The concept of the wicked deriving happiness from their worldly prosperity is a recurring theme in the Bible, highlighting the temporal and often deceptive nature of such joy. This notion is explored through various scriptures that contrast the fleeting pleasures of the wicked with the enduring joy of the righteous.

Worldly Prosperity as a Source of Happiness

The Bible acknowledges that the wicked often experience prosperity in this world, which can lead to a superficial sense of happiness. In Psalm 73:3-5, Asaph observes, "For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed. They are free of the burdens others carry; they are not afflicted like other men." This passage illustrates the apparent ease and abundance that the wicked enjoy, which can be a source of envy for the righteous.

The Deceptive Nature of Worldly Prosperity

Despite their prosperity, the happiness of the wicked is portrayed as deceptive and ultimately unsatisfying. In Job 21:7-13, Job questions, "Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power? Their homes are safe from fear; the rod of God is not upon them. Their bulls breed without fail; their cows calve and do not miscarry. They send forth their little ones like a flock; their children skip about. They sing to the tambourine and lyre and rejoice at the sound of the flute. They spend their days in prosperity and go down to Sheol in peace." Here, Job describes the outward success and joy of the wicked, yet the underlying implication is that their end is not as secure as it seems.

The Temporary Nature of Their Joy

The Bible frequently emphasizes the temporary nature of the wicked's happiness. In Proverbs 14:12-13, it is written, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in sorrow." This passage suggests that the joy derived from worldly prosperity is not only temporary but can also mask deeper spiritual emptiness.

The Ultimate Fate of the Wicked

Scripture also addresses the ultimate fate of the wicked, underscoring that their prosperity is short-lived. 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 imagery conveys the transient nature of the wicked's success and the inevitable judgment that awaits them.

Contrasting the Righteous and the Wicked

The Bible contrasts the fleeting happiness of the wicked with the enduring joy of the righteous. In Psalm 1:4-6, it is written, "Not so the wicked! For they are like chaff driven off by the wind. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD guards the path of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish." This passage highlights the ultimate security and joy found in righteousness, as opposed to the unstable and perishable happiness of the wicked.

Conclusion

The happiness of the wicked, derived from their worldly prosperity, is a theme that underscores the transient and often deceptive nature of such joy. While the wicked may appear to flourish and find happiness in their material success, the Bible consistently points to the ultimate futility of their pursuits and the enduring joy found in a life aligned with God's will.Psalm 17:14
From men which are your hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly you fill with your hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 73:3,4,7
For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Third Season
... Comfort may be derived from reflections on the permitting ... the valley of vision, that
the wicked shall devour ... Indeed if you estimate the happiness of the church ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/iii the third season.htm

An American Reformer.
... in his former belief no assurance of happiness beyond the ... I had not before supposed
could be derived from its ... out of their places, and the wicked in terror ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /18 an american reformer.htm

An American Reformer
... in his former belief no assurance of happiness beyond the ... I had not before supposed
could be derived from its ... out of their places, and the wicked in terror ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 18 an american reformer.htm

The Same Necessary and Eternal Different Relations
... At least, there is hardly any wicked man, but when ... duty do naturally flow, or may
without difficulty be derived. ... of our power, the welfare and happiness of all ...
/.../i proposition i the same.htm

The Book of Enoch
... sinners will rebel, and will speak wicked words, and ... ideas and expressions most
decidedly derived from Enoch. ... period occurs a time of happiness and prosperity ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of enoch.htm

The Hope of Future Bliss
... that the Psalmist has been speaking of the wicked. ... in the likeness of God as to its
happiness holiness, purity ... I know that sometimes I have derived benefit from ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the hope of future bliss.htm

The Object of Theology
... himself those who are sinners, wicked, unfruitful, and ... the benefit which he had derived
from such a ... commonwealths would at length enjoy happiness and prosperity ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration i the object of.htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... what he had expected, and called Athens an empty happiness. ... and my God, from Whom
they too derived their power. ... of sickness: the hand of the wicked scribe was ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

Homilies on the Statues.
... 389; object of, [801]401; with the wicked in guilt ... to his labours, [1280]334; not
happiness, [1281]460 ... in Arabia, [1402]371; consolation to be derived from, [1403 ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... rags, and ulcerous body into heaven; but the happiness of the one ... and the misery
of the other, took their leaves at ... is peace; but the end of the wicked shall be ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm

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