Why Do Good Things Happen to Bad People?

I would first acknowledge that the question, “Why do good things happen to bad people?” speaks to the heart of our struggle with fairness and justice, and it’s something many of us wrestle with.

From a biblical perspective, one of the clearest answers comes from Matthew 5:45, where Jesus says that God “causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” God’s common grace means that both good and bad people experience blessings in this life. However, we must remember that this life isn’t the final judgment or the full picture of justice.

In Psalm 73, Asaph struggles with seeing the wicked prosper, but he comes to understand that their apparent success is temporary. He writes, “When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny” (Psalm 73:16-17). In other words, while it may seem like bad people are getting ahead now, eternal justice belongs to God. He will right every wrong, and we should understand that His ultimate desire is that we be redeemed and restored. That should be our prayer even for those that have done bad things.

Secular evidence supports this concept as well. History shows that material success or temporary happiness doesn’t always lead to ultimate fulfillment or lasting joy. Studies on happiness reveal that wealth or power doesn’t equate to true satisfaction or peace of mind. True contentment is found in something deeper—in a relationship with God, which transcends earthly circumstances.

In the end, while bad people may appear to benefit from good things now, God’s justice is both patient and perfect. He is waiting, giving everyone the opportunity to turn to Him (2 Peter 3:9). Our focus should be less on why good things happen to bad people, and more on how we, as believers, are living out God’s purpose, trusting His wisdom and timing in all things.