What examples today reflect the "righteous" suffering and "wicked" prospering mentioned here? Setting the Scene Psalm 73:12-14 captures an age-old tension: “Behold, these are the wicked—always at ease, they increase their wealth. Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure… yet I am afflicted all day long”. The same pattern still unfolds around us. Present-Day Portraits of the Righteous Suffering • Believers losing jobs or businesses for refusing to endorse practices Scripture calls sin (Acts 5:29; 2 Timothy 3:12). • Pastors or house-church leaders imprisoned in restrictive nations, while they pray and sing in cells (Hebrews 13:3). • Christian students mocked or penalized academically for affirming a biblical worldview (Matthew 5:11-12). • Families who foster or adopt medically fragile children, trading ease for sacrificial love (James 1:27). • Whistleblowers exposing corruption, then enduring lawsuits or blacklisting, yet “speaking truth each one to his neighbor” (Ephesians 4:25). Present-Day Portraits of the Wicked Prospering • Human-trafficking networks amassing fortunes while victims languish (Micah 2:1-2). • Entertainment moguls glamorizing immorality and reaping record profits (Isaiah 5:20). • Corrupt officials siphoning public funds but retaining power and prestige (Ecclesiastes 8:11). • Companies exploiting workers or the environment, yet posting soaring stock prices (James 5:1-6). • Online fraudsters and cyber-criminals living in luxury villas while honest families struggle to recover losses (Proverbs 11:18). Why God Allows the Disparity—Key Truths • God’s patience grants time for repentance; judgment is certain but not always immediate (2 Peter 3:9; Romans 2:4-6). • Earthly ease is fleeting; eternal recompense overturns present appearances (Luke 16:19-31; Revelation 20:11-15). • Suffering refines faith and produces Christ-likeness in the righteous (1 Peter 1:6-7; Romans 8:18). • The apparent success of evil highlights humanity’s need for the gospel and magnifies divine justice when it comes (Habakkuk 1:13; Psalm 37:1-2, 35-36). Living Faithfully in the Tension • Guard the heart from envy; refocus on God’s presence and ultimate destiny (Psalm 73:16-17, 23-26). • Pray for the persecuted and support them tangibly (Hebrews 13:3; Galatians 6:10). • Remain steadfast in righteousness, trusting the Judge who “will bring to light what is hidden in darkness” (1 Corinthians 4:5). • Counter cultural darkness with good works that point to the Father (Matthew 5:14-16). Certain Hope “For the LORD loves justice and will not forsake His saints” (Psalm 37:28). The ledger will be balanced; until then, “let us not grow weary in doing good” (Galatians 6:9). |
    |