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What does the bible say about why bad things happen to good people?
Question- What does the bible say about why bad things happen to good people?
Answer- The Bible addresses this clearly. In Ecclesiastes 9:11 tells us that life does not come
with any guarantees. It says that “time and chance happen alike to all.” The book of Job is an
entire section that shows us that bad things can happen to the best of people. Job never took his
suffering out on God or charged God falsely. I would imagine that no one today has suffered like
Job (in such a short timeframe). All of his friends but one, take the position that Job’s suffering
was due to his wickedness and sin. The fact is that was not the case at all.
Jesus talked about the righteous suffering because they are righteous. Matthew 5:11-13- “blessed
are you when men shall revile you, and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you
falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven; for so
persecuted they the prophets before you. You are the salt of the earth; but if the sale loses it
savor wherewith, shall it be salted, it is good for nothing, but to be cast out and walked on by
men.” The apostle Paul was treated horribly as were other bible characters who were godly.
Stephen was killed for preaching truth, Peter and the rest of the apostles were considered
enemies for simply proclaiming a message people resented. John the Baptist was beheaded. In
none of these cases did any individual ever consider it punishment from God. Jesus lived in a
mortal and was sinless and yet He was nailed to a cross, because He told people the truth.
The first century Christians were considered enemies of Rome and the Caesar’s. However, they
took is well, and actually did learn as Paul taught “In whatever state they were in to be content,
whether it was in poverty or plenty.” (Phil. 4:11-13). Rather than blame God for suffering we
need to consider 1 Peter 5:8- “Beware, your adversary, the devil goes about as a roaring lion
seeking whom he may devour.” We are to resist the devil and he will run, but that does not
mean he does not continue to take down the righteous. God is not out to get anyone. Rather
“God is not clack concerning His promise, but is Longsuffering to us, not will that any should
perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9).
Yes, Bas things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people. That is course of
life. We were not created to stay on this earth thankfully. God knows what is happening
everywhere with everyone. He cares for His own. Sometimes He calms the storm of life, and
sometimes he calms the man so they can navigate the storms of life. We end with 1 Cor. 10:13-:
there has no temptation taken you but that is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not
suffer you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation make way of
escape so you will be able to able to bear.” God is good. ---Stan Adams---
