========================================================================
  THE PROSPERITY OF THE WICKED
  by Thomas Brooks
========================================================================

Summary: The prosperity of the wicked is nothing compared to the saints'
portion in God, who is their matchless and superior treasure.

Topics: "Eternal Perspective", "Wealth in God"
Scripture References: Psalm 37:1

------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thomas Brooks emphasizes that believers should not envy the prosperity
of the wicked, as their worldly pleasures come with a heavy price in the
eyes of God. He illustrates that true wealth lies in having God as one's
portion, contrasting the eternal fate of the wicked with the blessedness
of the righteous. Brooks uses the example of Lazarus, who, despite his
earthly suffering, found comfort in his relationship with God and the
promise of eternal life. He urges the faithful to recognize the futility
of earthly gains compared to the eternal joy found in God. Ultimately,
he reassures believers that their spiritual riches far outweigh any
temporary worldly success.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENT
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oh you who have God for your portion, do not envy, do

not fret and vex, at the prosperity of the wicked; for

even though they have more than their heart can wish,

even though they live in pleasure and wallow in all carnal

and sensual delights--yet they have a sad account to give

to God, and they shall pay dearly at last for all their worldly

enjoyments! For without sound repentance on their part,

and pardoning grace on God's part, they shall forever lose

their immortal souls!

O sirs, remember that Lazarus did not fret nor fume because

Dives had robes for his rags; and delicacies for his scraps.

Lazarus very well knew that though he was without any earthly

good--yet he was not without God. He had a guard of glorious

angels to transport his holy, precious, heaven-born soul into

Abraham's bosom. He knew that it was better to beg on earth,

than to beg in hell.

O sirs, what is . . .

darkness compared to light,

earth compared to heaven,

chaff compared to wheat,

tin compared to silver,

dross compared to gold, or

pebbles compared to pearls?

No more are all earthly portions compared to that God

who is the saints' portion; and, therefore, let not the

saints, who have such a matchless portion, envy the

prosperity and felicity of wicked men.

========================================================================
Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/the-prosperity-of-the-wicked/
========================================================================