Topical Bible: Riches: The Wicked: Often Spend Their Day In

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In the biblical context, riches are frequently associated with both blessings and temptations. While wealth can be a sign of God's favor, it can also lead individuals away from righteousness, particularly when it becomes an idol or is acquired through unjust means. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings regarding the use and misuse of riches, especially concerning the wicked.

The wicked are often depicted as those who misuse their wealth, indulging in a lifestyle that is contrary to God's commandments. In the Book of Job, we find a poignant description of the wicked and their relationship with riches: "They spend their days in prosperity and go down to Sheol in peace" (Job 21:13). This verse highlights the temporal nature of their prosperity, suggesting that their wealth does not lead to eternal peace or favor with God.

The Psalms also address the fleeting nature of the wicked's riches. Psalm 73:12 states, "Behold, these are the wicked—always carefree as they increase their wealth" . This passage reflects the apparent ease with which the wicked accumulate wealth, yet it also implies a warning about the ultimate futility of such prosperity when it is not aligned with God's will.

Proverbs, known for its wisdom literature, offers further insight into the behavior of the wicked with their riches. Proverbs 11:28 warns, "He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf" . This proverb contrasts the temporary security that wealth provides to the wicked with the enduring prosperity of the righteous, who place their trust in God rather than material wealth.

The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus Himself addressing the dangers of riches. In the Parable of the Rich Fool, found in Luke 12:16-21, Jesus tells of a man who hoards his wealth, only to lose his life unexpectedly. The parable concludes with a stark reminder: "This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God" (Luke 12:21). This teaching underscores the importance of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material riches.

The Apostle Paul also cautions against the love of money, which he describes as "a root of all kinds of evil" (1 Timothy 6:10). He advises believers to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness, rather than becoming ensnared by the pursuit of wealth.

Throughout Scripture, the wicked are often portrayed as those who misuse their riches, living in temporary prosperity but ultimately facing divine judgment. Their wealth, while providing momentary comfort, does not secure their standing before God. The Bible consistently calls believers to a higher standard, encouraging the faithful to use their resources in ways that honor God and reflect His righteousness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 21:13
They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Be not Deceived; God is not Mocked.
... deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; who can ... of the body, which are
often effective warnings ... this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sowing and reaping/chapter ii be not deceived.htm

A Believer's Privilege at Death
... in the grave) the wicked cease from troubling.' Job 3 ... and his darts; one he tempts
with riches, another with ... A cloud of sorrow often gathers in the heart, and ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 a believers privilege at.htm

The Duty of Remembering the Poor
... as they always must and will, yet the wicked, and those ... ride through another part,
and you say, Talk of riches! ... They often spend a season of prayer, and have a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the duty of remembering the.htm

Thoughts Upon Worldly Riches. Sect. I.
... World, should notwithstanding be generally as wicked, debauched and ... 3. LET them often
read and study our Saviour's ... low and paultry Trash as Riches and Wealth. ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon worldly riches sect.htm

The Danger of Riches
... and on that account are liable to be pronounced wicked, because unprofitable ... You
are often fretful; you feel, nay, and give way to ... What have riches done for you ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 87 the danger of.htm

The Observation of the Birth of Christ, the Duty of all Christians ...
... wonders of redeeming love, and the riches of free ... cry out; however, when you are
wicked over-much ... is no slipping; other conversation, by often repeating, you ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the observation of the birth.htm

The Benefits of an Early Piety
... of every considerate person, and make, even wicked men, as ... his care and pains in
"heaping up riches, though he ... much to be doubted) yet, he is often afraid lest ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the benefits of an early.htm

The First Commandment
... in awe and sin not.' Psalm 4:4. The wicked sin and ... 5:7. It is folly to trust in our
riches; but how ... wit and parts; he deifies himself, but how often does God ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 1 the first commandment.htm

The Gospel Message, Good Tidings
... the light of His countenance, and the riches of glory ... pained by the opposition of
the wicked, the inconstancy ... turned aside and hindered; and too often the hopes ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxi the gospel message.htm

The Eternity of Heaven's Happiness.
... and I surpassed in riches all that were before me in ... hated by our fellow-creatures,
as so often happens in ... royal Prophet: "I have seen the wicked highly exalted ...
/.../boudreaux/the happiness of heaven/chapter xxi the eternity of.htm