Why do the wicked prosper, as Job questions in Job 21:7? A Cry from the Ash Heap “Why do the wicked live on, grow old, and increase in power and wealth?” (Job 21:7) What Job Saw • The ungodly enjoy long lives (v. 7) • Their children flourish around them (v. 8) • Their homes seem secure (v. 9) • They sing, feast, and die in comfort (vv. 11–13) Job’s observation is accurate; Scripture never denies the reality of temporary, earthly prosperity for the wicked. Scripture’s Bigger Picture: Prospering Yet Perishing • Psalm 73:3–12 — Asaph admits envy of the arrogant: “They have no pangs until death.” • Jeremiah 12:1–2 — “Why does the way of the wicked prosper?” • Malachi 3:15 — “Evildoers prosper, and even test God and escape.” The Bible records the complaint repeatedly, confirming that Job is neither cynical nor faithless; he is honest. Why God Allows It • God’s Patience — “The Lord is not slow… but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish” (2 Peter 3:9). Prosperity gives time and space for repentance. • A Test for the Righteous — “When tested, your faith—more precious than gold—may be proven genuine” (1 Peter 1:7). • A Contrast for God’s Glory — “You set them on slippery places” (Psalm 73:18). Their rise makes their sudden fall more striking, magnifying divine justice. • Fulfillment of Sovereign Purposes — Pharaoh’s strength elevated God’s name through his downfall (Exodus 9:16; Romans 9:17). • The Kindness That Condemns — “Do you disregard the riches of His kindness… not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance? But because of your stubbornness… you are storing up wrath” (Romans 2:4–5). • Opportunity for the Righteous to Show Grace — “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Their prosperity can become a proving ground for our obedience. The Thin Ice Beneath Their Feet • Job 21:13 — “They spend their days in prosperity and go down to Sheol in peace.” The descent is inevitable. • Psalm 37:35–36 — “I have seen a wicked, ruthless man flourishing… but he passed away.” • Proverbs 11:4 — “Riches are worthless in the day of wrath.” • Luke 16:19–31 — The rich man’s comfort ended in torment. • Revelation 20:12 — Every deed is brought to the Great White Throne. God’s justice may seem delayed, never denied. How the Righteous Respond • Keep Eternal Focus — “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17–18). • Trust God’s Character — Job eventually declares, “I know that You can do all things” (Job 42:2). • Choose Contentment — “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). • Guard the Heart from Envy — “Do not fret because of evildoers” (Psalm 37:7). • Store Treasures in Heaven — “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19–21). • Pray and Do Good — “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). Summing It Up The wicked prosper because God, in His sovereign patience and justice, allows a temporary triumph that serves eternal purposes. Their success is a test for the faithful, an invitation to repentance for the ungodly, and a stage upon which divine justice will shine all the brighter when it finally, and certainly, falls. |
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