Does Obedience Equal Prosperity?

“If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures. But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge.” Job 36:11-12

Elihu was a younger companion of Job’s three friends. As he listened to their discussion, he became increasingly frustrated that his elders were unable to convince Job that he was at fault for all that had happened. Finally, when he could no longer contain himself, Elihu began to try to persuade Job. In this final attack against Job’s character, Elihu asserts that any person who obeys and serves God will spend his days in prosperity and pleasure. While the Bible is clear that God blesses those who honor and obey Him and that He punishes the evildoer; there are numerous examples in scripture that demonstrate the longsuffering of God with the wicked and the necessity of patience within the souls of the righteous in waiting for God’s justice and blessing. The problem with Elihu and his three friends is that they believed that God would always mete out immediate judgments and bestow instant blessings. This is not consistent with the character and nature of God. As the Creator, God loves all of His creatures, even those who are disobeying Him. Thus, He is patient and longsuffering, giving the sinner space to repent. God certainly rewards those who obey Him, but it is not always instant because He wants His children to exercise faith in Him. Our responsibility is to trust, obey, and wait patiently for Him to bless.