We often equate happiness, contentment, and blessing with money, even though we know rationally that money cannot buy these things. When we read of someone's financial gain, we tend to be envious, wondering why the wicked prosper while God's chosen people barely scrape by. This question of the wicked triumphing perplexes us, just as it did several Old Testament figures. The Psalms and Proverbs are full of verses bemoaning the success of the corrupt and calling upon God for understanding. In Psalm 37, David addresses this apparent contradiction between God's promise to judge men according to their works and the reality where the wicked often prosper while the obedient suffer. He cautions us not to worry about the prosperity of the wicked, assuring us that their evil is obvious to all, especially God, and that they have not fooled Him. David contrasts the character of the wicked to the righteous, emphasizing that God perfectly fulfills His obligations on our behalf, giving us no need to fear or worry. He provides a simple solution to this dilemma: the pursuit of wealth is a path likely to end in trouble and unhappiness, but if we keep God's way, the blessings will come automatically as God sees fit. Whether we prosper financially or not, we know that God has our best interests at heart. We can rely on Jesus' promise that God will give us all we could ever need if we keep our focus on the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Do good, trust God, and don't worry!

Prosperity, as a close relative of abundance, signifies an exceptional degree of material or spiritual blessings, always a gift from God, though not necessarily tied to human effort. Sometimes it is simply a divine blessing, unearned by labor. Prosperity is success that comes through active pursuit or by special divine grace, often linked to effort, as Ecclesiastes 4:9 describes it as the state of those who gain a good reward for their labor. In Genesis 24, Abraham's servant prays for a prosperous journey, showing that prosperity involves both divine and human elements, extending beyond mere money or possessions. Genesis 39 illustrates this with Joseph, where the Lord caused all he did to prosper, blessing not only him but also those around him, reflecting a life of giving that blesses others. Psalm 1 declares that whatever the godly person does shall prosper, likening them to a well-watered tree bearing fruit in season, indicating a process of fulfillment aligned with God's purpose, though not always financial in nature. In the Old Testament, prosperity often appears as fruitful work sustaining physical life, particularly in agrarian Israel, with images of vigorous sons, dazzling daughters, full granaries, and abundant livestock, as seen in Psalm 144. Psalm 147:12-14 adds a national dimension, linking peace and abundant crops to prosperity. Historically, figures like Abraham, David, and Solomon amassed great wealth as a sign of God's approval, and Israel's Promised Land, described as flowing with milk and honey, symbolized abundance, though they were to always acknowledge God's hand in these blessings. However, prosperity is not always a mark of righteousness or deserved blessing. In the Old Testament covenant context, it often signified God's favor, yet disobedience could lead to cursing and impoverishment. Hezekiah's story shows that prosperity can be tested, as God may withdraw it to examine character and resolve. Jeremiah questions why the wicked often prosper, and Psalm 73 recounts the near disaster caused by envying their success, highlighting that wealth does not equate to righteousness. Job's experience further challenges this notion, as a righteous man who suffered loss, demonstrating that prosperity and suffering are not always tied to human effort or divine reward. Only God determines when to prosper someone, ensuring it does not cause spiritual harm. In the New Testament, the concept of prosperity shifts from implying righteousness to a potential barrier to spiritual life. Jesus Christ's earthly life, as described in II Corinthians 8, shows Him becoming poor to make others spiritually rich through His sacrifice. In Mark 10, the rich young man fails the test of commitment, unlike the disciples, indicating that attitude toward prosperity reflects one's dedication to God. Luke 19:1-10 shows Zacchaeus repenting by making restitution for his ill-gotten wealth, while James denounces the wealthy who oppress others. John, in II John 2, prays for physical well-being, suggesting a nuanced view of material prosperity. Ultimately, prosperity is a blessing from God, but its use determines spiritual outcomes. Righteous use, as exemplified by Abraham, involves generous liberality, while hoarding wealth turns it into a god, posing dangers like failing to acknowledge God as the source, trusting in riches, materialism, and covetousness, as warned in Deuteronomy 8, Psalm 52:7, Luke 12:21, and Revelation 3:17. During the Millennium, prosperity will flourish on a grand scale for obedient nations, as pictured in the Feast of Tabernacles, with balanced abundance symbolized by every person hosting their neighbor under vine and fig tree in Zechariah. True prosperity in this era will encompass not only material wealth but also spiritual and physical health. Contentment and faithfulness in handling wealth are essential for its proper use, as tested now in how God's resources are managed. In the Kingdom of God, material wealth will hold no v

This nation has arrived at a point where true prosperity is mistakenly seen as possessing conveniences like a combination microwave, TV, and computer with Internet access, priced at around $700.00, allowing one to check bank balances or send emails while cooking. Prosperity, however, is distinct from abundance. Abundance is a gift from God regardless of human effort, while prosperity is success that comes to those who have been active in achieving it, often through divine grace and effort. Ecclesiastes 4:9 highlights that prosperity is the state of those who have a good reward for their labor. In the Old Testament, prosperity often results from a combination of divine and human effort. Genesis 24 shows Abraham's servant praying for a prosperous journey in finding Isaac's betrothed, demonstrating effort alongside divine guidance. Genesis 39:1-5 records that the LORD caused all Joseph did to prosper in his hands through his righteous effort, blessing even the house of his Egyptian master. Psalm 1:1-3 declares that whatever the godly person does shall prosper when they delight in the law of the LORD and meditate on it, involving effort in spiritual growth and character development. Old Testament prosperity is frequently depicted in material terms, especially agriculturally, as Israel was an agrarian nation. Psalm 144:12-15 summarizes this idea with vigorous sons, dazzling daughters, full barns, and abundant livestock as marks of prosperity. Psalm 147:12-14 adds national peace and abundant crops as elements of prosperity for obedience. Deuteronomy 28:11 promises plenty in goods, children, livestock, and produce as blessings for covenant obedience. Psalm 25:12-13 states that the godly who fear the LORD shall dwell in prosperity, with descendants inheriting the earth. Prosperity in the Old Testament is often a sign of God's approval and blessing for obedience. Abraham was very rich in cattle, silver, and gold as noted in Genesis 13:2. David and Solomon acquired great wealth as marks of God's acceptance. Israel entered the Promised Land, characterized as a land flowing with milk and honey, requiring effort to gather and produce prosperity from the abundance God provided. Deuteronomy 8:7-9 describes this land of natural resources, yet warns in verses 10-12 against forgetting the LORD when prosperity multiplies, lest one's heart be lifted up in ingratitude. Hezekiah exemplifies prosperous living through obedience and effort, as seen in II Chronicles 31:20-21, prospering because he sought God with all his heart. II Chronicles 32:27-30 details his great riches, storehouses, and infrastructure works, showing how God helped him turn abundance into prosperity. However, God sometimes withdraws support to test one's heart, as with Hezekiah in verses 30-31, to see if material wealth is used righteously. Prosperity is not always tied to righteousness, as the wicked often prosper. Jeremiah 12:1-2 questions why the wicked prosper despite their treachery. Ecclesiastes 11:4-6 notes that effort does not guarantee prosperity, as outcomes are uncertain and known only to God. Psalm 73:1-9 warns against envying the prosperity of the wicked, who defy God yet thrive materially. Job's story illustrates this reversal, losing all prosperity despite his righteousness, only to have it restored twofold in Job 42:7-10 after praying for his friends, showing prosperity's connection to communal responsibility. In the New Testament, the emphasis on prosperity shifts. II Corinthians 8:9 reveals that Jesus Christ became poor from His previous glory so that we might become spiritually rich through His sacrifice. Mark 10:17-31 warns that riches can hinder entry into the Kingdom of God, as seen with the rich young man who sorrowed at giving up possessions. Jesus promises a hundredfold return in this life and eternal life for those who forsake material wealth for His sake. I Timothy 6:17-19 instructs the rich not to trust in uncertain riches but to be generous, storing up