What is the meaning of Psalm 34:21? Evil will slay the wicked The first phrase speaks of a built-in moral law: sin carries its own sentence. • Scripture often pictures evil as a trap set by sinners that snaps back on them. Psalm 7:15-16 notes, “He has dug a pit… but he falls into the hole he has made.” • Proverbs 11:5 says, “The wicked are brought down by their own wickedness,” confirming that rebellion is self-destructive. • Romans 6:23 states, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The “wages” idea underscores that death is earned by persistent evil. • Galatians 6:7 warns, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap,” assuring believers that spiritual cause and effect is inevitable. In practical terms: – Wicked people often experience earthly consequences—broken relationships, ruined reputations, inner emptiness. – Even if they seem to thrive for a season (Psalm 73:3-12), their end is ruin (Psalm 73:17-19). – Ultimately, unrepentant evil meets divine judgment at the great white throne (Revelation 20:11-15). and the haters of the righteous will be condemned The verse shifts from self-inflicted ruin to God’s direct verdict on those who oppose His people. • “Condemned” points to a legal decision handed down by the Judge of all (James 4:12). While the wicked collapse under their own sin, God also pronounces formal guilt. • 2 Thessalonians 1:6-7 reassures, “God is just: He will repay with affliction those who afflict you… when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven.” • Psalm 37:12-13 pictures the Lord laughing at plotters against the righteous, “for He sees their day is coming.” • Jesus promises blessing to the persecuted (Matthew 5:10-12) and warns persecutors that mistreating His followers equals mistreating Him (Acts 9:4-5). Takeaways for believers: – Hostility toward God’s people is ultimately hostility toward God Himself; He will not overlook it. – We need not seek revenge (Romans 12:19); divine condemnation is certain and perfect. – The righteous may suffer now, but their vindication is guaranteed (Psalm 34:22, the very next verse). summary Psalm 34:21 assures us that evil is both self-destructive and divinely judged. Wicked people collapse under the weight of their own sin, and those who resent the righteous face God’s formal condemnation. The verse strengthens believers to trust God’s justice, resist retaliation, and rest in the promise that righteousness will be vindicated in His perfect timing. |
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