Do you ever wonder why it seems like the wicked prosper more than the godly? Why it is that good things seem to happen more often to bad people? If so, you are not alone.

Surely God is good to Israel,
to those who are pure in heart.
But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
I had nearly lost my foothold.
For I envied the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

Psalm 73:1-3


This is a psalm that can speak to many believers. We seek to serve God and be faithful to him. We invest time and resources in that service. And we try to make a positive difference in the world around us for the kingdom’s sake.

Then we look at our neighbors, co-workers, the celebrities on TV, sports or media stars; those who are making no attempt to please God. And yet they seem more blessed than us. Nicer cars. Bigger houses. Better vacations. And on and on. It is easy to envy their prosperity, and wonder if serving God really pays off.

That is where Asaph, the author of this psalm, is when the psalm begins. So much so that he had nearly fallen. Turning his back on God and following the example of the wicked. The wicked who seemed to have no worries. Free of the cares that seemed to plague him. Was it all in vain? Was there any value in maintaining a pure heart and personal innocence?

For the Believer Today

But don’t envy them. What they have is only passing. In the end their prosperity will be left behind. It will be only like a barely remembered dream. They deserve your pity rather than your envy.

Put your hope in God. He will always be with you. Now and through eternity. While your strength may fail you, his will not. When you don’t know the way, which way to turn, he does. Your road may not be smooth, but it will end in his rest.

Read the full devotion at https://devotableapp.com/daily-devotion-why-do-the-wicked-prosper/