Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the wicked being encouraged in their sinful ways through prosperity is a recurring theme in the Bible. This notion suggests that material success and worldly wealth can lead individuals away from righteousness and into deeper sin, as they may perceive their prosperity as a validation of their actions or as a means to indulge further in sinful behavior.Biblical References: 1. Psalm 73:3-12 · The psalmist Asaph reflects on the prosperity of the wicked, expressing his envy and confusion over their success despite their sinful ways. 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. They are free of the burdens others carry; they are not afflicted like other men" . This passage highlights the apparent ease and comfort of the wicked, which can embolden them in their sinfulness. 2. Jeremiah 12:1-2 · The prophet Jeremiah questions God about the prosperity of the wicked, saying, "Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? You planted them, and they have taken root; they grow and bring forth fruit. You are ever on their lips, but far from their hearts" . Here, the prosperity of the wicked is seen as a perplexing issue, as it seems to contradict the justice of God. 3. Proverbs 1:32 · The book of Proverbs warns of the dangers of complacency and prosperity leading to destruction: "For the waywardness of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them" . This verse suggests that the comfort and security found in prosperity can lead to a false sense of safety, ultimately resulting in ruin. 4. Ecclesiastes 8:11 · Solomon observes the emboldening effect of delayed justice on the wicked: "When the sentence for a crime is not speedily executed, the hearts of men become fully set on doing evil" . The lack of immediate consequences for their actions, often accompanied by continued prosperity, encourages the wicked to persist in their sinful ways. 5. Habakkuk 1:13 · The prophet Habakkuk questions God's tolerance of the wicked's prosperity: "Your eyes are too pure to look upon evil, and You cannot tolerate wrongdoing. Why then do You tolerate the treacherous? Why are You silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?" . This passage reflects the struggle to understand why the wicked seem to thrive while the righteous suffer. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the prosperity of the wicked serves as a test of faith for believers. It challenges them to trust in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty, even when immediate circumstances seem unjust. The prosperity of the wicked is temporary and ultimately leads to their downfall, as seen in Psalm 73:18-19: "Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin. How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors!" . The Bible consistently teaches that true prosperity is not measured by material wealth but by spiritual richness and a right relationship with God. The temporary success of the wicked serves as a reminder to believers to focus on eternal values rather than fleeting worldly gains. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 21:7-15Why do the wicked live, become old, yes, are mighty in power? Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 10:16 Library "Who Will Rise up with Me against the Wicked?" The Psalms of David Of the Wonderful ChapterHeld by St Francis at St Mary of the ... Israel's Hope Encouraged; Moses, the Mighty Intercessor Persecution in the First Centuries. Persecution in the First Centuries The Last Interview of Paul with the Elders of Ephesus. Jeremiah The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts Resources What does it mean to be a slave to sin? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the sin nature? | GotQuestions.org What is the worst sin? | GotQuestions.org Sin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sin in Believers is a Reproach to the Lord Sin is the Transgression of the Law Sin Money: General Scriptures Concerning Sin: Aggravated by Neglecting Advantages Sin: All Men are Conceived and Born In Sin: All the Imaginations of the Unrenewed Heart Are Sin: Blessings Withheld on Account of Sin: Christ Was Manifested to Take Away Sin: Christ's Blood Cleanses From Sin: Christ's Blood Redeems From Sin: Confusion of Face Belongs to Those Guilty of Sin: Consequences of, Entailed Upon Children Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Counted In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Manna and Quail Given In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The Complaint for Bread In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The People of Israel Journey Through Sin: Entered Into the World by Adam Sin: God Has Opened a Fountain For Sin: God is Provoked to Anger By Sin: God is Provoked to Jealousy By Sin: If we Say That we Have No, we Make God a Liar Sin: Ministers should Warn the Wicked to Forsake Sin: No Escape from the Consequences of Sin: No Man Can Cleanse Himself From Sin: Not Counted Against Righteous People Sin: Omission of What we Know to be Good Is Sin: Paul's Discussion of the Responsibility For Sin: Repugnant to Righteous People Sin: Saints: Abhor Themselves on Account of Sin: Saints: Ashamed of Having Committed Sin: Saints: Have Yet the Remains of, in Them Sin: Saints: Profess to Have Ceased From Sin: Scripture Concludes all Under Sin: Shall Find out the Wicked Sin: should be Avoided Even in Appearance Sin: should be Guarded Against Sin: should be Striven Against Sin: should be Wholly Destroyed Sin: Sometimes Open and Manifest Sin: Specially Strive Against Besetting Sin: The Abominable Thing That God Hates Sin: The Fear of God Restrains Sin: The Ground Was Cursed on Account of Sin: The Holy Spirit Convinces of Sin: The Law by Its Strictness Stirs Up Sin: The Law is the Strength of Sin: The Law is Transgressed by Every Sin: The Law: Curses Those Guilty of Sin: The Law: Gives Knowledge of Sin: The Law: Made to Restrain Sin: The Law: Shows Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin: The Thought of Foolishness Is Sin: The Wicked: Cannot Cease From Sin: The Wicked: Defy God in Committing Sin: The Wicked: Delight in Those Who Commit Sin: The Wicked: Encourage Themselves In Sin: The Wicked: Encouraged In, by Prosperity Sin: The Wicked: Expect Impunity In Sin: The Wicked: Guilty of, in Everything They Do Sin: The Wicked: Led by Despair to Continue In Sin: The Wicked: Make a Mock At Sin: The Wicked: Plead Necessity For Sin: The Wicked: Shall Bear the Shame of Sin: The Wicked: Tempt Others To Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on God Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on Others Sin: The Wicked: Try to Conceal, from God Sin: The Word of God Keeps From Sin: Toil and Sorrow Originated In Sin: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To, Defining and Illustrating Sin: we should Pray to God: To Cleanse Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Deliver Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Forgive Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Keep Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Make Us Know Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Search For, in Our Hearts Sin: Whatever is not of Faith Is Sin: when Finished Brings Forth Death Related Terms Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) |
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