A Look at the Difference Between Prosperity and Success

Is there actually any difference between a prosperous man and a successful or rich man? Or are they mere synonyms? If they are different which group should a Christian belong to? Which should reflect in a Christian? I would like to make an analysis with the Bible and on that base we could differentiate and draw a conclusion.

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shall make thy way prosperous and then thou shall have good success.”

Joshua 1:8(KJV)

We could see it is God’s will that we be both prosperous and successful as we abide by his word daily. We could also say that prosperity is different from success or riches but they are related as the bible also made us to understand. What is then the difference between this two? Is it possible to be rich and not be prosperous or is it also possible for one to be prosperous and not rich? Who is a prosperous man? These questions would be answered from the Bible.

“With God you will be both prosperous and you will have “good” success. But without God you can be only be successful”.

In the book of Luke 16:19-31 Jesus gave us the parable of a rich (successful) man and a beggar called Lazarus. The man was successful, he had wealth but was not prosperous because his riches were not affecting the lives of the needy or the poor, his wealth was for him alone and for whom he dimmed fit. He was only a rich man.

“And the Lord was with Joseph and he was a prosperous man; and he was in his master’s house. And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper”.

Genesis 39:2-3(KJV)

Joseph was a prosperous man but he was not rich materially at that time and because he was prosperous his master’s house was blessed. If you see a prosperous man, the blessing of the Lord in his life will radiate and affect the lives of others positively. Prosperity and success (riches) is not limited to material (Money) and tangible things, you could be rich in talents and so many other useful things but the fact still remains that you should affect lives. A prosperous life blesses the lives of other with what God has given him/her.

“When riches or success are used to bless lives to the Glory of God it becomes prosperity”.

Point 1

Riches or success could be gotten from God or by man but prosperity is only from the Lord. For a man to be prosperous he must abide by God’s word Joshua 1:8. The bible said and the Lord was with Joseph and he prospered. Prosperity here should not be confused for influence.