The concept of temporal punishment for the wicked is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, illustrating the principle that actions have consequences in this life. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that highlight how the wicked often face divine retribution or natural consequences as a result of their actions.

Old Testament Examples

In the Old Testament, the temporal punishment of the wicked is vividly depicted in various narratives and prophetic declarations. One of the earliest examples is the story of Cain, who, after murdering his brother Abel, is cursed by God and becomes a restless wanderer on the earth (Genesis 4:11-12). This punishment serves as a direct consequence of his sin.

The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is another significant example. These cities were infamous for their wickedness, and their obliteration by fire and brimstone from heaven serves as a stark warning of the temporal judgment that can befall those who persist in evil (Genesis 19:24-25).

The Book of Proverbs frequently contrasts the fate of the righteous with that of the wicked, emphasizing that the latter will not prosper. Proverbs 11:21 states, "Be assured that the wicked will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will escape." This reflects the belief that divine justice is often meted out in this life.

Prophetic Warnings

The prophets of Israel consistently warned of temporal punishments for the wicked. The prophet Isaiah declared, "Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done" (Isaiah 3:11). Such warnings were intended to call the people to repentance and to highlight the certainty of divine justice.

Jeremiah also spoke of the impending judgment on the wicked, particularly in the context of the Babylonian exile. He warned that those who refused to heed God's commands would face destruction and exile (Jeremiah 25:8-11).

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, the theme of temporal punishment continues, though often with a focus on the ultimate judgment to come. However, there are still instances where immediate consequences for wickedness are evident. Ananias and Sapphira, for example, faced sudden death as a result of lying to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:1-11). This event underscores the seriousness with which God views sin and deceit.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, reinforces the principle of sowing and reaping: "Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return" (Galatians 6:7). This principle suggests that wicked actions will lead to negative consequences, both temporally and eternally.

Conclusion

The temporal punishment of the wicked serves as a reminder of God's justice and the moral order He has established in the world. While ultimate judgment is reserved for the end of time, the Bible consistently teaches that wickedness often leads to suffering and calamity in this life. These teachings encourage individuals to pursue righteousness and to heed the warnings of Scripture, recognizing that God's justice is both immediate and eternal.Job 27:13-23
This is the portion of a wicked man with God, and the heritage of oppressors, which they shall receive of the Almighty.
Nave's Topical Index

Job 15:20-35
The wicked man travails with pain all his days, and the number of years is hidden to the oppressor.
Nave's Topical Index

Job 18:5-21
Yes, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine.
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Job 20:5-29
That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?
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Job 21:7-33
Why do the wicked live, become old, yes, are mighty in power?
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Job 24:2-24
Some remove the landmarks; they violently take away flocks, and feed thereof.
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Jeremiah 5:25
Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withheld good things from you.
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Ezekiel 11:10
You shall fall by the sword; I will judge you in the border of Israel; and you shall know that I am the LORD.
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Ezekiel 12:19,20
And say to the people of the land, Thus said the Lord GOD of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and of the land of Israel; They shall eat their bread with carefulness, and drink their water with astonishment, that her land may be desolate from all that is therein, because of the violence of all them that dwell therein.
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Zechariah 14:17-19
And it shall be, that whoever will not come up of all the families of the earth to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even on them shall be no rain.
Nave's Topical Index

Whether Temporal Goods Fall under Merit?
... For the carnal people were adhering to the promises of the ... Reply to Objection 3:
Temporal evils are imposed as a punishment on the wicked, inasmuch as they ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether temporal goods fall under.htm

Whether Vengeance Should be Taken on those who have Sinned ...
... punished for David's sin in numbering the people (2 Kings 24 ... sometimes even the good
are punished in temporal matters together with the wicked, for not ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether vengeance should be taken.htm

On the Last Judgment and the Resurrection, Hell, Purgatory, and ...
... Hell is a state to which the wicked are condemned ... things absent, and thus teach the
people how to ... "Punishment""that is, temporal punishment, already explained ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 37 on the last.htm

Whether the Old Law Should have Induced Men to the Observance of ...
... equally happen to the just and to the wicked, to the ... Law, their heart was altogether
fixed on temporal goods, and ... Is.29:13 (Mat.15:8): "This people honoreth Me ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the old law should 2.htm

Whether it was Lawful to Divorce a Wife under the Mosaic Law?
... least by the law or the prophets: "Show My people their wicked doings" (Is ... understand
by this only that divorce incurred the debt of temporal punishment. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it was lawful to.htm

Of the Reasons for Administering Correction to Bad and Good ...
... men, and fear the judgments of the people, and the ... the good are chastised along with
the wicked, when God is pleased to visit with temporal punishments the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 9 of the reasons for.htm

Whether Envy is a Sin?
... for it is written (Prov.29:2): "When the wicked shall bear rule, the people shall
mourn ... for spiritual gifts": while, if it be about temporal goods, it may ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether envy is a sin.htm

A Doomed People
... He had not come to establish a temporal rule; He ... no pleasure in the death of the
wicked." Micah 7 ... and they laid claim to righteousness above every other people. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 64 a doomed people.htm

Judaism.
... deliverer, who should restore the temporal dominion of ... as at that time a debased
and wicked people, well deserving their fearful punishment in the ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 9 judaism.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xx. 30, About the Two Blind Men ...
... unto thee; it would be a punishment to thine ... we perceive Christ "passing by" in the
temporal economy, [2911 ... who did not retire from the wicked people, lest they ...
/.../sermon xxxviii on the words.htm

Does God hate? If God is love, how can He hate? | GotQuestions.org

What is retribution theology? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that judgment begins at the house of God? | GotQuestions.org

Wicked: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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