Why do the wicked prosper?

[Zackuth]

If we wonder why we Christians are attacked because of our faith the answer is not that hard; it’s the work of the devil. The devil wants to separate the faithful from God and he will do anything he can to accomplish this task. To persecute Christians for being in faith is only one part. While he attacks us, the devil can say to us “Look at the Muslim, look at the Buddhist, look at the atheist, they do not suffer as you do. Give up this foolish worship of God and follow another path.” For those of another faith, or no faith at all, the devil already has them, to persecute them might just send these people into the loving arms of the Father, and that would not be a desired outcome. The devil either leaves these people alone or helps them prosper. But he came make these other paths seem more desirable to us and I’m sure he has lured more than a few into the depths of hell.

 

[dqhall]

I am not understanding this, God punished the Jews time after time after time for disobeying so why do people who live a life of wrong doing keep on prospering especially while those who try their best to live an obedient life keep facing hardships?

It seems like the wicked prosper, but some wound up in prison, auto accidents, overdosed, alcoholic, killed in shoot outs, died of diseases after overindulging, etc.

I remember Jesus taught about a wealthy farmer who was successful in his business (Luke 12:16-20). He was in the process of building his business empire by expanding his barns. Then one day he was informed he was going to die, and who would get all that he had built? It was not so much that the rich man had illegally acquired wealth, but that he might have inadequately planned for its distribution that was a potential problem.

Money is a temporary thing. Finding peace with God is more important.

As for prospering, Benjamin Franklin was diligent and became a wealthy man. He was a popular writer and sold a six page essay titled, "Way to Wealth (1758)." Wasting time is a sin.
https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/coretexts/_files/resources/texts/1758 Franklin Wealth.pdf

 

[Job3315]

The Bible says the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil~~~> www.biblehub.com/1_timothy/6-10.htm . Big difference there.

Thanks. I updated it.

 

[Micah888]

I am not understanding this, God punished the Jews time after time after time for disobeying so why do people who live a life of wrong doing keep on prospering especially while those who try their best to live an obedient life keep facing hardships?

Not sure what this has to do with Covenant Theology, but the Bible clearly states that the wicked do prosper. As to why God allows it is a mystery. Perhaps because their ultimate judgment will be very severe.

PSALM 73
1 (A Psalm of Asaph.) Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.

2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.

3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.

5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.

6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.

7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.

8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.

9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.

10 Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.

11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?

12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.

 

[timewerx]

That verse does not say material wealth is unrighteous at all...

It does if you look at the Greek translation. It used the word "adikia" instead of "kosmos" (world or universe). Adikia means unrighteous or unjust.

Strong's Greek: 93. ἀδικία (adikia) -- injustice, unrighteousness
Luke 16:9 Greek Text Analysis

Many English translations of Luke 16:9 in fact use the word "unrighteous" instead of "world".

Luke 16:9 I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.

The Old Testament contains many worldly wisdom. But Solomon set the facts straight in Ecclesiastes. Read the Book of Ecclesiastes and see what Solomon said about worldly wealth - meaningless, worthless.

 

[timewerx]

God does not allow bad things to happen to good people...Simple as that....God put His people in charge in the Earth...That means if bad things happen to good people its not His fault but ours.
Genesis 1:26

I agree but sadly, most Christians don't do their work.

They use their resources like money, power, influence, and time for their comfort and good life and only have little left to help brothers and sisters in need.

In the Books of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd John in the Bible, St. John clearly mentions without a doubt those Christians does not love God. They love their things and money instead and you cannot love both (Luke 16:13).

 

[timewerx]

"Why do the wicked prosper?"
This is directly addressed IN SCRIPTURE.
I forget all the chapters it is described.
BIBLEGATEWAY is a good site to search the Scripture and even see how the many different translations agree with each other without contradiction ....
enjoy reading !

Luke 6:20-26 also tells the wicked will have better quality of life and will be loved / liked by everyone.

In context here I think, the verse is telling about false prophets (false Christians as well).

 

[curious mike]

Not sure what this has to do with Covenant Theology, but the Bible clearly states that the wicked do prosper. As to why God allows it is a mystery. Perhaps because their ultimate judgment will be very severe.

You've pretty much hit the nail on the head for what I am thinking. When I say prosper I am referring to some people around me who doesn't have God in their lives sinning continuously but they are always "happy" aside from being financially secure. Then I look at people trying to live in God's ways every second of every day of their lives and struggling with health, family, finances e.t.c hence my curiosity.

Yes, I think it is a mystery or as one person said, maybe the devil has them prospering.

 

[Denadii]

Not sure what this has to do with Covenant Theology, but the Bible clearly states that the wicked do prosper. As to why God allows it is a mystery. Perhaps because their ultimate judgment will be very severe.

PSALM 73
1 (A Psalm of Asaph.) Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.

2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.

3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.

5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.

6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.

7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.

8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.

9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.

10 Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.

11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?

12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.

What do you mean by the term 'Covenant Theology'? I have not heard that one before.

 

[Micah888]

What do you mean by the term 'Covenant Theology'? I have not heard that one before.

This OP was posted in the "Covenant Theology" section. Here's a summary from Theopedia:

Covenant Theology (or Federal theology) is a prominent feature in Protestant theology, especially in the Presbyterian and Reformed churches, and a similar form is found in Methodism and Reformed Baptist churches. This article primarily concerns Covenant Theology as held by the Presbyterian and Reformed churches, which use the covenant concept as an organizing principle for Christian theology and view the history of redemption under the framework of three overarching theological covenants: the Covenant of Redemption, the Covenant of Works, and the Covenant of Grace. These three are called "theological covenants" because although not explicitly presented as covenants, they are, according to covenant theologians, implicit in the Bible.