... no doubt but God will give national prosperity, in accomplishment ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 52 who will rise.htm

Does God hate? If God is love, how can He hate? | GotQuestions.org

What is retribution theology? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that judgment begins at the house of God? | GotQuestions.org

Wicked: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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