Why Do the Wicked Prosper?
CONVERSATIONS:
1. How would you describe a wicked person?
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The Bible describes the wicked in the following verses:
In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the poor . . . the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul, and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the Lord. In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him; all his thoughts are, “There is no God.” His ways prosper at all times . . . as for all his foes, he puffs at them . . . His mouth is filled with cursing and deceit and oppression; under his tongue are mischief and iniquity. Psalm 10: 2-7
Imagine someone who fits all of these qualities (arrogant, boastful, greedy, mischievous, deceitful, oppressive, scheming), yet is actually prospering in his or her life. Actually, this scenario is something very real to a lot of us. We see someone in our lives—be it a colleague, friend, relative—whose life is filled with reckless and careless pursuits, but seem to be happy and prosperous in their ways. Unfair, right?
2. Have you ever felt envious or bitter about someone else’s success in life? Describe what triggered these emotions.
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Truth be told, this scenario has very little to do with your issues with wicked people, and more to do with the issues you have in your heart. The way we react to other people’s lives reveal the true condition of our hearts—fickle, rotten, and easily swayed by emotions. But here are three ways to guard ourselves against the temptation of judging the wicked.
A. Guard your heart against all forms of bitterness and envy.
See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled. Hebrews 12: 15
Do you feel bitterness toward anyone you know? If yes, what can you do to let go of this feeling?
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B. Guard your mind and watch out for when you start comparing yourself to others.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. Psalm 139: 14
How often do you compare yourself to others? _______________________________
God created each one of us for a unique purpose. We can never duplicate the DNA we have, just as how we cannot duplicate our purposes in life.
What can you do to stop looking at other people and just focus on God’s purposes for you instead?
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C. Guard your soul by remembering God’s faithfulness in your life.
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3: 22-23
While the Lord is loving, He is also just. He sees everything, and lets no good deed be forgotten.
Let’s pray.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your Word. Lord, we pray that you guard our hearts from feeling any bitterness or envy against the wicked who seem to be prospering now. Lead us far away from the temptation of judging them, so that we may not sin against You or against these people.
Lord, we trust that You see everything under the sun and that Your faithfulness will always be worth more than anything we could ever gain in this world. So now, loving Father, we pray that you help us keep our focus on You and Your purposes for our lives.
This we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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