Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?

8:12 Although a wicked man commits a hundred crimes and still lives a long time, I know that it will go better with God-fearing men, who are reverent before God.

13 Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow.

14 There is something else meaningless that occurs on earth: righteous men who get what the wicked deserve, and wicked men who get what the righteous deserve.

This too, I say, is meaningless.

Why do Bad things Happen to Good People?

"Bad Things Happen to Good People.". This is a line that I remember from a recent TV commercial in my area. Not too original but it fits this passage perfectly! People often are confused by the fact that bad things do happen to good people. Why?

And, on the other hand, good things happen to bad people!

Something comes to mind when I read these two profound statements that I'm sure you have pondered before.

The Successful Bad Guy

Have you ever known (or heard of) a person who became very rich and prosperous in your town, maybe was even elected into a government office and received awards for his honesty and generosity but you knew that he was "the biggest crook in town?"

Sure, we all have known someone like that. If we look at this situation on the surface it would appear that maybe crime does pay?

Good People in Bad Situations

As if that were not enough, to add insult to injury, here is the story of another family...

This family has a hardworking father, a loving mother and children who are adorable. The whole family attends church every Sunday and is just the salt of the earth when it comes to love and generosity of family, friends and neighbors.

Then, without warning, the family's house goes up in a blaze and one of the children is killed in the fire. A few weeks after the fire the father finds out that his job is being downgraded and he will only be able to work 20 hours per week instead of 40. And, as if that wasn't enough, the wife finds a lump and it is determined that it is cancerous. This seems far-fetched but I've known people who were in almost that difficult a situation.

And yet their faith was unshaken. Why?

Because they know that this life is just temporary and that life with God is eternal. Through prayer and hope they are able to withstand the worst of earthly storms.

Why? Because God walks with them. Does this mean they did not feel the pain? Of course not. Christians face the same painful situations as everyone else. They are human - but, when Christ decided to leave heaven and come to earth He was human too. Jesus suffered great pain and a horrible death - giving his life freely so that we can live. So, God understands what we are going through.

My Prayer

I just hope that my faith is strong enough to pull me through as I face life's difficulties and "bumps in the road". I also pray you will turn to God to help you withstand any life situations which are guaranteed to come your way. If you haven't experienced a storm in your life, I am very happy for you but your storm will come just as we all will face them.

The Good News about Facing Hardship

I am certainly not discounting the pain and suffering we feel. It is very real and can become almost unbearable. But, if we put our trust in Christ we can lean on Him in times of hardship. He is always near and He will always comfort us.

Bad Things Happen to Good People

Going back to the theme of this passage and asking the question; "Will bad things happen to good people and good things happy to the bad?" Yes, sometimes bad things will certainly happen in life, but remember that God is with us through our tough times. Also remember God will judge all of us and so the wicked who are prospering here on earth will receive justice in the end.

One last thought ...

As for the "bad" people? - God will judge and decide who is punished and who is not but the decision is totally His; not ours.

Keep Christ close so you have his comfort when bad times come.

Love in Christ

- Bob

Ecclesiastes 7:26-28 - Are There any Wise Women?