The day before yesterday, we were thinking of why we ask this question (link).
Jeremiah 12: 1, 2 Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? You have planted them, and they have taken root; they grow and bear fruit. You are always on their lips but far from their hearts.
Today, let us think about how to answer this question. Why and how do the people who do bad things prosper? The answer is simple. Their prosperity more often comes from dishonest gains, bribes, exploitation of others, being a part of a lucrative but ungodly job, being selfish and not helping others, and so on. That is why they are called wicked in the first place! But this we already know. Then, the question truly is, 'Why does God allow bad people to prosper?' Let's look at the answer God gives.
God is not a means to prosperity. Many of us like the Psalmist Asaph feel, 'All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence' (Psalm 73:13). Such an attitude wearies God. Is the sole reason for keeping our hearts clean to achieve prosperity? Shouldn't it be to please God? David in Psalm 37 warns saying, 'Do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil'. If like in the case of Job, we lose all prosperity, would we still say, 'The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord'?
God uses the wicked as his tools for disciplining the righteous. In Habakkuk 1 we see God declaring that the victory God gives Babylonians over His own chosen people Israel is His way of disciplining Israel. Proverbs 16:4 says 'The LORD works out everything to its proper end - even the wicked for a day of disaster'.
God is bearing with patience, for their wickedness to be judged at the right time. In Malachi 2, Habakkuk 1, and Jeremiah 12, God declares that the wicked will be judged at the right time. Even Psalm 94 ends with the assurance that the wicked will be destroyed. We read about this in yesterday's reading (link).
What should be our response?: Regarding this question, Bible in multiple places clearly warns us against a jealous attitude towards the prosperity of the wicked. Not just that, Bible also mentions what sort of attitude we need to have towards those who do wicked deeds against us. We need to love and pray that they repent of their evil ways and turn towards righteousness.
Matthew 5:44, 45 (Jesus says) I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
Zechariah 7:9 This is what the LORD Almighty said: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.
For as much as we desire justice and just retribution of the wicked, we need to love mercy - even for them. That is when we truly are children of God!
For if mercy is not an option, then even our salvation would have been impossible! For, when we were sinners, Christ died for us. In that sense, why do good things happen to bad people? GRACE!
Link to the previous article: Do You allow collateral damage?
Link to the next article: If you don't like sin, then why do you spend much time with sinners?
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