Articles
Two Perspectives on Suffering
Two verses from the Psalms provide a thought-provoking contrast:
Many are the sorrows of the wicked . . . (Psalm 32:10 NASB).
Many are the afflictions of the righteous . . . (Psalm 34:19).
The wicked have their sorrows. The righteous have their afflictions. Is there a difference in the nature of their woes?
Joseph was a righteous man who suffered much, due to the sinful choices of others (Genesis 37, 39-50)..
The consequences of David’s sin eventually brought him untold grief, even after the Lord had forgiven him (2 Samuel 11-12).
In Psalm 32 David tells his own story:
When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away
Through my groaning all day long.
For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer.
(vv. 3-4)
As Proverbs 13:15 says, “. . . the way of transgressors is hard” (KJV). Some sinners appear to be doing quite nicely, enjoying life, free of hardships. But the impact of their sin may not have caught up with them yet. It will (Galatians 6:7-8; Psalm 73).
Unless the sorrows of the wicked lead them to repentance, all their suffering is wasted.
In contrast, the afflictions of the righteous can bring tremendous blessings. Suffering can produce spiritual growth in a way that perhaps nothing else can (Romans 5:3-5; James 1:2-4). In spite of the pain, there can be joy in anticipation of the promised reward (Matthew 5:10-12; Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:16-17; 1 Peter 1:6-7).
Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
But he who trusts in the LORD, loving kindness shall surround him.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous;
But the LORD delivers him out of them all.