May 14
________________________________________
PSALM 73 THE WICKED IS ALWAYS AT EASE
Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped.
3 For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 For they have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat and sleek.
5 They are not in trouble as others are; they are not stricken like the rest of mankind.
6 Therefore pride is their necklace; violence covers them as a garment.
7 Their eyes swell out through fatness; their hearts overflow with follies.
8 They scoff and speak with malice; loftily they threaten oppression.
9 They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongue struts through the earth.
10 Therefore his people turn back to them, and find no fault in them.
11 And they say, “How can God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?”
12 Behold, these are the wicked; always at ease, they increase in riches. – Psalm 73:1-12
________________________________________
ON THE FATE OF THE WICKED AND THE PURE IN HEART by ILMA
The Lord is good and blesses those who are pure in heart
He also makes the sun rise on both the evil and the upright
The Lord also sends rain both on the just and the unjust
But he blesses the meek for they will inherit the earth.
It may seem that the wicked are enjoying their lives
But they will account for every word that they speak
Their homes may be full of riches and wealth
But their spirits may be suffering and in ill health.
The pure in heart may not have any comforts in this world
They have the fruits of the Spirit and have God’s word
So, do not envy the wicked who are seemingly wealthy
They are lacking in riches that are required to enter heaven.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why do you think Asaph seemed to be envious of the wealth and health of the wicked in the following passages?
• What do you think is going on in your heart if you have this kind of envy towards the comforts and riches of the unrighteous?