תהלים, פרק י׳, פסוק ה׳

A reality where a wicked individual constantly prospers and escapes punishment causes deep frustration. It builds within the wrongdoer a profound sense of pride and absolute immunity. The primary approach among commentators is that the actions of the wicked are met with constant success and prosperity [רש״י, מאירי, מצודות, שטיינזלץ, מלבי״ם]. Because his fortune shines upon him so brightly, Talmudic tradition warns against provoking a wicked person in worldly matters while he is at the peak of his power [תורה תמימה]. Others explain this prosperity to mean that all his needs and desires simply fall into his lap exactly as he wishes [אבן עזרא בשם ר׳ משה הכהן, מלבי״ם].

However, his path is not just characterized by personal success. Some explain that his evil ways cast terror and fear upon those around him, particularly the poor and the educated [רד״ק, אבן עזרא]. A unique perspective suggests a state of moral illness, where his methods constantly deteriorate, sliding from one terrible idea to the next [אלשיך].

This sense of absolute victory is only amplified by the apparent absence of divine justice. Most commentators explain that God's judgments and punishments remain high above and far removed from the wicked, never touching him at all [רש״י, מאירי, מצודת דוד, אלשיך]. It can even appear as though he is victorious in heavenly courts [שטיינזלץ, תורה תמימה]. Alternatively, this dynamic can be understood as a direct plea to God, acknowledging that He is exalted while His justice remains far from the wicked, a reality that only feeds the wrongdoer's arrogance [רד״ק, אבן עזרא].

When confronted by enemies or the vulnerable poor around him [רד״ק], the wicked person overcomes them with disturbing ease. Most explain that he dismisses and destroys his foes with a mere puff of breath, blowing them away like chaff in the wind [רש״י, מאירי, מצודת דוד, שטיינזלץ]. Others suggest a more calculated approach, where he actively sets hidden traps and snares to capture his opponents [רד״ק, מלבי״ם]. Finally, a different angle highlights his ultimate cunning: he manages to deflect the divine judgments meant for him, blowing them onto his enemies instead, while falsely claiming that they are the true wrongdoers who deserve to be punished [אלשיך].