One major dilemma for believers: prosperity of the wicked

17 February 2022

By Rev Dr Kenneth Mtata

Today’s reading:

Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40; 

Genesis 43:16-34; 

Romans 8:1-11

Verse of the day:

“Do not fret because of the wicked;

    do not be envious of wrongdoers,

For they will soon fade like the grass,

    and wither like the green herb.” (Psalm 37:1-2)

Among the many puzzles that believers struggle with, is: “why do wicked people prosper, and righteous people suffer?” The Psalmist says that no-one should concern themselves with the prosperity of the wicked because: “they will soon fade like the grass, and wither like the green herb”. But this seems not to be a consolation at all for believers because in their experience, the wicked usually go on and on without appearing to “fade like grass”. Sometimes believers end up giving up doing what is right saying to themselves, “if others are prospering though wicked ways, why should I continue to suffer in poverty by being faithful?” 

There is an important lesson here. God is saying through the Psalm God’s Justice will surely be done in one of these three ways. First, justice happens in the hearts of the wicked people, who even in the midst of their appearance of wealth and power, deep down in their hearts they are sad and in torment. The second way is when God’s justice is seen here and now on earth when all of a sudden God brings down the rich and powerful wicked people. We have seen this happen many times. The third way of God’s justice is at the final condemnation when the wicked will stand before God to face God’s final judgement. Remember, God is not saying having wealth and power is not good. God is saying wealth and power attained through wickedness will finally lead to God’s judgment. 

But should believers find consolation when they see wicked people enjoying power and wealth? Surely their comfort cannot only come from the knowledge that the wicked will be punished. The Psalmist suggests four things believers must do to find consolation:

First, “Trust in the LORD, and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security” (Psalm 37:3). Trusting in the Lord means to surrender your total life and put all your confidence in God’s care. This comes from the realization that God is able and willing to provide for God’s people. God is dependable. Total trust in God will give us fuel to work hard and productively, but also to find satisfaction of what we already have.

Second, “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). To delight in the Lord means to seek to find satisfaction in those things that are acceptable to God. If we rejoice in the Lord or in the things that God is pleased with, we are better off that those who have everything but are at war with God. There is great fulfilment in knowing that God is pleased with how we earn our living.

Third, “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. He will make your vindication shine like the light, and the justice of your cause like the noonday” (Psalm 37:5-6). The Psalmist is saying, God’s people must have “ways” or plans to achieve satisfaction. Good plans that are committed to the Lord, and rhat are properly executed, will be blessed by God to produce great results. There is no contradiction here as to whether it is only our hard work that will make us prosper or only God’s interventions. Have a plan, commit it to God and execute it and God will bless it. Commit your daily plan and not only your daily wishes to God!

Fourth he says, “Be still before the LORD, and wait patiently for him; do not fret over those who prosper in their way, over those who carry out evil devices” 

(Psalm 37:7). When we have done all we have planned to do, we must also wait patiently for God without comparing ourselves with the those who prosper through wickedness and abuse of power. We wait in the stillness of patient prayer. We need patience because God may appear to be taking his time. Waiting in prayer is not a replacement of active engagement to improve our lives and the lives of others. 

Plan, commit to the Lord, act or execute well, and wait in prayer! This is the secret of not getting angry at the apparent success of the wicket.

Prayer

God, we see the wicked with so much wealth and power. We confess that sometimes we are jealousy of them. Help us to await your justice. Give us, God, the wisdom to plan, execute and wait for you to prosper us in your way and time. Give us your joy as we walk, stand, sit and sleep still in your care. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN