Why Do the Wicked Succeed?

 

When God Seems Silent

Faith in the Shadows

Why Do the Wicked Succeed? 

Trusting God in Times of Hiddenness

Psalm 10 wrestles with a timeless question: Why do the wicked succeed while the righteous suffer? The psalmist—likely David, as many ancient manuscripts connect Psalm 10 to Psalm 9—boldly voices his struggle:

“Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1).

This cry is not new. It reflects the questions we ask when confronted with injustice, cruelty, and the apparent triumph of evil. Yet, this psalm also provides profound reassurance: though God may seem hidden, He sees every injustice, hears every cry, and will act in His perfect time.

Why Do Psalms 9 and 10 Seem Connected?

Many ancient manuscripts combine Psalms 9 and 10. Together, they form an acrostic poem, with each section beginning with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. While Psalm 9 focuses on thanksgiving for God’s judgment, Psalm 10 turns to lament and petition. This shift reflects the reality of life: moments of gratitude often exist alongside seasons of deep questioning.

Matthew Henry observes, “David’s faith in God’s justice is both tested and refined as he transitions from praise to perplexity.”

Honest Doubts and Unwavering Prayer

The psalmist’s cry in Psalm 10:1—“Why do You hide when I am in trouble?”—reveals a raw honesty. He does not deny his doubts but brings them to God in prayer. Eugene Peterson notes, “Prayer is the language of those who refuse to settle for the world as it is. It is an act of defiance against injustice.”

Even in his doubts, the psalmist clings to the truth of God’s character. As C.S. Lewis reminds us, “Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods.”

The Arrogance of the Wicked

The wicked, described in verses 4-6, boast that God will not hold them accountable:

“In his pride, the wicked man does not seek Him; in all his thoughts, there is no room for God.”

Charles Spurgeon calls this arrogance “practical atheism”—living as though God does not exist, though His existence is undeniable.” Such pride blinds the wicked to their eventual judgment.

The psalmist reminds us that their prosperity is fleeting. Timothy Keller writes, “Wealth and power are not signs of God’s approval but tests of the human heart. Prosperity often reveals whether a person is truly dependent on God.”

Proverbs 30:7-8 provides wisdom here: “Two things I ask of you, Lord… keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.”

God Is Not Blind to Injustice

Psalm 10:14 declares, “But You, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; You consider their grief and take it in hand.” This verse offers hope: God is not indifferent. He sees, hears, and will act.

Alexander Maclaren reminds us that God’s timing, though often beyond our understanding, is never mistaken. His delays are not denials but part of His greater plan, ensuring that His judgment, when it comes, is complete and perfect. The cries of the oppressed are not ignored; they are heard and will be answered in His time. 

Blaise Pascal reinforces this truth, declaring that while God’s justice may not be immediate, it is inevitable. God’s sovereignty guarantees that every wrong will be made right, and His righteousness will prevail. These reflections call us to trust in God’s perfect wisdom and to hold firm, knowing that His justice is certain and His timing flawless.

Facing Injustice with Faith

The psalmist concludes with confidence in God’s sovereignty:

“You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; You encourage them, and You listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed.” (Psalm 10:17-18).

Rick Warren reminds us that faith thrives when sight fails. “When we cannot trace God’s hand, we can trust His heart” encourages us to rely on God’s unchanging character, even when His purposes remain hidden. In times when evil seems to prevail, God’s silence does not mean His absence. He is always working in ways beyond our understanding, weaving His perfect plan. 

N.T. Wright brings this hope into focus, affirming that evil will not have the last word. The resurrection of Jesus is the definitive proof that God’s justice and goodness are not only real but inevitable. It assures us that every injustice will be set right, every wrong will be redeemed, and God’s triumph is certain. Our call is to remain steadfast, trusting that the victory Christ won over sin and death guarantees God’s ultimate reign of righteousness.

Prayer

Lord, in times when You seem far away, help us to trust that You are near. Open our eyes to see Your justice unfolding, even when evil seems to prosper. Strengthen our faith, and remind us that You are the defender of the afflicted, the fatherless, and the oppressed. Thank You for Your promise to make all things right in Your perfect time. Amen.