Dishonesty Leads to Prosperity?

Romans 8:28 tells us:

For we know that all things work together for good, to them who love God and are called according to His purpose.

That sometimes is hard to understand, especially when we see our enemy spreading like a bay tree, and we seem to be losing ground. Everything seems to be working out for the good of the bandit, the coke dealer, the drug barons, those who steal from the Treasury, the corrupt politician, the don’t-care-a-damn person, et cetera, et cetera. But the goodly, honest, lowly, humble citizen, God-fearing person seems to be getting a raw deal in life.

The psalmist David had his struggles with this state of affairs. The Bible records that he was like a beast before God, when he saw the prosperity of the wicked.

Psalm 73: 1-16 (NKJ)

Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.

But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had nearly slipped.

For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked…

They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men...

Therefore pride compass them as a chain; violence cover them as a garment

Their eyes stand out I fatness; they have more than heart could wish.

They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression

They speak loftily (arrogantly)

They set their mouth against the heavens…

Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches…

When I thought about this, it was too painful for me…

As I listened to the 2016 budget debate and I heard the excesses of many government officials, I wondered whether there was some truth to the old say, “dishonesty leads to prosperity”. I was angry, hurt, upset all at once. How could God allow this travesty?

But I like the psalmist had to seek God in prayer for answers. If I did not trust Jesus, I would hate the people who did wrong and appear to get away with it.

Psalm 73 did not end with David being angry. He sought the Lord.

Verses 17-19

Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.

Surely you set them in slippery places; you cast them down into destruction.

How are they brought into desolation; as in a moment, they are utterly consumed with terrors.

The wicked will not go unpunished. Their judgment is sure; they will pay for their wrongdoing, unless they repent. We have to trust God in this.

The psalmist concluded:

Verses 21-28

My heart was grieved, and I was pierced within my heart.

So foolish was I, and ignorant; I was as a beast before you. Who do I have in heaven but you God?

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever…I will put my trust in the Lord God.

With all we are seeing and hearing about those who seemingly raped the nation’s purse for their own selfish means, we too can hold fast to Jesus’ word, knowing that He will not let those who perpetrate nefarious deeds, the wicked, go scot-free.