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What Happens When the Wicked Are in Power?

Understanding Psalm 12:8 in Today’s World

Psalm 12:8 states, “The wicked strut about on every side when vileness is exalted among the sons of mankind.” This verse offers a sobering reflection on the condition of a society where unrighteousness is not only tolerated but celebrated. When evil is given prominence, those who practice it become emboldened, filling every corner of life with corruption. This passage from the Psalms is not just an observation but a warning—when moral decay is elevated, wickedness flourishes unchecked. This truth is evident in various periods of biblical history and remains relevant in today’s world.

During the time of the Judges, Israel repeatedly turned away from Jehovah’s commands, leading to cycles of oppression and suffering. Judges 21:25 notes, “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” When divine authority was cast aside, the wicked prospered, and disorder prevailed. Similarly, Psalm 12:8 describes a condition where unrighteousness is not just present but openly exalted. This pattern is seen in the reigns of kings like Ahab, who led Israel into deep idolatry and moral decline (1 Kings 16:30-33). The prophets repeatedly warned that when leaders embraced wickedness, the people suffered, and unrighteousness spread like a disease through the nation.

The words of Psalm 12:8 are not only descriptive of ancient times but also prophetic of what happens when a society rejects God’s standard of righteousness. When vile behavior is praised, the wicked walk freely, unafraid of consequence. Proverbs 29:2 affirms this principle, stating, “When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when a wicked person rules, people groan.” The contrast is stark—righteous leadership brings peace and stability, while evil leadership results in suffering and distress. This truth is evident in every age, as history repeatedly demonstrates the consequences of exalting wickedness.

Jehovah does not leave the righteous without guidance or hope in such times. While the wicked may seem to dominate, Psalm 12 as a whole emphasizes God’s ultimate justice. Earlier in the psalm, David laments the deceitfulness and oppression of the wicked, but Jehovah responds in verse 5: “Because of the devastation of the afflicted, because of the groaning of the needy, now I will arise,” says Jehovah; “I will place the one who longs for it in safety.” This assurance reminds believers that God is neither blind nor indifferent to evil. Even when wickedness appears victorious, Jehovah remains sovereign and will act in His perfect time.

In a world where immorality is celebrated, Christians must remain steadfast, refusing to conform to the surrounding culture. Romans 12:2 exhorts believers, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” The world may applaud sin, but followers of Christ are called to a higher standard, one grounded in God’s unchanging truth. This requires unwavering commitment to righteousness, even when it is unpopular or costly.

Psalm 12:8 serves as both a warning and a reminder. Wickedness thrives where righteousness is silenced, but Jehovah’s justice is certain. Those who exalt evil may seem to prevail for a time, but they will ultimately face divine judgment. Isaiah 5:20 pronounces woe upon those who “call evil good, and good evil; who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness.” The moral confusion of the world does not change the absolute truth of God’s Word. No matter how pervasive corruption becomes, Christians must stand firm, shining as lights in the darkness (Philippians 2:15).

In every era, the righteous have faced opposition when standing against evil. Yet, the promise remains—Jehovah will arise, and His truth will prevail. Psalm 12:8 warns of the dangers of exalting wickedness, but it also points believers to the certainty of God’s justice. The faithful must hold fast to His Word, trusting in His ultimate victory over all unrighteousness.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).