Why Do the Wicked Prosper?

Jeremiah is truly a great source of truth to ponder and think about; like a treasure buried in a field, this book needs to be found and then read and re-read. In chapter 12 Jeremiah asks a question that we’ve all asked from time to time: Righteous are You, O Lord, when I plead with You; Yet let me talk with You about Your judgments. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are those happy who deal so treacherously? 2  You have planted them, yes, they have taken root; They grow, yes, they bear fruit. You are near in their mouth But far from their mind.

Why do the wicked prosper? Why are those who deal treacherously appear to be so happy, even when they take advantage of others? You can read God’s answer in chapter 12 via the link here:Jeremiah 12. God’s answer sort of boils down to “I’ll make it all right at the end”. Can I confess that on the surface that is not a very satisfying answer? I’d rather God make it right…right now! I’d rather God swiftly punish the evil doer and wipe them out right away.   But then I begin to think, “Hmmm…but what about when I am the evil-doer? Do I want God to wipe me out right away or give me mercy….I’ll take mercy!” God’s answer in Jeremiah 12 reveals the wisdom of God. There is an eternity to live and the wicked will receive an eternal suffering and punishment without God. Though the wicked may appear to prosper in this life, they will not prosper in the next one. Though the righteous sometimes have to suffer in this life, they will live gloriously in the next one. Let’s trust that God knows what He is doing. Jeremiah trusted; though it wasn’t always easy. We can as well.