when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
They have no struggles;
their bodies are healthy and strong.
They are free from common human burdens;
they are not plagued by human ills...
This is what the wicked are like—
always free of care, they go on amassing wealth."
Those who prosper are not necessarily well off. One may look at a rich man and say "Oh, you have been blessed by God! He has surely shown you favor!" but it is not so. Prosperity is no gift to those who are perishing. Wealth is no blessing to those who need salvation.
For them, God has extended grace and they have refused it, choosing instead to chase after material wealth. They amass riches by their own strength, not through God's blessing. They acquire health through their wealth, not by divine favor or fortune. God has shown them salvation and they have slapped away his hand.
As Christians, the more money we desire from God, the less we desire God himself. God does indeed bless his children, and sometimes with wealth, but those he has blessed with wealth have already proven they can use it appropriately for God's kingdom. Those trustworthy with a little money can be trusted with larger and larger amounts. God always blesses so that we in turn can bless in kindness and generosity. God gives so that we can give back, not to amass wealth and be carefree. Such is wickedness.
For them, God has extended grace and they have refused it, choosing instead to chase after material wealth. They amass riches by their own strength, not through God's blessing. They acquire health through their wealth, not by divine favor or fortune. God has shown them salvation and they have slapped away his hand.
As Christians, the more money we desire from God, the less we desire God himself. God does indeed bless his children, and sometimes with wealth, but those he has blessed with wealth have already proven they can use it appropriately for God's kingdom. Those trustworthy with a little money can be trusted with larger and larger amounts. God always blesses so that we in turn can bless in kindness and generosity. God gives so that we can give back, not to amass wealth and be carefree. Such is wickedness.
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