JEREMIAH 12:1 : Righteous are You, O Lord, when I plead with You; yet let me talk with You about Your judgments. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are those happy who deal so treacherously?
Have you noticed how many intriguing “why” questions we have? I suppose inquiring minds want to know why you need a driver’s license to buy liquor when you shouldn’t drink and drive. Or why isn’t phonetic spelled the way it sounds? Why are there interstate highways in Hawaii? Why are there flotation devices under airplane seats instead of parachutes? You get the idea.
For Christians, there is a very common “why” question. Why do the wicked prosper? This is the question that plagued the prophet Jeremiah. As he looked at society, he saw the kings of Israel, the false shepherds who were misleading the people, living in palaces and eating the finest foods.
He saw the prophets and priests, who were supporting the people in their sins instead of confronting them, employed in comfortable jobs and surrounded by an admiring populace. Why were those who lived contrary to God’s will allowed to be happy and content?
Maybe you’ve asked the same question. It seems that the drug dealers and flesh peddlers have no financial problems. Why does God allow this? Those who defile the marriage bed and have no respect for their wedding vows seem to live happily. Why is that? Of course, the answer is the same today as it was in Jeremiah’s day: judgment is coming (Jer. 12: 14).
While these things are permitted for a season to test the faith of the righteous (v. 3), those who choose to ignore God’s standards and flaunt their wicked lifestyle will someday have to face His wrath.
Be patient. Let these circumstances grow your trust in the Lord. Be confident that, at the right time, God will set the records straight. Those who live unrighteously will be judged and punished; those who live righteously will be vindicated and rewarded.

GOD USES THE WICKED TO STRENGTHEN THE RESOLVE OF THE RIGHTEOUS.