This Psalm begins with a conclusion. God is good ALL the time. The Devil would have you believe the opposite. The Psalmist now gives a confession. He had almost slipped. But thanks to God he had not. There are four things that he saw:-

1 – The prosperity of the sinner (vs. 3-12)

He saw the prosperity of the wicked. Despite their evil ways they prospered materially. Not all wicked people are rich and not all good people are poor. The evil people seem to be strong in death. They were pride like a gold chain around their neck. They can strut sitting down! They have the pleasures of this life – money and goods. They are corrupt (vs. 8). They are pompous (vs. 9). They are profane (vs. 9ff). They have no fear of God. The Psalmist thinks negatively this is not fair.

2 – The problems of the saint (vs. 13-16)

The man is beginning to look within and feel sorry for himself. Why? He has had a pure life. He has also had a chastened life. You might think that a man who loves God would be blessed every day. He was expecting joy and happiness. God chastens those whom he loves. (See Romans 12:6) God does not chasten the unbeliever. (“God gave them up” – Romans 1) God loves you too much to let you get away with foolishness. The ungodly get credit and the godly get cash. The ungodly are storing up wrath.

3 – The perspective of the sanctuary (vs. 16-22)

He has gone into the house of God. He had been missing the assembly of God. The closer we get to the second coming the more we need each other. He saw what was really important. He then understood the end of the sinner. The sinner wants to build bigger barns but God may put an end to the sinner and the person will be in hell. Riches and happiness are no more. The Psalmist was a fool for envying fools.

4 – The presence of the saviour (23-28)

Nevertheless, there is the continual presence of God. Thank God for the personal presence of God. There is also the personal power of God. The personal purpose of God – he guides us by his counsel. The promise of God – we are going to heaven, why envy sinners? The conclusion is emphatic. God is the strength of my heart. It is good to draw close to God and he will draw close to you.

Categories: Psalms