Topical Bible: Prosperity: Promised to the Righteous

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Definition and Context
Prosperity, in the biblical sense, often refers to a state of flourishing, success, or well-being, particularly in relation to material wealth, health, and spiritual fulfillment. The concept of prosperity is frequently linked to the righteousness and obedience of God's people, as outlined in various passages throughout the Scriptures. The promise of prosperity is not merely material but encompasses a holistic sense of well-being that includes spiritual and relational aspects.

Biblical Foundations
The promise of prosperity to the righteous is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing the blessings that follow those who live in accordance with God's commandments. In the Old Testament, prosperity is often depicted as a direct result of obedience to God's laws. Deuteronomy 28:1-6 states, "Now if you faithfully obey the voice of the LORD your God and are careful to follow all His commandments I am giving you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings will come upon you and overtake you, if you will obey the voice of the LORD your God: You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country. The fruit of your womb will be blessed, as well as the produce of your land and the offspring of your livestock, the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks. Your basket and kneading bowl will be blessed. You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out."

Wisdom Literature
The wisdom literature of the Bible, particularly the Book of Proverbs, frequently associates righteousness with prosperity. Proverbs 3:9-10 advises, "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine." This passage underscores the principle that honoring God with one's resources leads to abundance.

Psalms and the Righteous
The Psalms also reflect the theme of prosperity for the righteous. Psalm 1:1-3 describes the blessedness of the man who delights in the law of the LORD: "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does."

New Testament Perspective
In the New Testament, the concept of prosperity is often spiritualized, focusing on the richness of life in Christ rather than material wealth. However, the principle that God provides for the needs of the righteous remains. Matthew 6:33 encourages believers to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." This verse suggests that when one's priorities align with God's kingdom, material needs are met as a byproduct of spiritual focus.

Theological Implications
The promise of prosperity to the righteous is not a guarantee of wealth or a life free from hardship. Rather, it is an assurance of God's provision and blessing in various forms, including peace, joy, and spiritual fulfillment. The biblical narrative consistently points to a God who rewards faithfulness and obedience, though not always in the ways human expectations might dictate. The prosperity promised to the righteous is ultimately rooted in a relationship with God, characterized by trust, obedience, and a commitment to His purposes.

Nave's Topical Index

Job 22:23-27
If you return to the Almighty, you shall be built up, you shall put away iniquity far from your tabernacles.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

How those are to be Admonished with whom Everything Succeeds ...
... admonished to consider wisely how that prosperity in the ... also something nigh at hand
from Him that promised. ... when the reprobate render not righteous deeds in ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xxvi how those are.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.' There he had promised his presence ... For
this cause, therefore, as I said, it is why the righteous do so desire that ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

Promises and Threatenings
... ourselves we must remember that outward prosperity was attached ... is vain to seek to
produce righteous deeds unless ... The reward promised in verse 5 is for Solomon ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/promises and threatenings.htm

The Expedition of the Philistines against the Hebrews and the ...
... for if you act thus, you will enjoy prosperity; you will ... of your assistants; for
God has not promised to grant ... means, but by being good and righteous men; and ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 the expedition of.htm

Satan Considering the Saints
... Job's prosperity promised as much stability as anything can do ... integrity was due
to his prosperity, that he served ... Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous, and shout ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 11 1865/satan considering the saints.htm

A Prayer for the Evening.
... as easy with thee to make me righteous and holy ... me thy Holy Spirit, which thou hast
promised to give ... my health, wealth, food, raiment, and prosperity; and more ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/a prayer for the evening.htm

The Resemblance Between the Old Testament and the New.
... Prophets, which clearly show the future immortality of the righteous in the ... he denies
that he had experienced the prosperity which had been promised him by ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 10 the resemblance between.htm

Jonah and Micah.
... 1. The promised restoration of the city Zion, 4:1-5 ... 2. In lamentation and patience
the righteous must wait ... mentioned to describe the coming prosperity of Israel ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter xx jonah and micah.htm

The Character and Supports of Widows Indeed.
... helpless dear ones, and he hath promised them protection. ... Few can bear prosperity"
few remain long uncorrupted in a ... is seldom long the state of the righteous. ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxiv the character and.htm

Jacob and Esau
... He believed that God had promised Abraham that he would ... he is righteous, and will
make them righteous, if they ... and that the way to wealth and prosperity is to ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon vi jacob and esau.htm