The term "prospereth" is an archaic form of the word "prospers," often found in older translations of the Bible. It refers to the state of thriving or succeeding, particularly in a manner that aligns with God's will and blessings. In the context of Scripture, prosperity is not solely about material wealth but encompasses spiritual well-being, health, and overall flourishing under God's guidance.

Biblical Context

1. Spiritual Prosperity: The Bible frequently emphasizes that true prosperity is rooted in spiritual health and alignment with God's commandments. In 3 John 1:2 , the Apostle John writes, "Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers." This verse highlights the interconnectedness of physical well-being and spiritual prosperity.

2. Obedience and Prosperity: Prosperity in the Bible is often linked to obedience to God's laws. In Joshua 1:8 , it is written, "This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do." Here, prosperity is a result of diligent adherence to God's Word.

3. Righteousness and Prosperity: The Psalms frequently associate prosperity with righteousness. Psalm 1:3 describes the righteous man: "He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does." This imagery underscores the idea that prosperity is a natural outcome of living a life rooted in righteousness.

4. Warnings Against Misplaced Prosperity: The Bible also warns against the pursuit of prosperity for its own sake, particularly when it leads one away from God. In Proverbs 28:25 , it is stated, "A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper." This verse contrasts the destructive nature of greed with the true prosperity that comes from trusting in God.

5. Prosperity in Trials: The Bible acknowledges that prosperity can exist even amidst trials and suffering. In Genesis 39:2-3 , Joseph's account illustrates this: "The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and made him prosper in all he did." Despite being a slave, Joseph prospered because of God's presence and favor.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, prosperity is seen as a blessing from God, contingent upon a life lived in accordance with His will. It is not merely a reward for good behavior but a manifestation of God's grace and favor. The prosperity gospel, which equates faith with financial success, is often critiqued for its narrow interpretation of biblical prosperity. Instead, a holistic understanding recognizes that true prosperity encompasses spiritual depth, moral integrity, and a life that reflects God's glory.

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to seek prosperity in a manner that honors God, prioritizing spiritual growth and obedience over material gain. This involves trusting in God's provision, practicing generosity, and maintaining a heart of gratitude regardless of one's circumstances. By aligning one's life with biblical principles, believers can experience the fullness of prosperity as intended by God.

March 30. "I Wish Above all Things that Thou Mayest Prosper and be ...
... MARCH 30. "I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health
even as thy soul prospereth" (III. John 2). "I wish ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /march 30 i wish above.htm

Psalm XXXVII.
... "Fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way." He prospereth, but
it is "in his way:" thou sufferest, but it is in God's way! ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxxvii.htm

Blessed Prosperity Meditations on the First Psalm.
... wicked is often a sore perplexity to the servants of GOD; they need to be reminded
of the exhortation, "Fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his ...
/.../taylor/a ribband of blue/blessed prosperity meditations on the.htm

The Testament of Issachar Concerning Simplicity.
... years. What shall I do to thee, because the craft and the subtlety of men
are increased, and craft prospereth upon the earth? And ...
/.../v the testament of issachar concerning.htm

The Second and Third General Epistles of John
... The writer, addressing Gajus, sincerely wishes that he may prosper, as his soul
prospereth, 1-3. He commends him for receiving the itinerant preachers, though ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the second and third general.htm

Fret not Thyself
... Psalm 37 further says, "Fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way,
because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass" (v.7). What all of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk thirty fret not thyself.htm

April 24. "Fret not Thyself in any Wise" (Ps. xxxvii. 8).
... Fret not thyself in any wise because of him that prospereth in the way, because
of the man that bringeth wicked devices to pass." Things may seem to be going ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /april 24 fret not thyself.htm

August 28. "According to the Power that Worketh in Us" (Eph. Iii. ...
... and strength come to us through the power of our interior life; then the prayer
is fulfilled, that we shall be in health and prosper, as our soul prospereth. ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /august 28 according to the.htm

November 12 Evening
... which are not seen. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper
and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. II:Cor.4 ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/november 12 evening.htm

October 30 Morning
... speedily."Wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee."Rest in the Lord, and wait
patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/october 30 morning.htm

Prospereth (12 Occurrences)
...Prospereth (12 Occurrences). 3 John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou
mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. (KJV ASV WBS). ...
/p/prospereth.htm - 10k

Prospering (8 Occurrences)

/p/prospering.htm - 9k

Prospered (35 Occurrences)

/p/prospered.htm - 17k

Withers (20 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 17:9 Say: Thus said the Lord Jehovah: It prospereth -- its roots doth
he not draw out, And its fruit cut off, and it is withered? ...
/w/withers.htm - 11k

Withereth (13 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Ezekiel 17:9 Say: Thus said the Lord Jehovah: It prospereth --
its roots doth he not draw out, And its fruit cut off, and it is withered? ...
/w/withereth.htm - 10k

Forsaking (29 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Proverbs 28:13 Whoso is covering his transgressions prospereth not,
And he who is confessing and forsaking hath mercy. (YLT). ...
/f/forsaking.htm - 14k

Fadeth (9 Occurrences)
... Psalms 1:3 And he is as a tree planted by brooks of water, which giveth its fruit
in its season, and whose leaf fadeth not; and all that he doeth prospereth. ...
/f/fadeth.htm - 8k

Timbers (8 Occurrences)
... the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and timber is laid
in the walls, and this work goeth on with diligence and prospereth in their ...
/t/timbers.htm - 8k

Rapidly (7 Occurrences)
... to the house of the great God, which is built with great stones, and timber is laid
in the walls, and this work proceedeth rapidly, and prospereth in their ...
/r/rapidly.htm - 8k

Resign (1 Occurrence)
... Psalms 37:7 Rest in Jehovah, and wait patiently for him: Fret not thyself because
of him who prospereth in his way, Because of the man who bringeth wicked ...
/r/resign.htm - 7k

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