Why Are Evil Men Happy?

 

 

"When we are most in the dark concerning the meaning of God's dispensations we must still resolve to keep up right thoughts of God, and must be confident of this, that He never did, nor ever will do, the least wrong to any of His creatures; even when His judgments are unsearchable as a great deep, and altogether unaccountable, yet His righteousness is as conspicuous and immovable as the great mountains. Though sometimes clouds and darkness are round about Him, yet justice and judgment are always the habitation of His throne." - Matthew Henry Commentary

 

Perhaps you are in a situation right now where you cannot understand why things have turned out as they have. It seems as though the wicked all around you are happy and blessed while you - as God's child - are suffering all kinds of oppression from your enemies. You have been fighting "hard thoughts"(Pastor Henry's words) of God's providence. In other words, you have been tempted to think that He is being unfair in your particular situation. If this be the case, you are not alone! Many have had this same struggle. In fact, one of the most intricate problems faced by the Old Testament saints was the prosperity of the wicked.

 

How do you handle such a battle in your soul?

 

You know that you are not to "strive with your Maker" - argue with Him or find fault with His proceedings.

 

So what kind of response is acceptable before the Lord in order to answer any and all personal objections which come to mind?

 

Your answer can be found in the Books of Job and Jeremiah.

 

In Job 10:3, we sense Job's agony as he inquires before the Lord - "Is it good unto Thee that Thou shouldest oppress, that Thou shouldest despise the work of Thine hands, and shine upon the counsel of the wicked?"

 

This servant of the Lord was struggling with reconciling God's providence with His justice. Out of the bitterness of his soul, he questioned the Almighty's dealings on his behalf.

 

Is it true that God distresses the children of men in a manner which seems to indicate that He despises His own handiwork? Or why does it seem as though He favors the wicked by giving them health, prosperity, and joy while His most fervent worshippers suffer affliction?

 

Just for the record, let's get this straight -

 

Does God "oppress" His creation? No!

Does He "despise the works of His hands"? No!

Does He "shine upon the counsel of the wicked" - patronize His enemies in their evil causes? No!

 

There was a maxim among the ancients which said of the Lord - "As sure as He will punish and root out the wicked, so surely will He defend and save the righteous."(Adam Clarke Commentary)

 

This maxim was brought out by Bildad in Job 8:20 - "Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, neither will He help the evildoers."

 

Although Bildad mistakenly directed this comment toward Job, its truth still holds true. God will be a friend of all those who make Him their dwelling-place. At times, they may feel forsaken by Him or cast down for a period of time, yet He will return unto them in "due season" and turn their mourning into dancing, comfort them on all sides with His grace and mercy, fill their mouth with laughter, and restore them to former prosperity.

 

On the other hand, for those who make other things their refuge besides the Lord God Almighty - He will not - help them in their distresses...offer them His hand so as to pluck them out of the miserable pit in which they find themselves...or protect, favor, or prosper them.

 

Remember - He will never cast away or reject the godly, nor will He uphold or strengthen the hands of those who persevere in sin.

 

The Prophet Jeremiah went before the Lord so as to reason with Him in order to glean instruction concerning his situation. In Jeremiah 12:1, it is recorded that he said - "...I plead with Thee..." What he was doing was posing legal questions to the Judge of all judges - concerning His judgment or justice.

 

In its entirety, his argument went like this - "Righteous art Thou, O LORD, when I plead with Thee: yet let me talk with Thee of Thy judgments..."(Jeremiah 12:1) The foundation for his reasoning with God was the fact that the Lord is a Righteous God - meaning that whatever He says and does, He is always in the right. 

 

With that in mind, the Prophet inquired - "...Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all they happy that deal very treacherously?"(Jeremiah 12:1)

 

The Lord Jehovah is righteous in all His dealings; however, Jeremiah asked - why then are my conspirators prospering? Why am I suffering this unfair and very undeserved treatment at their hands?

 

They are hypocrites - "...Thou art near in their mouth, and far from their reins"(Jeremiah 12:2) - yet they go on, progress, succeed, grow rich, profit immensely, and live in sure dwellings.

 

"But Thou, O LORD, knowest me: Thou hast seen me, and tried mine heart toward Thee..."(Jeremiah 12:3) - You know the integrity of my heart and the sincerity of my devotion toward You.

 

How is it that I am suffering so badly, and my abusers are faring so well - their designs and projects are succeeding greatly - "Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit..."(Jeremiah 12:2)?

 

Nonetheless, Jeremiah knew the righteousness of the Lord would prevail and the wicked would be judged in "due time" - "pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and prepare them for the day of slaughter." (Jeremiah 12:3).

 

As these enemies desired for the Prophet to be brought to ruin, even so would they meet the same end.

 

God will have the Last Word!

Oftentimes, He manifests His goodness towards the wicked - hoping that they will  repent - "...the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance"(Romans 2:4).

 

But rest assured of this one thing and be comforted by the Promise found in Proverbs 11:8 - "The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead."

 

O Saint of God - you are coming out of trouble!

These enemies who are tormenting you this day with their seeming prosperity and good will - you will see them no more!

 

"Righteous art Thou, O Lord, when I plead with Thee...

Even at this moment, Jesus is "pleading your cause"(Psalm 35:1) before the Father.

 

Trust Him!

You will not be ashamed nor disappointed if you do!