How can we identify and avoid the "wicked" described in Psalm 37:32? Psalm 37:32 in Focus “Though the wicked lie in wait for the righteous, and seek to slay them” (Psalm 37:32). The verse paints a clear picture: the wicked are active, intentional, and predatory toward those who belong to God. Recognizing the Traits of the Wicked Scripture supplies unmistakable markers: • Plotting harm: “The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them” (Psalm 37:12). • Deceitful speech: “His mouth is filled with cursing, deceit, and violence” (Psalm 10:7). • Rejection of God’s authority: “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt” (Psalm 14:1). • Violent intentions: “Their feet run to evil, and they hasten to shed innocent blood” (Isaiah 59:7). • Persistent unrepentance: “Because they hated knowledge and chose not the fear of the LORD” (Proverbs 1:29). Scriptural Examples of Their Schemes • Cain against Abel (Genesis 4:8) – fratricide rooted in jealousy. • Saul pursuing David (1 Samuel 19:10) – political power driving murderous intent. • The Pharisees plotting against Jesus (Matthew 12:14) – religious pride opposing divine truth. Each instance mirrors Psalm 37:32: the wicked “lie in wait” and “seek to slay.” Practical Steps to Guard Your Heart • Reject their counsel: “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked” (Psalm 1:1). • Discern close associations: “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’” (1 Corinthians 15:33). • Stay rooted in Scripture: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). • Pray for wisdom and vigilance: “Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation” (Matthew 26:41). • Seek fellowship with the righteous: “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). • Maintain healthy distance when needed: “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness” (Ephesians 5:11). Walking in the Opposite Spirit Instead of hostility, embrace: • Mercy – “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). • Integrity – “The righteous man walks with integrity; blessed are his children after him” (Proverbs 20:7). • Trust in God’s justice – “Wait for the LORD and keep His way, and He will exalt you to inherit the land. When the wicked are cut off, you will see it” (Psalm 37:34). Keeping Eternal Perspective Psalm 37 continually contrasts temporary wicked success with lasting righteous inheritance. • Temporal fate of the wicked: “Yet he passed away and was no more; though I searched, he could not be found” (Psalm 37:36). • Secure future of the righteous: “The LORD loves justice and will not abandon His saints; they will be preserved forever” (Psalm 37:28). Identify the wicked by their fruit, avoid adopting their patterns, and entrust ultimate justice to the Lord who sees and rewards eternally. |
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