Moses Asks Why the Wicked Prosper and God's Hidden Reward

And He said, "You cannot see My face" (Exodus 33:20). Moses sought to grasp the giving of the reward of the commandments, and the tranquility of the wicked. The Holy One, blessed be He, said to him, "You cannot [see My face]." And this expression refers to nothing other than the tranquility of the wicked, as it is said, "And He repays those who hate Him to their face [and so forth]" (Deuteronomy 7:10). The Holy One, blessed be He, said [to him], "And I will remove My palm" (Exodus 33:23). In this world I show you the giving of the reward of those who fear [Me], and in the world to come I will show the good that is treasured up for them. David said, "How abundant is Your goodness, which You have treasured up for those who fear You" (Psalms 31:20).