Why Do The Righteous Suffer

The dialogue between Hashem and Moshe Rabbeinu after the sin of the Golden Calf, was very revealing.

It was described as an עת רצון, or an auspicious time. It was as if Moshe was allowed to ask Hashem any question, and he would receive a Divine answer.

While Moshe was told that no man can see G-d and live, he did decide to ask an age old philosophical question.

He asked Hashem to explain the idea that צדיק ורע לו and רשע וטוב לו. Why do the righteous suffer and why do the wicked prosper.

There is no explicit answer given in the Torah, but it is discussed in the Talmud. Obviously, there is no simple answer to this question, but several attempts were made.

We are not privy to the complex manner that Hashem runs the world. Certain things fall under the category of that which is hidden is for Him, and we are not capable of understanding His ways.

A more simple answer is that the bad people must have done something good, and the good people must have done something bad. The bad are getting their reward in this world, and the good are getting their punishment in this world. The score will be evened in the next world.

Another answer from Masechet Brachot connects this question to one’s lineage. It could be that the Tzdaddik is the son of a wicked person or vice versa. Perhaps the Tzaddik, the son of a Tzaddik will not suffer in this world or the next.

When all is said and done, we must accept that Hashem’s ways are just, and ultimately, there will be absolute and perfect justice, despite the ways things might appear to us. Absolute faith will yield the best results in any situation.