The Ungodly Who Prosper - Psalms 73:12

In Psalms chapter seventy-three Asaph said, “I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked”, and because they seem to prosper Asaph added, “Therefore his people return here: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them, and they say, How does God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?”, and in chapter seventy-three and verse twelve of Psalms Asaph said, “these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world” where we read,

Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.

The verse begins, “Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world;” Asaph began with the words, “Behold, these are the ungodly” or “lo, look and consider, the foolish and wicked exist as the criminal, guilty and hostile to God”, “who prosper in the world” which means “that are at ease, prosperous, peaceable and wealthy within their lives on earth”. Asaph wanted his readers to know these people who were criminals and hostile to God lived lives of ease and prosperity.

The verse continues, “they increase in riches.” Asaph added the words, “they increase” or “they, the foolish and wicked people, grow and enlarge themselves” “in riches” which means “in strength, might, efficiency, wealth and ability”. Asaph said the people who are foolish and wicked grow in strength, might, wealth and ability.

When we think through the words in this verse, we see how Asaph declared the foolish and wicked people who were hostile to God to be prosperous in their lives, and they kept growing in their wealth, strength and ability. Rather than be judged for their evil ways, these people seemed to flourish in them. These results are difficult to understand, and yet, we must remember they are not eternal. God knows the works, acts, deeds and words of every person, and just because there is a delay in the consequences, it in no way means He is unaware, uncaring or approving of their pernicious behavior. God sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind because He knew “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (See Romans 3:23) “There is none righteous, no, not one” (See Romans 3:10), and when we believe and trust in Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (See 1 John 1:9) Let us give praise, honor and glory to Jehovah God for His provision for foolish and wicked people such as we.

Next time Asaph says, “I have cleansed my heart in vain”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".