Psalm 73:1-24

1Truly God is good to Israel,
To such as are pure in heart.
2But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled;
My steps had nearly slipped.
3For I was envious of the boastful,
When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4For there are no pangs in their death,
But their strength is firm.
5They are not in trouble as other men,
Nor are they plagued like other men.
6Therefore pride serves as their necklace;
Violence covers them like a garment.
7Their eyes bulge with abundance;
They have more than heart could wish.
8They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression;
They speak loftily.
9They set their mouth against the heavens,
And their tongue walks through the earth.
10Therefore his people return here,
And waters of a full cup are drained by them.
11And they say, “How does God know?
And is there knowledge in the Most High?”
12Behold, these are the ungodly,
Who are always at ease;
They increase in riches.
13Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain,
And washed my hands in innocence.
14For all day long I have been plagued,
And chastened every morning.
15If I had said, “I will speak thus,”
Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children.
16When I thought how to understand this,
It was too painful for me—
17Until I went into the sanctuary of God;
Then I understood their end.
18Surely You set them in slippery places;
You cast them down to destruction.
19Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment!
They are utterly consumed with terrors.
20As a dream when one awakes,
So, Lord, when You awake,
You shall despise their image.
21Thus my heart was grieved,
And I was vexed in my mind.
22I was so foolish and ignorant;
I was like a beast before You.
23Nevertheless I am continually with You;
You hold me by my right hand.
24You will guide me with Your counsel,
And afterward receive me to glory.
-Psalm 73:1-24

As we examine the state of our world it can become easy to be disheartened at the seeming success of wickedness. The adage, "Cheaters never prosper," loses much of its value when it seems like everyone is cheating. Such a path is filled with all kinds of lies, shortcuts, and manipulations. The unfortunate thing is that it seems to work. Like the Psalmist we may find ourselves troubled by this. So let us come to the same recognition that he did.

When he met with the Lord, he saw their end. They appear to have everything together, yet at the end of it all they are met with desolation and destruction. Wickedness does not end in prosperity. As we looked at the frailty of man compared to our Everlasting God yesterday, let us remember that as we see the wicked prosper. Their time is temporary. What we have in the Lord is eternal. Hold fast to the Lord as He holds fast to you. Continue steadfastly in righteousness knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.