Some people in the Old Testament period believed that righteous people would usually prosper in material ways. They treated the wisdom sayings found in books like Proverbs as general rules for life. Other biblical books, such as Job and Ecclesiastes, challenge this view. When this belief is treated as a guarantee, it can lead to false guilt or blame when prosperity does not come, and to spiritual complacency when it does.
The suffering of Job serves as an example. His friends accepted a traditional theological view that said Job's troubles were evidence against him (19:5). They claimed his suffering was punishment for his sin (4:7–9). They believed Job's penalty was probably less than he deserved (11:6). Yet, God's analysis of Job's life proved this idea false (42:7–8). God testified to his special relationship with Job and restored Job's good reputation as his servant.
Material well-being does not always conflict with spiritual blessings. Yet, when we see blessings as material gain, "the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desire for other things" often distract us from spiritual blessings (Mark 4:19; see also Luke 6:25). We can easily become greedy, envious, and lustful. Our self-worth might depend on what we own, even if we still owe money on it. This perspective is not Christian but reflects a worldly way of thinking (1 John 2:15–17).
In his suffering, Job went from complaining to showing humility. He recognized God's righteous power (Job 40:4–5; 42:2–6). We can also regard difficulties as chances for spiritual growth (James 1:2–4).
Passages for Further Study
Genesis 13:2; 1 Kings 10:23; Job 4:7–9; 11:6; 19:5; Psalms 49:16–20; 73:1–28; Proverbs 14:20; 18:11; 28:11; Ecclesiastes 5:10–20; Jeremiah 17:11; Zephaniah 1:18; Matthew 27:57; Mark 4:19; 10:17–25; Luke 6:24–25; 16:10–31; 1 Timothy 6:17; James 1:2–4, 9; 5:1; 1 John 2:16; 3 John 1:2