"He who by charging excessive interest and by unjust efforts to get gain increases his material possession, gathers it for him to spend; who is kind and generous to the poor" (Prov. 28:8).

As I've studied the subject of prosperity, one point is always clear: God is a God of justice as well as mercy. He is fair in all His dealings.

His mercy is evident by His giving us the handbook - His Word - on how to live a godly life, which is the foundation for prosperity. When we are obedient to follow His commands, He takes care of us and blesses us.

His justice is evident in the outcome for those who don't live according to His Word: "The Lord delights in justice and forsakes not His saints; they are preserved for ever, but the offspring of the wicked in time shall be cut off" (Ps. 37:28).

Now, some people may feel that God is neither just nor merciful in taking a long time to fulfill some of His promises. But He's actually both! "The Lord does not delay and be tardy or slow about what He promises, according to some people's conception of slowness, but He is long-suffering (extraordinarily patient) toward you, not desiring that any should perish, but that all should turn to repentance" (2 Pet. 3:9).

God is giving the unrighteous plenty of time to repent; however, He is well aware of what they are doing in the meantime (Prov. 5:21, 15:3). They may appear to prosper through evil doing, but their success will be short-lived (James 5:1-4; Ps. 37:7-9).

The Word of God indicates that in the last days, there will be a transfer of wealth from the hands of the wicked to the hands of the just (Prov. 13:22). The sinners actually have the job of storing up wealth for the righteous (Ecc. 2:26).

That wealth will be transferred into the kingdom of God in different ways. Those who become believers will bring their resources with them. For those who already are believers, they'll increase in faith and the Word of God operating in their lives - such as through the hundredfold return.

People who increase their giving will see ever-increasing returns. The reservoirs that have held riches from unjust gain will be tapped by their faith. The wicked rich who refuse to obey God will begin to see their wealth dwindle. And the riches will be placed into the hands of the givers.

I'm determined to be one of those givers. I'm ready to receive the riches of the wicked in my hands, to be used to reach souls and change lives. I'm ready for more prosperity.

You need to be ready too. Get your words in line with God's Word. Believe for the hundredfold return. Release your faith. Learn to give. And watch for the wealth of the wicked to come into your hands, because it's laid up for you!

Excerpt permission granted by
Eagle Mountain International Church, Inc.
aka:  Kenneth Copeland Ministries