Bible League: Living His Word A little that a righteous man hasIs better than the riches of many wicked. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, But the LORD upholds the righteous. Psalm 37 compares and contrasts the righteous and the wicked. In general, the Psalm teaches that it goes well for the righteous and not well for the wicked. Our verse for today compares and contrasts the righteous and the wicked when it comes to finances. In this area of life, just like all the others, it is better to be righteous than wicked. This is true even if the righteous are not wealthy. The Psalm is not saying, however, that one can only be righteous if one is poor. The Bible is full of passages that contradict that idea. Here's just one example: "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children" (Proverbs 13:22). It would be impossible to leave an inheritance without storing up some wealth. Rather, then, the Psalm is saying that it is better to be righteous even if it means having only a little. Further, it is better to be righteous than wicked even if the wicked are wealthy. The Psalm is not saying, however, that the wicked are always wealthy. The Bible is full of passages that contradict that idea. Here's just one example: "the stomach of the wicked shall be in want" (Proverbs 13:25). You can't be wealthy if you can't feed yourself. Rather, then, the Psalm is saying that it is worse to be wicked even if it means having great wealth. The reason why it is worse to be wicked even if it means having great wealth is that "the arms of the wicked shall be broken." That is, the personal attributes and abilities the wealthy rely upon to gain them their wealth shall be broken. God resists the proud (James 4:6). He resists those who rely on themselves and the wealth they have stored up instead of relying on Him. The reason why it is better to be righteous even if it means having little, on the other hand, is that "the LORD upholds the righteous." That is, the LORD helps those who have little to make it in life despite their lack. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). He upholds those who rely on Him instead of relying on themselves. Although you may have little, you have something more valuable than anything the wicked have. You have the LORD on your side. Bible in a Year Old Testament ReadingProverbs 9, 10 Proverbs 9 -- Wisdom has built her house. She has carved out her seven pillars. NIV NLT ESV NAS GWT KJV ASV ERV DRB Proverbs 10 -- A wise son makes a glad father; but a foolish son brings grief to his mother. NIV NLT ESV NAS GWT KJV ASV ERV DRB New Testament Reading 1 Corinthians 15:1-32 1 Corinthians 15 -- The Resurrection of Christ, the Dead and the Body NIV NLT ESV NAS GWT KJV ASV ERV DRB Reading Plan Courtesy of Christian Classics Etherial Library. Tyndale Life Application Daily Devotion The others accepted his advice. They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and they let them go.The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.” Insight Peter and John were warned repeatedly not to preach, but they continued in spite of the threats. We, too, should live as Christ has asked us to, sharing our faith no matter what the cost. Challenge We may not be beaten or thrown in jail, but we may be ridiculed, ostracized, or slandered. To what extent are you willing to suffer for the sake of sharing the gospel with others? Morning and Evening by Spurgeon Philippians 2:15 In the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.We use lights to make manifest. A Christian man should so shine in his life, that a person could not live with him a week without knowing the gospel. His conversation should be such that all who are about him should clearly perceive whose he is, and whom he serves; and should see the image of Jesus reflected in his daily actions. Lights are intended for guidance. We are to help those around us who are in the dark. We are to hold forth to them the Word of life. We are to point sinners to the Saviour, and the weary to a divine resting-place. Men sometimes read their Bibles, and fail to understand them; we should be ready, like Philip, to instruct the inquirer in the meaning of God's Word, the way of salvation, and the life of godliness. Lights are also used for warning. On our rocks and shoals a light-house is sure to be erected. Christian men should know that there are many false lights shown everywhere in the world, and therefore the right light is needed. The wreckers of Satan are always abroad, tempting the ungodly to sin under the name of pleasure; they hoist the wrong light, be it ours to put up the true light upon every dangerous rock, to point out every sin, and tell what it leads to, that so we may be clear of the blood of all men, shining as lights in the world. Lights also have a very cheering influence, and so have Christians. A Christian ought to be a comforter, with kind words on his lips, and sympathy in his heart; he should carry sunshine wherever he goes, and diffuse happiness around him. Gracious Spirit dwell with me; I myself would gracious be, And with words that help and heal Would thy life in mine reveal, And with actions bold and meek Would for Christ my Saviour speak. Daily Light on the Daily Path Lamentations 3:41 We lift up our heart and hands Toward God in heaven;Psalm 113:5,6 Who is like the LORD our God, Who is enthroned on high, • Who humbles Himself to behold The things that are in heaven and in the earth? Psalm 25:1 A Psalm of David. To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:6-8 I stretch out my hands to You; My soul longs for You, as a parched land. Selah. • Answer me quickly, O LORD, my spirit fails; Do not hide Your face from me, Or I will become like those who go down to the pit. • Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning; For I trust in You; Teach me the way in which I should walk; For to You I lift up my soul. Psalm 63:3,4 Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips will praise You. • So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. Psalm 86:4,5 Make glad the soul of Your servant, For to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. • For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You. John 14:13 "Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. For Permission to Quote Information visit http://www.lockman.org. |
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