A sleeping lion

(Thomas Watson, "Body of Divinity")

"Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why
do the treacherous live at ease?" Jeremiah 12:1

Such as are highest in sin—are often highest in
prosperity. This has led many to question God's
justice. Diogenes, seeing a thief live on affluently,
said, "Surely God has cast off the government of
the world, and does not care how things go on
here below."

How can it be consistent with God's justice,
that the wicked should prosper in the world?

If God lets men prosper a while in their sin—His
vial of wrath is all this while filling; His sword is
all this time sharpening. Though God may forbear
with men a while—yet long forbearance is not
forgiveness. The longer God is in taking His blow,
the heavier it will be at last! As long as there is
eternity, God has time enough to reckon with
His enemies!

God's justice may be as a sleeping lion—but the
lion will awake at last, and roar upon the sinner!

"Yes, Lord God Almighty, Your punishments are
 true and just." Revelation 16:7