How long will the wicked prosper in their evil deeds? This is the question that is asked by most Christians concerning the prosperity of the wicked.
It’s easy as Christians to feel discouraged in our Christian life when we see the wicked prosper seemingly without any difficulties while we as faithful Christians face all manner of challenges.
In fact, the Psalmist David asked this very same question in Psalms 94:3-7 where he asked and questioned God on how long will the wicked continue prospering in their evil works or triumph.
It is hard to say whether the wicked prosper for a long time, for a short time, or not at all. But they do certainly prosper for a while.
Now we may ask ourselves again, how long will the wicked prosper? How long will they be able to do their evil work or continue their injustice against the righteous?
First of all, we have to consider three things: first, the character of the people who are making it possible for them; secondly, their own power; thirdly, God’s will in all this matter.
There are several reasons why God allows the wicked to prosper for some time and this is what we will try to answer today.
From there, we will answer the question,” how long will the wicked prosper,” with references to bible verses in both the Old Testament and the New Testament.
Why Does God Allow The Wicked To Prosper?
There are many reasons why God allows the wicked to prosper and enjoy the blessings of success for a season. To understand why God permits the wicked to prosper, we first need to understand God’s Character.
In Psalms 145:9, the Psalmist David tells us that the Lord is good to all and shows compassion to all His creation including those who do evil and wicked things.
The scriptures go on to say in James 1:17 telling us that all good things be it prosperity, success, good health, etc. come from God, which comes to both the wicked and the righteous.
However, as you have noticed just like myself, you have at times seen the wicked prosper and do well in life when they must be paying for their evil deeds, which doesn’t seem to happen on the contrary.
God allowing the wicked to prosper helps us understand the unconditional love He has for all His creation which is why the Lord Jesus Christ further said in Matthews 5:45 that God causes rain and sunshine to fall and shine to both the righteous and the wicked.
What Jesus Christ was trying to say in the above verse is that God is not like us who only can love conditionally but loves everyone including sinners unconditionally that is why He allows them to get a taste of His goodness.
God Lets The Wicked Prosper Due To His Love.
By allowing the wicked to prosper and have a taste of God’s goodness, some of these people may end up coming to Jesus Christ in repentance when they see the undeserved goodness and kindness in their lives.
I am sure you as well have experienced undeserved love and kindness from God in your life that made you repent of your sins if you are a true born-again Christian that softened your heart.
This is why the apostle Paul tells us in Romans 2:4 that it’s God’s goodness that leads to repentance, which is why we must not despise the riches of God’s goodness He shows us even when we don’t deserve it by continuing to live in sin and doing evil.
So, yes, God allows the wicked to prosper because He wants them to have a taste of His love and goodness so that peradventure they may repent and forsake their evil and wicked ways.
For more information on why God lets the wicked prosper, you can check out the supporting article below that goes into further details on this topic.
See Also: 54 Agape Love Quotes (To Help You Understand God’s Love).
7 Bible Verses About The Prosperity Of The Wicked.
Below are the 7 bible verses about the prosperity of the wicked that will help you understand further why the wicked triumph and prosper at times.
1. I have seen everything during my lifetime of futility; there is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in his wickedness. Ecclesiastes 7:15.
2. Righteous are You, O Lord, that I would plead my case with you; indeed, I would discuss matters of justice with you: Why has the way of the wicked prospered? Why are all those who deal in treachery at ease? Jeremiah 12:1.
3. That when the wicked sprouted up like grass and all who did iniquity flourished it was only that they might be destroyed forevermore. Psalms 92:7.
4. LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph? Psalms 94:3.
5. They spend their days in prosperity and suddenly they go down to Sheol. Job 21:3.
6. That ye may be the children of your Father who is in Heaven. For He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. Matthews 5:45.
7. Or despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? Romans 2:4.
How Long Will The Wicked Prosper?
The bible tells us in Psalms 37:1-11 that the wicked will only prosper for a while and fade like grass before they have to pay and reap the fruits of their wicked deeds.
In the meantime, the wicked may seem that they are prospering and enjoying life with nothing to hinder their short-lived happiness, which will one day come to a crushing end.
We are also told that the prosperity and joy of the wicked are just but for a while in Job 20:5. With that information, you must not be worried when you see the wicked triumph and prosper in life as their prosperity is just for a season.
You on the other hand who are living a rigorous life will inherit the eternal life that Jesus Christ has promised in John 6:47 to all those who believe in Him.
On the other hand, all the wicked, evildoers or sinners will have to face justice and judgment one day for the wickedness they did while one earth if they die unrepentant.
But doesn’t that mean you can’t prosper as a righteous person? Of course not. You can still prosper if you are righteous provided that you are not lazy and are hardworking and diligent in your business.
There are many examples in the bible of the righteous who prospered and had great wealth. Such examples are Job, Joseph, Isaac, Abraham (the father of our faith), King Solomon, and many others.
From the above example, you can see that God prospers the righteous as well according to His will as only He has the power to give wealth and to make one rich as Deuteronomy 8:18 tells us.
Conclusion.
I hope the above post on the question, “how long will the wicked prosper?” has thoroughly answered your question concerning the prosperity of the wicked.
God prospers the wicked for different reasons but this must not worry you as their prosperity is only for a season and will have to face judgment for their wickedness if they don’t repent.
In closing, if you found this post helpful, let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share before you leave. Godspeed.
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