What is the lamp of the wicked?

Answer

The lamp of the wicked, also known as “the light of the wicked” «Indeed, the light of the wicked shall be extinguished, And the spark of his fire shall not shine.», (Job 18:5, ESV), symbolizes the prosperity that many evil individuals experience in this world. The lamp of the wicked represents what makes them stand out in society; it is a poetic depiction of their joy, riches, prestige, and esteemed position. Despite their dark spiritual state, they bask in a glimmer of glory despite their wicked hearts. The lamp of the wicked is also referenced in Job 21:17, Proverbs 13:9, and Proverbs 24:20.

Regrettably, the light of the lamp of the wicked man’s wealth and success will eventually fade, exposing the complete hopelessness of his situation. Proverbs 13:9 contrasts the lamp of the wicked with the light and life of the righteous:

“The light of the righteous shines brightly,

but the lamp of the wicked is extinguished.”

The distinction between the righteous and the wicked could not be clearer: the splendor and success of the righteous will endure, unlike the fleeting brilliance of the wicked. An evil individual may relish his “fifteen minutes of fame,” but the righteous will revel in a victory that endures eternally. The Amplified Bible emphasizes the contrast more vividly:

“The light of the righteous [within him—grows brighter and] rejoices,

But the lamp of the wicked [is a temporary light and] goes out.”

We possess this treasure in earthen vessels, “for God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ” «For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.»

», (2 Corinthians 4:6). Those who have the light of the gospel shining in their hearts and the illumination of spiritual knowledge possess a joyous light that will never fade. Their light will shine eternally, akin to the sun, radiant and warm. In contrast, the light of the wicked is feeble and lackluster. Their prosperity is fleeting, their joys temporary, and the pleasures from sin are short-lived. The righteous ultimately aim to dwell eternally in the New Jerusalem, which is described as a place where “the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp” «And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. », (Revelation 21:23). Conversely, the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished, consigning them to eternal “outer darkness” «But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. », (Matthew 8:12).

Job, during his discourse with his “comforters,” observes that evil individuals often live and thrive just as long as the righteous, and their wicked deeds are not always punished in this life: “How frequently is the lamp of the wicked extinguished? How often does calamity befall them, the destiny God assigns in His anger?” «How oft is the candle of the wicked put out! And how oft cometh their destruction upon them! God distributeth sorrows in His anger. », (Job 21:17). Job implies that God delays His wrath against the wicked, allowing many to prosper in this life. The response to Job’s inquiry “how often is the lamp of the wicked snuffed out?” is “not always.”

“ways.” Many people continue to thrive in this life, but Scripture assures us that justice will prevail (see Psalm 73).

Therefore, Proverbs 24:19–20 instructs us not to lose hope when we witness evildoers prospering in this life:

“Do not fret because of evildoers

or be envious of the wicked,

for the evildoer has no future,

and the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished.”

The wicked have no prospect of eternal joy, a state for which they should be pitied rather than resented. They may enjoy their present pleasures, but their rightful consequences await them (see Luke 16:25). They are not to be envied. The wicked’s light will soon be put out. The righteous, on the other hand, are in a far more favored state:

“You, LORD, keep my lamp burning;

my God turns my darkness into light” “For thou wilt light my candle: The LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.”, (Psalm 18:28).