the prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous | Martyria

The Words of the Fathers No. I (XIX) / 2025 [Homily by John Chrysostom] on Psalm XXXVI, 1: ‘Do not envy those who act deceitfully’ The Saint Ioan Gură de Aur

This homily is a homiletic exposition of Psalm 36:1, in which the author, drawing on biblical examples from Joseph, Moses, Daniel, Elijah, Elisha, Lazarus and Herod, argues that the prosperity of the wicked is fleeting, whilst the suffering of the righteous is rewarded with eternal bliss. The listener is urged not to envy the prosperity of sinners, but to follow the path of virtue with a view to the Kingdom of Heaven.

Studia Theologica No. I (VIII) / 2019 God’s goodness and human suffering in the teachings of a great Shepherd of souls: Saint John Chrysostom Archimandrite Dr Policarp Chițulescu

This article analyses the theology of suffering in St John Chrysostom, presenting it as God’s loving pedagogy towards sinners and the righteous alike. Through references to the Homilies on the Statues, the correspondence with the deaconess Olympias, and the biblical examples of Job and Paul, it is shown that afflictions serve a punitive, purifying and stimulating purpose, forming part of the divine economy, which is full of wisdom and love.