Job responds to Zophar’s “the wicked will not prosper” speech (ch20) with his own “the wicked will prosper” speech. Technically, both are correct.
“Why do the wicked live, reach old age, and grow mighty in power? Their offspring are established in their presence, and their descendants before their eyes. Their houses are safe from fear, and no rod of God is upon them. They spend their days in prosperity, and in peace they go down to Sheol. They say to God, ‘Depart from us! We do not desire the knowledge of your ways.” (v7-9,13-14)
Zophar correctly pointed out that the wicked will not prosper, agreeing with various other scriptures, such as “Fret not yourself because of evildoers, and be not envious of the wicked, for the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be put out.” (Pro 24:19-20). Job also correctly points out that the wicked will prosper, in agreement with some passages such as “So now we call the arrogant blessed; not only are the doers of wickedness built up but they also test God and escape.” (Mal 3:15)
How can both men be correct? Well, it’s all a matter of perspective. In this world, we often see what Job describes, that wickedness prevails. You don’t have to look very far into the present or past to understand what I mean – billionaires get away with murder, mega corporations get away with slavery, the wealthiest horde resources while the poorest starve to death. There are many more examples of inequity where wickedness seems to prosper – at least in this life, on this earth.
That being said, God promises wickedness will not prosper into eternity – “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you.” (1 Cor 6:9-11a)
Paul describes many examples of sin (wickedness) and reminds the people they were once described as sinners. So what changed? How did they go from being the scum of the earth to God’s precious people? Paul continues: “But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Cor 6:11b)
My encouragement to us today is two-fold. First, let’s thank and praise God for the forgiveness we have received from our past, present and future sin/wickedness. Wickedness will not prosper into eternity, so God provided The Way (Jesus) to cleanse us from it. Second, I encourage us (especially me, because I’m bad at this) to share this good news with those who are not yet forgiven of their wicked ways (have not yet repented, being washed and sanctified in the name of Jesus). We know wickedness will not prosper beyond this world, so let’s be God’s mouthpieces in this world, so He may cleanse it on this side of eternity.
Father God, our Great and Matchless King, holy, holy, holy is Your name. Father we humbly thank you for the forgiveness which You have graciously given. All praise be to You, the one abundant in love and mercy. Holy Spirit please guide our words and actions to reach those who have not yet experienced the love and mercy of the Father. Please provide the words, boldness and wisdom to reach all those who need to hear the good news. Jesus, we honor and praise You for Your example and sacrifice, and for imputing Your righteousness onto us. All honor, praise and glory be to You, O Lord God Almighty, Creator and Redeemer of Your people. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training