Topical Bible: Natural Life: The Wicked Have Their Portion of Good, During

Bible > Topical > Natural Life

◄ Natural Life: The Wicked Have Their Portion of Good, During ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the tapestry of biblical theology, the concept of natural life and the temporal blessings experienced by the wicked is a theme that emerges with both complexity and clarity. The Scriptures acknowledge that, during their earthly lives, the wicked may indeed enjoy a portion of good, a reality that often perplexes the righteous and challenges their understanding of divine justice.

Temporal Prosperity of the Wicked

The Bible candidly addresses the prosperity of the wicked, acknowledging that they may experience success, wealth, and comfort in their natural lives. In the book of Job, a profound exploration of suffering and divine justice, Job laments the prosperity of the wicked: "Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power? They see their children established around them, their offspring before their eyes" (Job 21:7-8). This observation underscores the reality that the wicked can enjoy familial stability and societal influence.

Similarly, the psalmist Asaph grapples with the apparent success of the wicked in Psalm 73. He observes, "For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed" (Psalm 73:3-4). This passage highlights the ease and abundance that can characterize the lives of those who reject God's ways.

Divine Patience and Common Grace

The temporal blessings experienced by the wicked can be understood within the framework of divine patience and common grace. God's forbearance allows the wicked to enjoy the fruits of creation, as He "causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous" (Matthew 5:45). This common grace reflects God's benevolent character and His desire for all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

The Transience of Earthly Prosperity

While the wicked may enjoy a portion of good during their natural lives, Scripture consistently affirms the transience of such prosperity. The psalmist declares, "For they will soon wither like grass and fade like green plants" (Psalm 37:2). The fleeting nature of earthly success serves as a reminder that ultimate justice and recompense are in the hands of God.

The book of Ecclesiastes also speaks to the ephemeral nature of worldly achievements, stating, "I have seen a grievous evil under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner, or wealth lost through some misfortune" (Ecclesiastes 5:13-14). This wisdom literature underscores the futility of placing hope in temporal gains.

The Final Judgment

The Bible assures believers that the apparent prosperity of the wicked is not the final word. The ultimate justice of God will be revealed in the final judgment, where each person will be recompensed according to their deeds. The apostle Paul writes, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad" (2 Corinthians 5:10).

In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Jesus illustrates the reversal of fortunes that occurs in the afterlife (Luke 16:19-31). The rich man, who enjoyed luxury in his natural life, finds himself in torment, while Lazarus, who suffered in life, is comforted. This parable serves as a poignant reminder of the eternal consequences of one's earthly choices.

Encouragement for the Righteous

For the righteous, the temporal prosperity of the wicked can be a source of discouragement. However, Scripture offers encouragement and perspective. The psalmist advises, "Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong. For they will wither quickly like grass and wilt like tender plants" (Psalm 37:1-2). Believers are called to trust in the Lord and commit their ways to Him, assured that He will act on their behalf (Psalm 37:5).

The New Testament echoes this sentiment, urging believers to "set your minds on things above, not on earthly things" (Colossians 3:2). By focusing on eternal realities, the righteous can find peace and assurance in the midst of life's inequities.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 17:14
From men which are your hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly you fill with your hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 6:24
But woe to you that are rich! for you have received your consolation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 16:25
But Abraham said, Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and you are tormented.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On Infants' Early Deaths.
... only of that which owing to its natural ductility lends ... who have purified themselves
in this life by every ... That some of the wicked have lived on [1579] does ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/on infants early deaths.htm

Letter xxxiv. (AD 396. )
... and is rebaptized while filled with wicked rage, and ... the other's death let me prolong
my natural life." Oh, Eusebius ... However, as I have said, I will not decline ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xxxiv a d 396.htm

Jer. 6:16 the Good Way.
... From natural high spirits and ignorance of the world, they ... Never be ashamed of living
the life of faith in ... His people to a home where the wicked shall cease ...
/.../ryle/the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter v jer 6 16 the.htm

Natural Evil, or Suffering, and Especially the Suffering of ...
... If so, then every vile deed, every wicked outrage, committed by man ... we think should
be entertained with respect to the natural evils of this life: they are ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter ii natural evil or.htm

Surely Goodness and Mercy Shall Follow Me all the Days of My Life ...
... but a little beyond maturity, when all the natural lights of ... of princes and rulers,
behind all the evils of life they see the ... "For the hope of the wicked is as ...
/.../callan/the shepherd of my soul/xi surely goodness and mercy.htm

Of the Philosophers, who Fell into Mistaken Notions, and Some of ...
... themselves in reasoning, and the study of natural science, and who ... that those who
have passed a life of virtue ... he represents the spirits of the wicked as tossed ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter ix of the philosophers who.htm

Jeremy Taylor -- Christ's Advent to Judgment
... the mountain of the Lord, in His natural dress of ... the righteous scarcely be saved,
where shall the wicked and the ... belong not to the portion of life, shall have ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/jeremy taylor christs advent.htm

The Last Interview of Paul with the Elders of Ephesus.
... wicked way to save his life; the same wicked man shall ... has redeemed the Church by
laying down his life for it. ... that this is the most obvious and natural meaning ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxiv the last interview.htm

Of the Origin, Life, Reign, Name and Death of Jupiter, and of ...
... virtue, who is overpowered by desire and wicked lusts, is ... man; but in the case of
that natural Jupiter, led ... was almost spent, he changed [55] his life in Crete ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xi of the origin life.htm

Thou Anointest My Head with Oil; My Cup Runneth Over.
... equally happen to the just and to the wicked, to the ... This uncertainty as to the end
of life, and of ... transcendent a nature, so far above our natural powers and ...
/.../callan/the shepherd of my soul/x thou anointest my head.htm