Psalm 37
A Psalm of David
Pt. 3
We are forced to observe and take note of the “spiraling” style of this piece, returning again and again to the same topic but each time handling it in a slightly different way.
16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.
This thought takes note of the fact that it is very common for the “Righteous” to have less of this world’s goods than the wicked, much to the chagrin of the prosperity preachers.
It is always incumbent upon the people of God to settle their minds that they can only possess what they legitimately earn. They cannot steal nor use any false means whatsoever to acquire goods. They cannot work in many professions because they require dishonesty or market products which do harm rather than good.
So, the godly must formulate within themselves the commitment to honesty, hard work and faithfulness knowing that they will probably never be wealthy. (Some will, but not most.) And, they must adopt the position that this is not only bearable but better and enjoy the fact that God provides what they need.
17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous.
The “arms” of the wicked, everything they use to grasp after and take hold of that which is dishonestly or hurtfully obtained, will be one day rendered useless. It may not be in this lifetime (though often it will be) but it will happen. There will come a Day of Judgment when they will reach out for that which is not legitimately theirs and be soundly rebuffed.
Some will even reach out, as it were, to take hold on eternal life and find themselves smitten down by the One on the Throne.
Matt 7:21-23
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Make no mistake, many religious people will find themselves counted among “the wicked” and will receive the judgment due them, not what they expect and demand.
18 The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.
And, this is because of an inescapable truth, “The Lord knoweth…” He knows everything, down to the minutest detail of every motive, every reason that lies behind every action of every person. He cannot be fooled.
Additionally, He knows every detail about His people, how they labor honestly and with integrity even when no one notices nor cares. He knows the extra work they do on whatever job they occupy that never is rewarded in this life, not even with appreciation.
“Not to worry child,” He says through David, “the Day of Reward is coming and it will be Splendid, your inheritance is secure and it is far more than you ever dreamed.”
19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
This is a general though not universal promise and history will recall that more times than not God’s people have found refuge in terrible times. Many have suffered and died horribly for sure, but never have His people been thoroughly stamped out. Some have discovered a sanctuary from the storm and have ridden out terrible times. John prophesied such concerning the Church.
Rev 12:13-14
13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.
14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
20 But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.
Like the fat of an animal roasted over an open fire will often catch fire and be consumed, all who set themselves against JHVH and His people shall be destroyed and that by the Fire of His Judgment, sometimes twice; in this life and in the one to come.
21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.
Character always distinguishes the wicked from the righteous and it often is revealed in how they handle money and property. The ungodly are for the most part stingy and the children of God generous. It is a trait which identifies them both no matter what the era of time or the circumstances in which they find themselves.
22 For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.
The New Earth, the Everlasting Home of those “blessed of Him,” will be open and welcoming to the saint but Eternally forbidden to those whom He curses (and He WILL curse many).
Rev 21:23-27
23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.
25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.
27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
“A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.“
— June 12, 2020