Why does God allow good things to happen to bad people?

Response

This query is akin to its converse: “Why does God permit unfortunate events to occur to virtuous individuals?” Both inquiries pertain to the apparent injustice we observe daily. Psalm 73 provides insight into these same dilemmas that troubled the psalmist. In the midst of great distress and soul-wrenching agony, he penned, “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 73:2-3).

The author of this Psalm was Asaph, a leader of one of the temple choirs. Clearly, he was not affluent but had devoted his life to serving God (see 1 Chronicles 25). Like us, he faced challenges and questioned the fairness of it all. He observed the wicked prospering, living lavishly, and amassing wealth. He lamented, “They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills” (Psalm 73:4-5).

Asaph saw these carefree individuals who faced no hardships, paid their bills, enjoyed abundance, and indulged in luxuries. Meanwhile, poor Asaph was tasked with leading the choir and striving to live righteously. His devotion to God seemed unrewarded, leading him to envy and question why God allowed such disparities!

How frequently do we identify with Asaph? We commit ourselves to serving

Lives to serving God. Then we witness the wicked, ungodly people around us get new possessions, luxurious homes, promotions, and beautiful clothes, while we struggle financially. The answer lies in the rest of the psalm. Asaph envied these evil people until he realized one very important thing. When he entered the sanctuary of God, he fully understood their final destiny: “When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny. Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin. How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors! As a dream when one awakes, so when you arise, O Lord, you will despise them as fantasies” (Psalm 73:16-20). Those who have temporary riches on earth are in reality spiritual beggars because they do not have true riches—eternal life.

There are many times when we do not understand what is happening to us, nor do we understand how providence works. When Asaph entered the sanctuary of God, he began to see that there was no need for him to be envious of the prosperity of the wicked because their prosperity is an illusion. He began to comprehend that the ancient deceiver, Satan, had used lies to distract him from the reality of God. Upon entering the sanctuary, Asaph realized that prosperity is a fleeting fulfillment, like a pleasant dream that pleases us only for a little while but, when we awaken, we realize it was not real. Asaph rebukes himself for his own stupidity. He admits to being “senseless and ignorant” to envy the wicked or to be jealous of the perishing. His thoughts then returned to his own happiness in God when he realized how much more joy, fulfillment, and true spiritual prosperity he had in the Creator.

We may not have everything we want here on earth, but we will one day prosper for all eternity through Jesus Christ our Lord. Whenever we are tempted to try the other road.

, we should remember that the alternative path is a dead end « Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: », (Matthew 7:13). But the narrow path ahead through Jesus is the sole route that leads to everlasting life. That should be our delight and our solace. “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge . . .” (Psalm 73:25,27-28)

We need not worry when favorable events appear to occur to wicked individuals. We simply need to maintain our focus on our Creator and enter into His presence daily through the gateway of His sacred Word. There we will discover truth, satisfaction, spiritual wealth, and eternal happiness.