Why do the wicked seem to prosper here on earth? - Prosperity - TouchPoints

Psalm 37:35-36I have seen wicked and ruthless people flourishing like a tree in its native soil. But when I looked again, they were gone! Though I searched for them, I could not find them!

Psalm 49:10-12Those who are wise must finally die, just like the foolish and senseless, leaving all their wealth behind. The grave is their eternal home, where they will stay forever. They may name their estates after themselves, but their fame will not last. They will die, just like animals.

The singlemindedness and creativity of our human race in pursuit of earthly wealth is often remarkable. It makes us wonder what we might accomplish with these same attributes under God’s direction. And yet our achievements, however great, are limited by our lifespans and must be left behind at death.

Psalm 49:16-20So don’t be dismayed when the wicked grow rich and their homes become ever more splendid. For when they die, they take nothing with them. Their wealth will not follow them into the grave. In this life they consider themselves fortunate and are applauded for their success. But they will die like all before them and never again see the light of day. People who boast of their wealth don’t understand; they will die, just like animals.

Ecclesiastes 5:15We all come to the end of our lives as naked and empty-handed as on the day we were born. We can’t take our riches with us.

Although the wicked may prosper here in this life, they are mere mortals who will die and leave their earthly prosperity behind. The currency of this world has absolutely no value in eternity.

Psalm 10:4-6The wicked are too proud to seek God. They seem to think that God is dead. Yet they succeed in everything they do. They do not see your punishment awaiting them.

Psalm 73:3-13, 16-19I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong. They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else. . . . And so the people are dismayed and confused, drinking in all their words. “What does God know?” they ask. “Does the Most High even know what’s happening?” Look at these wicked people—enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply. Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason? . . . So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is! Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction. In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors.

The prosperity of the wicked gives the appearance of a complete and fulfilling life. But a life without God contains a powerful vacuum that nothing other than God can fill. And a life of luxury lived at the expense of others, without demonstrating love, care, or justice toward others, will always face judgment. Such lives may look good to an outside observer, but God sees the empty hearts and destructive actions of those who live such a life.

Ezekiel 7:19“They will throw their money in the streets, tossing it out like worthless trash. Their silver and gold won’t save them on that day of the Lord’s anger. It will neither satisfy nor feed them, for their greed can only trip them up.”

Luke 16:24-25“The rich man shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.’ But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish.’”

James 5:1-6Look here, you rich people: Weep and groan with anguish because of all the terrible troubles ahead of you. Your wealth is rotting away, and your fine clothes are moth-eaten rags. . . . This corroded treasure you have hoarded will testify against you on the day of judgment. For listen! Hear the cries of the field workers whom you have cheated of their pay. The cries of those who harvest your fields have reached the ears of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

The wicked—financially poor or wealthy—should not be envied as their eternal destiny is one of judgment and punishment. Time spent on this earth is but a small dot on a line that never ends. What really counts is the heavenly treasure we lay up while we are here on earth.