How should believers respond when witnessing the prosperity of the ungodly, per Job 22:18? Job 22:18—The Key Text “Yet He filled their houses with good things— but the counsel of the wicked is far from me.” Seeing Who Really Provides • The text credits God Himself—“He filled”—with every material gain, even in ungodly households (cf. Psalm 24:1). • Recognizing God’s sovereignty frees us from resentment; we know prosperity never escapes His control (Daniel 4:34-35). Guarding the Heart Against Envy • Psalm 73:3, “For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” • Proverbs 23:17-18 urges, “Do not let your heart envy sinners… surely there is a future hope for you.” • Confess envy quickly; cultivate gratitude for your own blessings. Maintaining Eternal Perspective • Psalm 73:17, “…then I discerned their end.” Temporal success is fleeting (Psalm 37:1-2). • Matthew 16:26 reminds that gaining the world is worthless if one forfeits his soul. • 2 Corinthians 4:18: focus on “what is unseen… eternal.” Rejecting Their Counsel • Job 22:18b models distance: “the counsel of the wicked is far from me.” • Psalm 1:1 warns against walking in ungodly advice. • Choose influences that reinforce righteousness, not rationalize compromise. Walking in Integrity and Contentment • Proverbs 15:16: “Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil.” • 1 Timothy 6:6-10 links contentment with godliness, warning of the snare of riches. • Live transparently; handle money ethically; keep trust in God, not wealth (Proverbs 11:28). Blessing, Not Cursing, the Prosperous Ungodly • Matthew 5:44: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” • Romans 12:20: feed and refresh them if they are in need—overcome evil with good. • Your kindness may soften hearts and showcase Christ’s surpassing worth. Rejoicing in a Better Portion • Psalm 73:25-26: “Whom have I in heaven but You? … God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” • Philippians 3:8 counts everything loss “for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.” • Hebrews 13:5 promises, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Practical Takeaways • Acknowledge God as the ultimate source of all prosperity. • Refuse envy; celebrate others’ successes while trusting God’s timing for you. • Keep eternity in view; earthly wealth ends at the grave. • Distance yourself from ungodly philosophies, yet remain gracious and prayerful toward people. • Pursue contentment, stewardship, and generosity. • Delight in Christ as your true treasure—far richer than any temporal gain. |