Topical Bible: Hope of the Wicked is in Their Worldly Possessions

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The concept of the wicked placing their hope in worldly possessions is a recurring theme in the Bible, highlighting the futility and transient nature of material wealth when compared to the eternal promises of God. This theme is often contrasted with the righteous, who place their hope and trust in the Lord.

Biblical References:

1. Job 31:24-28 : In this passage, Job reflects on the sin of placing hope in wealth, equating it with idolatry. He states, "If I have put my trust in gold or called pure gold my security, if I have rejoiced in my great wealth because my hand had gained so much... this would also be an iniquity to be judged, for I would have denied God above." Here, Job acknowledges that trusting in riches is a denial of God, emphasizing the spiritual danger of such misplaced hope.

2. Psalm 49:6-7 : The psalmist warns against those "who trust in their wealth and boast in their great riches. No man can possibly redeem his brother or pay his ransom to God." This passage underscores the inability of wealth to save or redeem, pointing to the ultimate powerlessness of material possessions in matters of eternal significance.

3. Proverbs 11:28 : "He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf." This proverb contrasts the fate of those who rely on wealth with the flourishing of the righteous, who are likened to a thriving plant, suggesting that true prosperity is found in righteousness rather than riches.

4. Mark 10:24-25 : Jesus addresses the difficulty for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of God, saying, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." This teaching highlights the spiritual hindrance that wealth can pose, as it often becomes an object of trust and hope, diverting attention from God.

5. 1 Timothy 6:17 : Paul instructs Timothy, "Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." This exhortation serves as a reminder that wealth is uncertain and unreliable, and that hope should be placed in God, the true provider.

Theological Implications:

The Bible consistently warns against the dangers of placing hope in worldly possessions, as they can lead to pride, idolatry, and a false sense of security. The wicked, in their pursuit of wealth, often neglect the spiritual truths and eternal values that are central to a life of faith. By placing their hope in material wealth, they deny the sovereignty and sufficiency of God, ultimately leading to spiritual downfall.

In contrast, the righteous are called to place their hope in God, recognizing Him as the source of all provision and security. This trust in God is not only a safeguard against the deceitfulness of riches but also a pathway to true spiritual prosperity and eternal life. The biblical narrative encourages believers to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that all necessary things will be added unto them (Matthew 6:33).

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 31:24
If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, You are my confidence;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Hope of Future Bliss
... the fairest, who ravished men with looks from their eyes, they ... of the world.'" And
now the wicked are left ... But never, I hope, shall I cease preaching, without ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the hope of future bliss.htm

Patmos
... does not prevent the plottings of wicked men, but ... accomplish the great purpose for
which their powers were ... not present to His followers the hope of attaining ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 56 patmos.htm

Thoughts Upon Worldly Riches. Sect. I.
... World, should notwithstanding be generally as wicked, debauched and ... But I hope there
is none of us ... industrious in the Prosecution of their worldly Designs, so ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon worldly riches sect.htm

The Two Awakings
... soothing expectance which became almost a hope, as they ... of the transient 'prosperity
of the wicked.' Any divinely ... grow on plants that plunge their greedy roots ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the two awakings.htm

Persecution in the First Centuries.
... With words of faith, patience, and hope, they encouraged one another to ... or neglect
His children; but He permits the wicked to reveal their true character ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /2 persecution in the first.htm

Persecution in the First Centuries
... With words of faith, patience, and hope they encouraged one another to ... or neglect
His children; but He permits the wicked to reveal their true character ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 2 persecution in the.htm

C. The Last Stages. Chs. 17:11 to 19:28
... If, however, they are earnest in their desire, they are ... could do for him; and his
faith and hope were manifest ... own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/c the last stages chs.htm

The Investigative Judgment.
... answer to every one that asketh them a reason of the hope that is ... The righteous and
the wicked will still be living upon the earth in their mortal state ...
/.../28 the investigative judgment.htm

The General Service to Saints Andrew of Constantinople, Isidore of ...
... the corruptible and unstable things by the hope of future ... by name), commanded to
shun the wicked and destructive ... close the jaws of the lions in their den; and ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xxvii the general service.htm

Letter civ. (AD 409. )
... life, and the means and opportunities of living a wicked life ... to fear from the judgment
of God for their sin ... come we dread, and in whose help we place our hope. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter civ a d 409.htm