Episode 87 - The Trust Factor: Unraveling The Prosperity of Evil
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Why do the wicked seem to prosper? Today's Trust Factor podcast tackles this profound spiritual question that has troubled humanity throughout the ages.
The answer begins with a surprising revelation: even the most wicked individuals occasionally perform good deeds. These actions—whether intentional or completely accidental—generate spiritual merit that requires divine compensation. However, since truly spiritual rewards are infinite in nature, God chooses to pay the wicked their due exclusively in this material world rather than grant them eternal spiritual reward.
Consider the analogy we explore: a child choosing two Oreo cookies over $10,000 cash because they lack understanding of true value. Similarly, the wicked only appreciate material gain, so God grants them what they desire—wealth, status, comfort—while reserving spiritual eternity for those who recognize its worth. This divine accounting system ensures perfect justice, though it often appears unjust through our limited human perspective.
We examine the fascinating Torah story of Balak, who hired a prophet to curse the Jewish nation but inadvertently caused blessings instead. Despite his wicked intentions, Balak received the remarkable honor of having a Torah portion named after him—proof that even unwitting good receives divine recognition. Meanwhile, the righteous enjoy a form of "double dipping," receiving some rewards in this world while their primary compensation awaits in the eternal spiritual realm.
Struggling with difficult times while watching others prosper undeservedly? This episode offers profound perspective on divine justice that transcends our physical existence. Listen now to transform your understanding of life's apparent inequities and discover the eternal values that truly matter.
Chapters
1. Welcome to The Trust Factor (00:00:00)
2. Why the Wicked Prosper: Good Deeds (00:00:45)
3. Material Rewards for Spiritual Acts (00:02:16)
4. The Story of Balak's Reward (00:04:50)
5. Righteous Rewards: Double Dipping Benefits (00:08:04)
6. Final Thoughts on Divine Justice (00:09:45)
90 episodes