Verse 1
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God is good to all (Luke 6:35), but those who are pure in heart—who think without sinful thoughts—will experience more of God's goodness.
Verses 2-14
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After death, wicked people will suffer far more—and in hell—than any godly person suffered here on earth. But now we see the earth. And on earth, there will be times when unbelievers will prosper, while believers will suffer. Don't let these times make you envious of sinners. All is temporary.
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Sin is not something to envy. Remember that sin produces nothing good, and it all ends in death (Romans 6:21).
Verses 13-22
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Verses 13-14. The purpose of godliness is not to win a comfortable life. If you think this way, and then life gets hard, you'll start to think that obedience is useless. Obey God just because you love Him. Period. Don't look for what you can gain.
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And even when you are chastened or suffer, the purpose is to make you even more godly (Hebrews 12:11). So be thankful for suffering, knowing that is produces good (Romans 5:3-4).
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Verses 15-21. Don't try to understand why God allows wicked people to prosper at times. This will only make you frustrated and doubtful. Instead, focus your mind, in prayer, on the eternal life that you have with Christ; and remember the eternal destruction that is coming to unbelievers.
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Then you will understand that, no matter what happens here on earth, believers always have it better than all unbelievers.
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Verse 22. So, when you see sinners prospering on earth, don't wonder why God allows it. Don't question the will of God. This is foolish and ignorant.
Verses 23-28
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Truly, it is good for us to draw near to God because everyone far from God will perish. God also guides us with His Word, and in the end He will receive us into heaven.
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But remember that whether we are in heaven or on earth, our focus should be God Himself. More than anything, knowing the Father is our ultimate reward (John 17:3). So the one thing that we should desire is to be close to God (Psalm 27:4).
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If you claim to be Christian, but you desire the same things that people in the world desire, you will be full of doubt and discouragement in times of lack or suffering—when worldly desires are unfulfilled.
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But if your only desire is to be close to God, and you are content with His presence, your heart will stay strong in troublesome times.
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