"Why do the Evil Prosper"

You guide me with Your counsel… 

Psalm 73:24

Occasionally, the age-old question of “Why do the evil prosper?” breeds discontentment within me. The psalmist’s description of such people, the evil who prosper, reminds me of characteristics of narcissism: arrogance, pride, callous hearts, evil imaginations, and malicious and scoffing speech (Psalm 73:3-8).

I sink in frustration when I try to understand the prosperity of the unrighteous. God's Word reminds me, though, that those who prosper with evil intent are "a dream," "a fantasy on slippery ground" (vs. 16-18, 20). I also realize that only God’s grace has the power to set me free from my embitterment and bring my thoughts into the light of His truth. Only there can I find rest and peace.

The closing verses of Psalm 73 depict the state of my restored heart:

“Yet I am always with You;

You hold me by my right hand.

You guide me with Your counsel,

And afterward You will take me into glory. My flesh and my heart may fail,

But God is the strength of my heart

and my portion forever (v. 23-26)

But as for me, it is good to be near God.

I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge.

I will tell of all Your deeds (v. 28) (NIV).

Father, thank You for addressing the question in Your Word of why the unrighteous prosper. Thank You for providing strength for my heart because I have made You my refuge. In Jesus’ strong name I pray, amen.

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