How should Christians respond when witnessing the prosperity of the wicked? The Dilemma of Psalm 10:5 “His ways are always prosperous; Your lofty judgments are far beyond his sight; he scoffs at all his foes.” The psalmist plainly sees that the wicked can look untouchable: their plans succeed, their power grows, and they mock opponents. This verse is not an approval of evil but a snapshot of how things can appear in a fallen world. God’s Verdict on Temporary Prosperity Psalm 37:1-2, 9 – Evildoers “will wither quickly like grass.” Their success has an expiration date. Psalm 73:16-19 – Asaph admits confusion “until I entered the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end.” Eternal perspective exposes the fragility of earthly gain. Proverbs 23:17-18 – “Do not let your heart envy sinners… surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.” James 5:1-5 – Wealth gained by oppression becomes evidence in God’s courtroom. Revelation 18:10 – Earth’s proudest empires fall in a single hour. God’s judgments catch up, no matter how delayed they seem. Anchoring Hope in God’s Justice 1. Remember who rules • Psalm 103:19 – “The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.” • Isaiah 46:10 – He declares the end from the beginning; nothing escapes His decree. 2. Trust God’s timing • 2 Peter 3:9 – Delay is mercy, giving space for repentance. • Habakkuk 2:3 – “Though it lingers, wait for it; it will surely come.” 3. Look to Christ’s cross and resurrection • Colossians 2:15 – At the cross Christ “disarmed the rulers and authorities.” Evil’s apparent triumph was already reversed. • Acts 17:31 – God “has set a day” to judge the world through the risen Jesus. Cultivating a Righteous Heart • Refuse envy – Proverbs 24:19-20 calls envy misplaced because “the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.” • Guard contentment – 1 Timothy 6:6-10 pairs godliness with contentment as true wealth. • Practice gratitude – Psalm 103:2 – “Forget not all His benefits.” Thanksgiving disarms jealousy. • Pray for the wicked – Matthew 5:44 – Loving enemies includes praying that prosperity leads them to repentance, not deeper rebellion. Living Differently While Waiting • Keep doing good (Galatians 6:9) – Persevere; harvest comes “at the proper time.” • Invest in eternal treasure (Matthew 6:19-21) – Store riches where moth and rust cannot enter. • Walk humbly (Micah 6:8) – Obedience and mercy outshine any passing success. • Encourage one another (Hebrews 10:24-25) – Corporate worship, like Asaph’s sanctuary moment, realigns vision. Summary Truths to Remember • The prosperity of the wicked is real but temporary. • God’s justice is certain, precise, and worth waiting for. • Envy blinds; gratitude and contentment clear the eyes. • Christ’s victory guarantees that righteousness, not wickedness, has the final word. |
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