THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
David notes that the wicked often flourish and amass treasures, as stated, "Behold, these sinners are ever prosperous and have retained wealth" (Psalm 72:12). Job similarly expresses that our surprise should not merely stem from the rewards given to those who persist in wrongdoing, but rather from how their very success can deepen their depravity.
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We must firmly accept one truth: God orchestrates all events for our ultimate benefit. It is pointless for us to seek understanding of these pathways, to complain, or to become disheartened when answers elude us. Such knowledge is both unattainable and futile; the first due to our mortal nature and the second as we are often led astray by our pride. Just as parents may undertake actions that seem detrimental to their children, yet are ultimately for their good, children are called to trust and obey without questioning motives. If we do not grumble against earthly parents of the same flesh and blood, how can we then question the divine, who is infinitely superior to humanity, simply for our lack of comprehension? This attitude is inexcusable. Blessed Paul, with righteous indignation, remarked, "Wherefore, O man, who art thou against God's answer; the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?" (Romans 9:20). While I used the analogy of children, Paul offers a far superior illustration— that of the potter and the clay. Just as clay must yield to the shaping hands of the potter, so must humanity humbly accept God's directives, showcasing gratitude for His provisions without contradiction or an attempt to uncover the rationale behind them. The mysteries of God’s providence extend beyond human comprehension and perplex even the most venerable and extraordinary figures of faith throughout history. Job asked, “Why do the ungodly live, and become old, yea, are mighty in power?” and so on. David too expressed a similar sentiment: "My feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked" (Psalm 72:2-5). In harmony, Jeremiah declared, "Righteous art Thou, O Lord: yet let me talk with Thee of Thy judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper?" (Jeremiah 12:1). They grappled with these questions, yet did not charge God with injustice as the wicked do. Rather, one proclaimed, “Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; Thy judgments are a great deep...” (Psalm 36:6), while another, who faced immense trials, declared, "In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly" (Job 1:22). In his reflections on creation, he stated, "Lo, these are parts of His ways: but how little a portion is heard of Him!" (Job 26:14). Jeremiah, anticipating potential skepticism, asserted, "Righteous art Thou, O Lord," acknowledging God’s just actions, while admitting his lack of understanding concerning their execution. Did they discover more? No, they were left without answers, as David shared, "And when I sought to know this, it was too painful for me" (Psalm 73:16). The silence was deliberate, a lesson for future generations not to question God about such matters. They sought clarification on why the wicked thrived in wealth, yet they could not grasp even this— a challenge that has only intensified in our present times, prompting even more inquiries than before. May all hope and understanding belong to Him who knows the end from the beginning.