Why Do The Evil Prosper?

Psalms 73:3

For I was envious of the the foolish when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

I think that as much as any other thing in this life, I get asked the question that this devotion is entitled. We are all somewhat like the psalmist in this psalm. It would behoove you to read this whole passage to see how it all ends up.

The message of this passage goes something like this. At first the writer is really grieved over the success and prosperity of the wicked in this world. He goes on to say that he has sought after God, and has cleansed his hands. His heart is toward God and yet the wicked seem to have it better that the just sometimes. Boy, what a pity party you may be saying. Don’t be too hasty to judge, I have heard that said so many times that I can’t even count them and to tell the truth have caught myself feeling that way sometimes.

Did you notice the turnaround in the text, when the writer began to realize what he was saying and what the real truth was? He said that it was all to much for him until he “went into the sanctuary of God, then I understood their end.” Wow! That will set your values aright won’t it? Once we experience the sweet presence of God that we will have for eternity and that they will miss for eternity, we get our priorities back in line.

He goes on to say now that God is ever with him and that He is holding his hand. He will usher him into everlasting glory and will be forever his God. Whom have I in heaven but the Lord and there is none on the earth that I desire but thee. God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

If you ever get to feeling this way, remember this. For the wicked, this is a good as it gets, but for the righteous, this is the worst it will ever be.