Why Do the Wicked Prosper?

The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. Psalm 1:4-6

The first Psalm contrasts the ways of the Godly and the ungodly. But there seems to be an inconsistency here. The Psalm says that the wicked are not like the Godly, but they will be like chaff in the wind. But we see the ungodly every day, and they seem to prosper. They have positions of power and honor, acquire great wealth, and are praised by others. Why is this so?

There is more than one kind of prosperity. Prosperity can be in spiritual matters or it can be in worldly matters. The ungodly often prosper in worldly ways, but never in spiritual matters. But those who strive to follow God’s ways will grow in spiritual prosperity. And God promises that our needs in this world will be met.

So why does this verse declare that the wicked will be as chaff? When do we get to see them blow away like chaff in the wind? Verse 5 says that the wicked will not stand in the Day of Judgment. They will not be among the righteous. The ungodly may prosper in the ways of the world, but that prosperity is a small and tarnished prosperity compared to the spiritual prosperity of God’s people, and the prosperity of the wicked is only for a short time. On the Day of Judgment they will be gone, but we will enter into everlasting life.