Psalm 112:10

Psalm 112:10

The pointlessness of the wicked

Thus far, we have meditated upon 9 verses of a Psalm that have extolled the virtues of the righteous. They are blessed and find great delight in the commands of the Lord. Their children will grow in the fear of the Lord, and they too will be men and women of renown. The righteous will prosper, and their gracious acts of compassion will be remembered forever. Justice will light their way and they will be rewarded for their big-hearted kindness. Such people remain unshaken by tragedy and disaster for they are steadfast and trust in their God whatever circumstances may come their way. The righteous are fearless and they will triumph over their foes and show generosity to the poor. All these things will enhance their reputations and they will always be remembered. 

Contrast all this with the ways of the wicked! They will merely spectate, for godliness is the only way to blessedness and the ways of the wicked do not lead to abundance but to an empty, pointless dead-end. The suggestion here is that such people are actually jealous and aware of the pointlessness of their ways, but unable to do anything about it except to gnash their teeth at the righteous, as they themselves waste away. Many of us have known people who treat us with disdain and contempt, not because we deserve this but because they know we walk with the Lord and our actions expose their delusions and their greed and selfishness. No man or woman who walks in righteousness has any cause to be ashamed or to have to apologise for their actions, it is the wicked who will lose their strength and power and whose desires will come to nothing. 

“Thank You Lord for reminding me of this and help me never to be downcast when others treat me with contempt. I know that You never will treat me in such a way.”  Hallelujah!

 

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