Why do good things happen to bad people according to the Bible?

The question of why good things happen to bad people is one that has perplexed humanity for centuries and is addressed in various ways throughout the Bible. This inquiry touches on the nature of God, divine justice, and the complexities of human existence. To explore this question, we'll delve into several key biblical passages and theological concepts that provide insight into this profound issue.

Firstly, it is essential to recognize that the Bible acknowledges the reality that good things can and do happen to bad people. One of the most poignant books in the Old Testament that wrestles with this issue is the Book of Job. Job was a righteous man who suffered immensely, and his friends suggested that his suffering must be due to his sins. However, God rebukes this simplistic view, indicating that human suffering and prosperity are not always directly correlated with one's moral standing.

In Job 21:7-13, Job himself questions why the wicked often prosper:

"Why do the wicked live, reach old age, and grow mighty in power? Their offspring are established in their presence, and their descendants before their eyes. Their houses are safe from fear, and no rod of God is upon them. Their bull breeds without fail; their cow calves and does not miscarry. They send out their little boys like a flock, and their children dance. They sing to the tambourine and the lyre and rejoice to the sound of the pipe. They spend their days in prosperity, and in peace they go down to Sheol."

This passage highlights the perplexing reality that the wicked can indeed live prosperous lives. However, the Book of Job ultimately emphasizes that God's ways are beyond human understanding. In Job 38-41, God responds to Job out of the whirlwind, questioning Job's ability to comprehend the divine order. This response suggests that human beings might not fully grasp the reasons behind the distribution of good and evil in the world.

Another significant passage that addresses this issue is found in Psalm 73. The psalmist Asaph grapples with the prosperity of the wicked:

"For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For they have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat and sleek. They are not in trouble as others are; they are not stricken like the rest of mankind." (Psalm 73:3-5)

Asaph goes on to describe how the wicked seem to live carefree lives, amassing wealth and avoiding the troubles that afflict others. However, the turning point in the psalm comes when Asaph enters the sanctuary of God and gains a divine perspective:

"But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end." (Psalm 73:16-17)

In the sanctuary, Asaph realizes that the prosperity of the wicked is fleeting and that ultimate justice will be served by God. This realization brings him peace, as he understands that God's judgment is not always immediate but is assured.

The New Testament also addresses this question, particularly through the teachings of Jesus. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks to the nature of God's grace and the impartiality of His blessings:

"But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." (Matthew 5:44-45)

Jesus teaches that God's grace extends to all people, regardless of their moral standing. The sun rises, and the rain falls on both the righteous and the wicked. This reflects God's general benevolence and the idea that His blessings are not limited to those who are morally upright.

Moreover, the parable of the wheat and the tares (Matthew 13:24-30) offers further insight. In this parable, Jesus describes a farmer who sows good seed in his field, but an enemy comes and sows weeds among the wheat. When the servants ask if they should pull up the weeds, the farmer instructs them to let both grow together until the harvest, at which point the wheat will be gathered into the barn, and the weeds will be burned. This parable suggests that the coexistence of good and evil in the world is temporary and that ultimate justice will be realized in God's timing.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the apparent prosperity of the wicked in his letters. In Romans 2:4, Paul speaks of God's kindness and patience:

"Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?"

Paul suggests that God's kindness, which may manifest as blessings upon the wicked, is intended to lead them to repentance. This perspective aligns with the idea that God's ultimate goal is the redemption of all people, and His blessings can serve as a means to draw individuals closer to Him.

From a theological standpoint, the concept of common grace is relevant to this discussion. Common grace refers to the grace of God that is extended to all humanity, regardless of their relationship with Him. This grace includes the blessings and benefits that people experience in their daily lives, such as health, prosperity, and the beauty of creation. Theologian Wayne Grudem explains common grace in his "Systematic Theology":

"Common grace is the grace of God by which he gives people innumerable blessings that are not part of salvation. Common grace is different from saving grace in its results (it does not bring about salvation) and in its recipients (it is given to believers and unbelievers alike)."

Common grace reflects God's love and mercy towards all people and serves as a testament to His character. It is a reminder that God's goodness is not limited to those who are morally upright but is available to all of creation.

Furthermore, the Bible emphasizes that ultimate justice belongs to God. In Deuteronomy 32:35, God declares:

"Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly."

This verse underscores the belief that God will ultimately bring justice to the wicked, even if it is not immediately apparent. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Romans 12:19:

"Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'"

These passages reassure believers that God's justice will prevail, and they are called to trust in His timing and wisdom.

In conclusion, the Bible provides a multifaceted response to the question of why good things happen to bad people. It acknowledges the reality of this phenomenon and offers several perspectives to understand it. The Book of Job and Psalm 73 highlight the complexity of divine justice and the limitations of human understanding. Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount and the parable of the wheat and the tares emphasize God's impartial grace and the temporary coexistence of good and evil. Paul's letters and the concept of common grace further illustrate God's benevolence and His desire for repentance and redemption. Ultimately, the Bible reassures believers that God's justice will prevail, and they are called to trust in His wisdom and timing.