Job, 21
7. Why do the wicked live, increase in age and in power?
7. Why do the wicked live, increase in age and in power?
Job chapter 21 is a response to Zofar's statements about the punishment of the wicked. Job argues that many wicked prosper in this life, while many righteous suffer. He states that suffering is a part of the human condition, and that success and failure are not necessarily indications of virtue or sin. Following are five verses that address these themes:
Psalm 37:7 - "Rest in the Lord, and wait in Him; do not irritate you because of the one who thrives in his way, because of the man who performs cunning in intent." This verse talks about the importance of trusting God and not worrying about the success of others.
Psalm 73:3-5 - "For I was envy of the superb, when he saw the prosperity of the wicked. For they have no distress to their death, and are firm in possession of goods. They are not in work like other men, nor, nor are they They are afflicted like other men. " This verse portrays a person's envy in relation to the prosperity of the wicked.
Proverbs 22:16 - "He who oppresses the poor to magnify himself, and he who gives the rich man will surely impoverish." This verse states that material prosperity is not necessarily a sign of virtue.
Ecclesiastes 7:15 - "All this I saw in the days of my vanity; there is just that perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked who extends his days in his malice." This verse reflects the idea that justice does not always prevail in this life.
Luke 6:20 - "And raising his eyes to his disciples, he said, Blessed are you the poor, for yours is the kingdom of God." This verse talks about the importance of seeking spiritual rewards rather than material.
“Deus não opera prodígios onde não há fé.” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
