What other scriptures address the prosperity of the wicked? Job 21:7 — The Spark “Why do the wicked live on, grow old, and also become mighty in power?” Echoes in the Psalms • Psalm 73:3, 12 — “For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked… Behold, these are the wicked—always carefree as they increase their wealth.” • Psalm 37:1-2, 7, 35-36 — “Do not fret over those who do evil… Be still before the LORD… I have seen a wicked, ruthless man flourishing like a well-rooted native tree, yet he passed away and was no more.” • Psalm 92:7 — “Though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish, they will be forever destroyed.” • Psalm 94:3-4 — “How long will the wicked, O LORD, how long will the wicked exult? They pour out arrogant words; all evildoers boast.” • Psalm 49:16-19 — “Do not be afraid when a man enriches himself… For when he dies, he will take nothing with him; his wealth will not follow him down.” Wisdom Books Respond • Proverbs 11:21 — “Be assured that the wicked will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will escape.” • Proverbs 24:19-20 — “Do not fret over evildoers… For the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished.” • Ecclesiastes 7:15 — “There is a righteous man who perishes despite his righteousness, and a wicked man who lives long despite his wickedness.” • Ecclesiastes 8:11-13 — “Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and still lives long, yet I also know that it will be well with those who fear God… But it will not be well with the wicked.” Voices of the Prophets • Jeremiah 12:1-2 — “Why does the way of the wicked prosper?… You planted them, and they have taken root; they grow and bear fruit.” • Habakkuk 1:13 — “Why are You silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?” • Malachi 3:15 — “So now we call the arrogant blessed. Not only do evildoers prosper, but they even test God and escape.” Light from the New Testament • Luke 6:24-25 — “Woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort… Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.” • Luke 12:20-21 — “‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you.’… This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.” • James 5:1-5 — “Come now, you rich, weep and wail for the misery to come upon you… You have hoarded wealth in the last days.” • 2 Peter 2:3 — “Their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction does not sleep.” Patterns to Notice • The apparent success of the wicked is temporary, often compared to grass that quickly withers. • God’s justice may seem delayed, but Scripture insists it is certain and final. • Believers are repeatedly told not to envy or fret; jealousy distracts from trusting the Lord. • Prosperity without righteousness leads to eternal loss, whereas suffering with righteousness leads to eternal reward. Takeaway Job’s cry is echoed throughout Scripture, yet every passage ultimately underscores God’s unchanging justice: the wicked may flourish for a season, but their end is sure, while those who fear the Lord inherit lasting peace and life. |
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