Psalm 37 provides further encouragement, advising believers not to envy or fret over the prosperity of evil-doers, for their days are numbered. The psalm assures that "the wicked shall disappear," their strength and influence broken, while the Lord sustains and protects the righteous—even in times of hardship or famine. The psalm emphasizes that it is better to have little and remain faithful to God than to possess the wealth of the unrighteous, which is ultimately transient and under divine judgment. Wealth accumulated unjustly often becomes a means in God's divine providence—collected under a curse, yet ultimately redirected for His purposes. In sum, the creation and accumulation of wealth are subordinate to God's redemptive and sovereign plan. Wicked individuals may pursue riches with relentless ambition, but all wealth ultimately remains in God's hands—often as a temporary storehouse before being transferred or used for divine purposes in history. Wealth is not an end in itself but a tool that can serve God's kingdom, either as a blessing or a judgment. True success is therefore measured not by material possessions but by one's faithfulness to God's principles—embodying righteousness, trust, and hope for divine vindication. This reflection offers a profound and theologically bold critique of worldly achievement, especially the idea that material wealth is a sign of divine blessing or moral virtue. It challenges believers to reconsider the true measure of success—one that is rooted not in material riches but in alignment with God's eternal values of righteousness, faithfulness, and hope for vindication. The biblical narrative recognizes the perplexing reality that the wicked often flourish temporarily while the righteous suffer, but it affirms that God's hidden hand governs over history, justice, and the redistribution of blessings. Prosperity gained through unrighteousness is often shown to be temporary and instrumental in God's divine purpose. This understanding aligns with covenantal theology, which teaches that prosperity gained apart from God's favor only magnifies judgment, hardens hearts, and fosters reliance on self rather than on God. Societies driven by unchecked greed and materialism tend toward oppression, social chaos, and moral decay—revealing that spiritual corruption and material excess are intertwined. The biblical narrative implies that such wickedness leads to societal unraveling, calling for divine intervention and justice. In the poetic and prayerful sections of Scripture, especially in the Psalms, believers are encouraged to call upon God's justice through imprecatory prayers—prayers that invoke God's righteous wrath against oppressors, wicked rulers, and unjust enemies. Such prayers serve to vindicate the oppressed, affirm God's justice, and trust that divine judgment will ultimately prevail over evil. These psalms reflect a deep confidence that God's justice is perfect and that He will right the wrongs perpetrated by the wicked. When considering the themes of war and divine justice, Scripture consistently portrays God as the supreme judge and ruler over all nations and peoples. He is depicted as the ultimate arbiter who sovereignly ordains conflicts and wars, not arbitrarily, but with a divine purpose—to restore moral and cosmic balance, humble proud nations, and execute righteous judgment. Prophetic writings found in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah often contain oracles directed against powerful empires and nations, warning of divine judgment and calling for repentance. These prophetic messages serve as divine warnings that human arrogance and idolatry will ultimately be confronted and judged by God, who holds the fullness of history in His hands. A significant biblical theme concerns the transfer of material wealth, particularly the idea that the ill-gotten gains of wicked individuals will ultimately be passed into the hands of the righteous. This concept aligns with Proverbs 13:22, which states that "the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous," and is echoed in Psalm 105:44–45, which describes how God's sovereignty directs the spoils of oppressors toward His people, fulfilling His divine purposes. Wealth, as a creation of God's universe and a reflection of His worth, can become distorted when misused—especially when gained through greed, corruption, or injustice. Such misuse corrupts the divine intent for wealth, turning it into a tool for selfishness and oppression. However, God's justice intervenes to rectify this distortion, often through divine judgment, and He promises that ultimately, the righteous will inherit the wealth and blessings that were unjustly taken from the wicked. In conclusion, biblical theology teaches that God's justice encompasses both war and peace, judgment and mercy. While conflicts and wealth may appear to serve human interests, they are ultimately governed by God's sovereign plan. The biblical writers encourage believers to trust in God's justice, remain humble before His divine wisdom, and recognize that material prosperity, whether gained righteously or unrighteously, is part of God's larger design—one that points toward His ultimate purposes of redemption, righteousness, and eternal reward. A notable biblical insight related to wealth creation is that often, the drive and ambition of "godless men" lead to the accumulation of wealth in ways that seem to flourish despite their unrighteousness. Psalm 73 vividly captures this tension through the psalmist Asaph's internal struggle. Asaph envies the arrogant wicked who "increase in riches" while living carefree, enjoying good health and strength. They grow fat on ease, mock heaven, and oppress others—yet seem untouched by calamity. Asaph nearly abandons his faith, questioning whether righteousness is worthwhile given the apparent prosperity of the wicked. This psalm presents a stark reminder that worldly ambition and greed often fuel economic growth and wealth accumulation, but such success is fleeting and ultimately serves God's larger divine plan. The Psalms also teach humility by reminding believers of the limits of human understanding regarding divine purposes. They encourage trust in God's justice, even when life appears unjust or when the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer. This perspective acknowledges that God's ways are higher than ours, and His plans often operate behind the scenes, orchestrating events according to His divine wisdom. This biblical perspective challenges secular notions that equate material success with virtue or divine favor. Prosperity teachings that proclaim riches as a sign of God's blessing are at odds with biblical theology, which recognizes that wealth can be misused or gained through unjust means. Instead, the biblical worldview, especially from a Reformed or covenantal perspective, emphasizes that God's providence often works through even rebellious or unrighteous circumstances to accomplish His sovereign will. For example, the story of Joseph and his brothers illustrates how God's divine purpose can turn evil intentions into good—showing that even acts of wickedness can serve God's ultimate plans.