Year 8, Day 180: Psalms 36-37

Theological Commentary: Click Here

There is a very simple lesson to be learned in Psalm 36.  When we have unchecked evil within us – even seemingly harmless evil like laziness or the occasional white lie – we get haughty and proud.  We start to think we are invincible.  We flatter ourselves and think we won’t be found out.  The evil and deceit grows, opening up paths for greater misdeed.

On the other hand, the presence of the Lord and His ways has the opposite effect.  We can take refuge in His love.  We can learn by His precepts.  He is our fountain of life.  He prevents the arrogance that comes with sin from grabbing a foothold within our existence.

Psalm 37 continues these themes and contrasts the righteous with the wicked.  There is a phenomenal piece of wisdom found amidst the comparisons of good and evil, wisdom that is worth bringing out.  What is the advice that David gives to the righteous?  Be still and wait for the Lord.  Don’t worry about those who prosper in their own evil schemes.

This is a huge angle to consider as we contemplate the choices in our life.  How often does it seem like the wicked prosper?  How easy is it to become envious of those who seem to win even though they clearly do wrong?  How typical it can be to wonder where justice is in the world and why we should do right especially when nobody is looking.

We are told to be patient and wait upon the Lord.  In other words, human beings see the now and focus on the present.  God sees the future and focuses on the eternal.  Where we see evil prospering, God sees a long chain of evil getting ready to destroy itself.  Where we see unrepentant sin prosper, God sees arrogance and pride growing before the fall.  In those moments when we are forced to choose between good and evil, we are told to wait upon the Lord.  We are told to see through His eyes and hear His wisdom.  We are told not to fret when we see evil prospering, as if we should give it no heed whatsoever.

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