Chapter 12 - “Why does the way of the wicked prosper?”

Take some time with this prayer that is also a poem. There is much in here. A question that exists over the ages, in almost all times and places, as Jeremiah looks around he asks God;  

“Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive?”  

It can seem like that, even now. It is not the case that ALL of the treacherous thrive, but it felt like that for Jeremiah and it can feel like that now. 
Read the poem again. Let the language enter your mind/heart. 
There are so many striking and beautiful, if terrible, metaphors here. 
Describing the treacherous, Jeremiah says to God, “you are near in their mouth, and far from their heart.” 
Have you noticed that, that some people love to talk about God? It is not always the case, but sometimes those who speak about God the most (near in their mouth) can seem to reflect his character the least (far from their heart). 

After Jeremiah’s prayer, God responds and it is beautiful, but not easy to hear. 
“If you have raced with men on foot, and they have wearied you, how will you compete with the horses?” 
Jeremiah is being told that he doesn’t know the half of it and he has not seen anything yet.  

And again God says that he will leave the people to destruction. And again God says that he will not allow them to be entirely destroyed. 

Read the poem again. Hear the word of the Lord.