Topical Bible: Dreams: Prosperity of Sinners

◄ Dreams: Prosperity of Sinners ►

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In the biblical narrative, dreams often serve as a medium through which God communicates with individuals, offering guidance, warnings, or revelations. However, the prosperity of sinners, as perceived in dreams or reality, presents a complex theological issue that has been addressed in various scriptural passages. This topic explores the apparent success and flourishing of the wicked, which can be a source of confusion and distress for the righteous.

Biblical Context

The prosperity of sinners is a recurring theme in the wisdom literature of the Bible, particularly in the Psalms and the Book of Job. These texts grapple with the apparent contradiction between the moral order of the universe and the observable success of those who defy God's commandments.

Psalms

Psalm 73 is a quintessential passage that addresses the prosperity of the wicked. The psalmist, Asaph, candidly expresses his struggle with envy and confusion over the success of the ungodly: "For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked" (Psalm 73:3). Asaph observes that the wicked seem to live lives free of trouble and pain, which leads him to question the value of maintaining purity and righteousness.

However, the psalmist's perspective shifts when he enters the sanctuary of God and gains an eternal perspective: "Then I discerned their end. Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin" (Psalm 73:17-18). This realization underscores the transient nature of the prosperity of sinners and the ultimate justice of God.

Job

The Book of Job also addresses the prosperity of the wicked. Job laments the success of those who reject God, noting that they "spend their days in prosperity and go down to Sheol in peace" (Job 21:13). Job's friends argue that suffering is a direct result of sin, yet Job's own experience contradicts this simplistic view, as he suffers despite his righteousness.

Job's discourse highlights the complexity of divine justice and the inscrutability of God's ways. The prosperity of sinners, as seen in dreams or reality, serves as a test of faith and a reminder of the limitations of human understanding.

Proverbs

The Book of Proverbs offers wisdom on the apparent success of the wicked, emphasizing the ultimate futility of their prosperity. Proverbs 11:18 states, "The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward" . This proverb reinforces the idea that the prosperity of sinners is ultimately hollow and temporary, while the rewards of righteousness are enduring and substantial.

Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes provides a philosophical reflection on the prosperity of sinners, acknowledging the perplexing nature of life under the sun. The Preacher observes, "There is a futility that occurs on earth: there are righteous men who get what the actions of the wicked deserve, and there are wicked men who get what the actions of the righteous deserve" (Ecclesiastes 8:14). This observation underscores the enigmatic nature of divine providence and the need for faith in God's ultimate justice.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the prosperity of sinners in the context of the Kingdom of God. In the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21), Jesus warns against the dangers of greed and the false security of earthly wealth. The rich man's dreams of prosperity are abruptly shattered by his sudden death, illustrating the fleeting nature of material success and the importance of being "rich toward God" (Luke 12:21).

The Apostle Paul also touches on this theme, reminding believers that "the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil" (1 Timothy 6:10) and urging them to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.

Conclusion

The biblical treatment of the prosperity of sinners, whether in dreams or reality, serves as a profound exploration of divine justice, human envy, and the ultimate triumph of righteousness. Through various scriptural passages, believers are encouraged to maintain their faith and trust in God's eternal perspective, recognizing that the apparent success of the wicked is temporary and ultimately subject to God's sovereign judgment.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 20:5-8,
That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 73:19,20
How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Yoke of Christ.
... we are told that if we "return unto Him who is the merciful Receiver of all true
penitent sinners, if we ... No dreams of earthly prosperity could flit ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon viii the yoke of.htm

'Fruit which is Death'
... Israel had attributed its prosperity to Baal (Hosea 2:8 ... first burst of the judgment
shatters dreams of innocence ... all defences, and the obstinate sinners are like ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/fruit which is death.htm

"We have Seen his Star"
... Holy Spirit he had foretold the prosperity of Israel ... Through dreams they were instructed
to go in search ... Greeks and Romans as heathen, and sinners above others ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 6 we have seen.htm

The Carcass and the Eagles
... and therefore short-lived, was the prosperity which had ... With one hand these sinners
tried to push away ... gone, like the imaginary banquets of dreams, and instead ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the carcass and the eagles.htm

When a Revival is to be Expected.
... There can be no prosperity in religion, where the spirit of ... desire and anxiety of
mind for the salvation of sinners. ... He thinks of it by day, and dreams of it ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture ii when a revival.htm

The Saints' Rest is not to be Expected on Earth.
... in this life," is the lot of the most miserable, perishing sinners. ... If he gives us
prosperity, riches, or honor, we do in our ... Have thy griefs been only dreams? ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter x the saints rest.htm

All the Day Long
... Be thou in the fear of the Lord" when sinners entice thee ... things about us are such
stuff as dreams are made ... Next, there is an end of the worldling's prosperity. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/all the day long.htm

Recognition and Reconciliation
... for twenty-two long years, and the dreams have come true ... yearning over the half-sullen
sinners, and seeking ... a simple nature, unspoiled by prosperity, to delight ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/recognition and reconciliation.htm

Matt. I. 1
... pass; an angel, and the vision in dreams, and the ... avails so much in the case of sinners,
consider what ... works, yet if they see any in prosperity, and themselves ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily iii matt i 1.htm

Index of Subjects.
... and not rejoice in the punishment of sinners, [212]266 ... with blood, [233]269; its
true prosperity, [234]186 ... Dreams, terrify the wicked, [311]424; sins committed in ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/index of subjects.htm