The afflictions of the wicked, as observed in the world, can often be a source of confusion and concern for the faithful. However, Scripture provides clarity and assurance that the righteous should not be alarmed by the apparent prosperity or temporary success of the wicked. The Bible offers numerous insights into why the saints should maintain their peace and trust in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty.

Understanding the Prosperity of the Wicked

The prosperity of the wicked is a recurring theme in the Bible, often leading to questions about divine justice. In Psalm 73, Asaph reflects on the apparent success of the wicked, expressing his initial confusion and envy: "For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked" (Psalm 73:3). However, upon entering the sanctuary of God, he gains understanding of their ultimate fate: "Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin" (Psalm 73:18). This passage reassures believers that the prosperity of the wicked is fleeting and that their end is destruction.

God's Sovereignty and Justice

The Bible consistently affirms God's sovereignty and justice, reminding the saints that He is in control and will ultimately judge the wicked. In Psalm 37, David advises the righteous not to fret over evildoers: "Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong. For they will wither quickly like grass and wilt like tender plants" (Psalm 37:1-2). This passage encourages believers to trust in the Lord and continue doing good, knowing that God will uphold the righteous and bring justice in His perfect timing.

The Temporary Nature of Wickedness

The temporary nature of the wicked's afflictions is further emphasized in the book of Job. Job, a righteous man, experiences severe trials and questions the prosperity of the wicked. Yet, he acknowledges that their joy is short-lived: "The triumph of the wicked is brief, and the joy of the godless momentary" (Job 20:5). This understanding helps the saints to focus on eternal truths rather than temporary circumstances.

The Call to Patience and Faith

Believers are called to exercise patience and faith in the face of the wicked's afflictions. James encourages the saints to be patient and stand firm, for the Lord's coming is near: "Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the soil, being patient about it, until it receives the early and late rains" (James 5:7). This exhortation reminds the faithful that God's timing is perfect and that they should remain steadfast in their faith.

The Assurance of God's Protection

The Bible assures the saints of God's protection and care, even amidst the afflictions of the wicked. In Psalm 91, the psalmist declares God's promise of refuge and safety: "You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the calamity that destroys at noon" (Psalm 91:5-6). This assurance provides comfort and strength to believers, reinforcing their trust in God's provision and protection.

Conclusion

While the afflictions and apparent success of the wicked may seem troubling, the Bible provides a clear perspective for the saints. By understanding the temporary nature of the wicked's prosperity, trusting in God's sovereignty and justice, and remaining patient and faithful, believers can find peace and assurance in the midst of a world that often seems unjust. The Scriptures consistently remind the faithful that God's ultimate plan will prevail, and His righteousness will be revealed in due time.Proverbs 3:25,26
Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it comes.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... Afflictions lead men to faith full often by preventing sin ... is the most fitting word
of rebuke for erring saints. ... you do what is quite as wicked,"you solemnly ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm

Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity Paul's Care and Prayer for the ...
... to them by speaking of these afflictions in unusual ... is unnecessary here to reply
to those wicked and illiterate ... strong to apprehend with all the saints what is ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/sixteenth sunday after trinity pauls.htm

Twenty Fourth Sunday after Trinity Prayer and Spiritual Knowledge.
... Again, the wicked world eagerly contributes its share of hindrance, its bitter ... WHY
AFFLICTIONS ARE SENT ... to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty fourth sunday after trinity.htm

The Life of Mr. George Wishart.
... my life by the hands of that wicked man, (meaning ... are sacraments; that we should
pray to saints; and for ... good word of God, because of the afflictions I have ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr george.htm

Cheer for Despondency
... speaking by the Holy Ghost, "Many are the afflictions of the ... This is the message
to fearful saints. II. ... of God, who is always angry with the wicked, abiding on ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/cheer for despondency.htm

What a Sacrifice Is, and what are the Species of Sacrifice.
... also are required, ie, thanksgiving, confessions, and afflictions. ... it was necessary
for all saints to believe ... for others, even for wicked persons, provided ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 30 what a sacrifice.htm

Matt. v. 1, 2
... of this temper were the souls of the saints: such was ... made a gazing stock by reproaches,
and afflictions." [630] On ... for not the calumny of the wicked, but our ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xv matt v 1.htm

The Exhortation of the Last HomilyIs Continued in This. ...
... this very means made a partaker with all the saints. ... he signifieth unto us, that
the wicked be not enough ... their desires, they shall come to afflictions in the ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily v the exhortation of.htm

Second Sunday after Easter
... to manifest the fruit of patience under crosses and afflictions. ... and his punishment
will seek out the wicked. ... and distress upon Christ and his saints as upon ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday after easter.htm

The Sweet Uses of Adversity
... contendest with me." Sometimes to question God is wicked. ... Dost thou not understand
that afflictions are often the ... I have thus done with the saints; I shall now ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the sweet uses of adversity.htm

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