Jeremiah 12:1

"You are righteous, Lord, that I shall make my defense before you. Yet I will speak judgments to you. Why is it that the way of the ungodly prospers? All those who deal treacherously in treacheries have flourished." We still inquire whether God, who has given the Law and the Prophets, is good, seeing that "the way of the ungodly prospers" and he does not punish the ungodly. "All those who deal treacherously in treacheries have flourished." Those very ones who speak against the Creator, who blaspheme him, "have flourished, they have been planted and rooted, they have begotten children and have produced fruit." How much fruit has Marcion produced by begetting children, how much Basilides, how much Valentinus? For this is what is prophesied concerning the ungodly and said in the words "they have begotten children and produced fruit." "You are near to their mouth, but far from their reins": they name the name of Jesus, but they do not have Jesus; for they do not confess him as they ought.

"Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all those who do evil things thrive?" Here the prophet steps out from his usual discourse. On other occasions he brings before God prayers and sorrow about sinners. But it seems here that he is beginning a dispute with God: Why is God merciful to them when they certainly do not deserve his mercy because their hearts are hard and stubborn? Truly, Jeremiah is not the only one who asks this question. Many righteous people wanted to know, as if they debated with God about his multitude of mercies to sinners. Job and David and Habakkuk wondered in this way about the mystery of God's extended patience. But they all had one goal—to call sinners to repentance. This is why they explained this mystery of [divine] extended patience, and tried to reveal to sinners all the benefits that the Lord promised to those who repent. For he is good, and slow to anger to the sons of Adam, and as a hospitable Father, showers them with his gifts. But at the same time, righteous people let them know beforehand the punishment that they can expect if they remain hardened in their hearts and will not stop their wicked stubbornness. Jeremiah had the same goal: by fear and promises to wake up and to call Israel to serve their God.

(Chapter 12 - Verses 1 onwards) Indeed, you are just, O Lord, if I argue with you (or because I want to satisfy you); however, I will speak to you about judgments. What is it that the way of the wicked prospers? It is well for all who break the law and act unjustly. You have planted them and they have taken root, they grow and bear fruit (or they have borne children and produce offspring). You are near their mouths, but far from their hearts. Truly, this is a discussion of all those who act unjustly, and the meaning is summarised in the 72nd Psalm, in which the Prophet says: How good is the God of Israel to those who are upright in heart! But my feet were almost moved; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious of the wicked, seeing the prosperity of sinners, etc. (Psalm 73:1-2). However, this is especially said against heretics, who, though they are impious, prosper in their ways; and they beget children whom they have deceived in their heresy, and they act deceitfully and unjustly, so as to rob the Church. And while they persist in their wickedness of opinion, they boast that they are planted by God, and that they have sent forth roots, and have begotten children and brought forth fruit. But although they often repeat the name of Christ, they do not have God as their dweller, according to that of Isaiah: This people honors me with their lips: but their heart is far from me (Isaiah 29:13).