Pam Padgett ... teacher
In Psalm 73 we're told of a man who envied the worldly gains and ease of the
wicked. But when he turned to God, God showed him truth about the
wicked, setting this man's feet on solid ground again.
This man saw the wicked prospering in things of this world and not
having problems other men have. Yet the wicked are proud, violent,
and corrupt. And they have no fear of God ...
Psalm 73:1 Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a
clean heart. 2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had
well nigh slipped. 3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 For there are
no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. 5 They are not in
trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. 6
Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth
them as a garment. 7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more
than heart could wish. 8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning
oppression: they speak loftily. 9 They set their mouth against the
heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. 10 Therefore his
people return hither: and waters of a full
cup are wrung out to them. 11 And they say, How doth God know? and is
there knowledge in the most High? 12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who
prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
Seeing the wicked prosper, this man questioned whether it was vain to live in a way that is right before God ...
Psalm 73:13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my
hands in innocency. 14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and
chastened every morning.
But when this man turned to God, he understood the destruction that lies ahead for the wicked ...
Psalm 73:16 When I thought to know this, it was too
painful for me; 17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then
understood I their end. 18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery
places: thou castedst them down into destruction. 19 How are they
brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with
terrors. 20 As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest,
thou shalt despise their image.
This man repented of having envied the wicked, and was re-established in
the help, mercy and justice of God. He put his trust in God ...
Psalm 73:21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked
in my reins. 22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before
thee. 23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me
by my right hand. 24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward
receive me to glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is
none upon earth that I desire beside thee. 26 My flesh and my heart
faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast
destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee. 28 But it is good for me
to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may
declare all thy works.