Topical Bible: The Righteousness of God: Saints: Acknowledge, Though the Wicked Prosper

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The concept of the righteousness of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting His perfect nature, justice, and moral purity. For the saints, acknowledging God's righteousness is an act of faith and trust, even when faced with the perplexing reality that the wicked often seem to prosper.

Biblical Context

The righteousness of God is foundational to His character and His dealings with humanity. It is His standard of holiness and justice, which He imparts to those who believe in Him. The saints, or the faithful followers of God, are called to recognize and affirm His righteousness, even when circumstances appear unjust from a human perspective.

The Prosperity of the Wicked

One of the most challenging aspects of acknowledging God's righteousness is the apparent prosperity of the wicked. This theme is addressed in several passages of Scripture, where the saints grapple with the seeming contradiction between God's justice and the success of those who do not follow His ways.

In the book of Psalms, Asaph, a leader of worship in the temple, candidly expresses his struggle with this issue. In Psalm 73:3-5 , 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." Asaph's initial reaction is one of envy and confusion, as he sees the wicked living in ease and abundance.

However, Asaph's perspective shifts when he enters the sanctuary of God and gains a deeper understanding of divine justice. In Psalm 73:16-17 , he reflects, "When I tried to understand all this, it was troublesome in my sight until I entered God’s sanctuary; then I discerned their end." Here, Asaph acknowledges that the prosperity of the wicked is temporary and that God's ultimate justice will prevail.

Trusting in God's Righteousness

The saints are called to trust in God's righteousness, even when it seems hidden or delayed. The prophet Habakkuk also wrestles with the question of why the wicked prosper, yet he ultimately affirms his faith in God's righteous character. In Habakkuk 2:4 , it is declared, "Behold the proud, his soul is not upright—but the righteous will live by his faith." This verse underscores the call for the righteous to live by faith, trusting in God's timing and justice.

The book of Job further illustrates this theme, as Job, a righteous man, suffers greatly while questioning the prosperity of the wicked. Despite his trials, Job maintains his integrity and acknowledges God's sovereignty. In Job 21:7-13 , he questions, "Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power? Their homes are safe from fear; the rod of God is not upon them." Yet, Job's account ultimately reveals that God's purposes are beyond human understanding, and His righteousness is unwavering.

The Saints' Response

The saints' response to the prosperity of the wicked is one of faith and perseverance. They are encouraged to focus on God's eternal promises rather than temporary circumstances. In Psalm 37:1-2 , David advises, "Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong. For they will wither quickly like grass and fade like the green herb." This counsel reminds the faithful to trust in God's righteous judgment and to refrain from envy or despair.

Moreover, the New Testament reinforces the call to trust in God's righteousness. In Romans 1:17 , the apostle Paul writes, "For the gospel reveals the righteousness of God that comes by faith from start to finish, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'" This passage highlights the centrality of faith in understanding and embracing God's righteousness, even amidst life's challenges.

In conclusion, the saints are called to acknowledge the righteousness of God, trusting in His ultimate justice and sovereignty, even when the wicked appear to prosper. Through faith and perseverance, they affirm that God's righteousness will ultimately prevail, and His purposes will be fulfilled.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 12:1
Righteous are you, O LORD, when I plead with you: yet let me talk with you of your judgments: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? why are all they happy that deal very treacherously?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 73:12-17
Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Trinity and a Christian, and of the Law and a Christian.
... To understand all mysteries, to have all knowledge, to be able to comprehend with
all saints, is a great ... This is called the righteousness of God without the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of the trinity and a.htm

The Resurrection
... Christ will clear their innocence; he will bring forth their righteousness as the ...
(6.) The saints shall be fully crowned with the enjoyment of God for ever. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/3 the resurrection.htm

Jehovah Tsidkenu: the Lord Our Righteousness
... is he." Let none, then, of all his saints in heaven ... led you and me to call him,
"The Lord our righteousness.". ... who cared little for the things of God, who was ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/jehovah tsidkenu the lord our.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... less wretched, while carrying misery into the hearts and families of God's saints. ...
This man had not righteousness to stand just before God withal, for ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... Thus, with few words, Job ascribeth righteousness to his Maker; but though ... most,
if not all the miscarriages of the saints and people of God, they have ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

The Conversion of Zaccheus
... made partakers of the inheritance with the saints in light ... merely to satisfy, and
procure a righteousness for poor ... the uttermost all that come to God through him ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the conversion of zaccheus.htm

How a Man's Conduct Comes Home to Him
... What dungeons, what grim and dark prisons under ground have saints of God lain in
who have ... I trust without self-righteousness the grace of God has made ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/how a mans conduct comes.htm

The Priesthood of Christ
... holiness, that the converse of thy saints with each ... as a seminary of true wisdom,
piety and righteousness; and that ... thee, O holy and indulgent God, that thou ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration iv the priesthood of.htm

How Christ is to be Made Use Of, as the Way, for Sanctification in ...
... be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light ... and of betaking themselves
to the righteousness of Christ ... on that alone for peace and acceptance with God. ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter v how christ is.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the ... fear of
damnation, that standeth complete before God in the righteousness of Christ ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm