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