November 7
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PSALM 73 ON THE WAYS OF THE WICKED
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
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
The Lord is good to those whose hearts are pure and right
He despises the wicked for they are full of evil and lies
They wear pride as their garment and flaunts it around
When you hear them speak, deception and confusion abound
They mock the Almighty and think that they are powerful
They continually feed their flesh and they follow no rules.
All you people of God, be warned and do not envy the wealthy
For their god is money and they engage in all kinds of idolatry
Do not get lured by the ways of this world, they are temporary
Instead, gather riches in heaven for they are everlasting and eternal
Serve the Lord your God alone, for he is your Master and Deliverer
Praise and thank him for every good thing that you have been given.
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REFLECTION
• In verses 2-3 Asaph warns us of envying those who are proud and wealthy, why is this caution very important especially for us who serve the Lord?
• What are the ways we can fight the urge to be envious of someone?