No Reward for the Evil Man

There are times when it seems that a Christian cannot get a break. In the life of any Christian, difficulties will seem to mount upon his or her shoulders. At times, it may seem that while good Christians are suffering the wicked are living a life of ease. We even sing hymns which carry this idea. “Tempted and tried we’re oft made to wonder/ Why it should be thus all the day long/ While there are others living about us/ Never molested though in the wrong…” While this seems to be the case, too often we forget one important fact concerning the wicked.

“Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked” (Proverbs 24:19).

The first exhortation is a reminder to fight discouragement. There is no reason to worry if a man who is spiritually poor is monetarily rich. It seems this was the inclination on the part of the Godly even during the days of Solomon. It is easy to get discouraged when those who refuse to follow God are living the good life and Christians who are earnestly trying to do His will are suffering greatly. With the wisdom which God blessed him, Solomon stated there was no reason let this affect us. This is a thought which Solomon must have heard from David, his father, as Solomon repeats David’s words (Psalm 37:1). There is also an encouragement to refrain from covetousness. Again, it is easy to see someone living “the good life” and become jealous of that person. We must remember that while it seems these people are being rewarded on earth, there is no reward awaiting them after death.

“For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out” (Proverbs 24:20).

The idea of no reward is literally that of no future. The earthbound future for these may seem so bright that sunglasses it is eventually snuffed out. There is no eternal future which awaits the wicked. The monetary wealth cannot purchase a ticket to Heaven (Psalm 49:5-6). The riches will not follow to the grave (Luke 12:20). These refused to lay up treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:20) and are forced to pay an eternal price.

“Farther along, we’ll know all about it/ Farther along, we’ll understand why/ Cheer up my brother/ Live in the sunlight/ We’ll understand it all by and by.”