His ways are always prospering; Your judgments are far above, out of his sight. As for all his enemies, he sneers at them. He has said in his heart, “I shall not be moved; I shall never be in adversity.” (Psalm 10:5-6)
Assuming that David is the author of this psalm, there are times when the king comes across as almost cynical. The verse above is an example of that; he complains that, from his point of view at least, crime does pay. To David it seems that everything the wicked man does prospers which is problematic if his endeavors are to plot and scheme against the righteous man. Where accountability are concerned, the wicked seems to live a charmed life with nothing affecting him, to the point that he sneers — literally “puffs” — at his enemies. In other words, he is so confident of success that he blows off anyone who might resist — including God.
It does seem that there are seasons in history when wicked men enjoy incredible success as they pursue their evil schemes. In fact, Jewish commentators concede this point and suggest that the righteous should avoid these men during these times when possible. Quoting David’s comment above, one Jewish writer said that if you see a wicked man at whom “the hour smiles,” do not antagonize him because he is bound to succeed during this season. His success will be so that, in his heart, he says, “I shall not be moved.” In other words, his success breeds conceit and defiance — and ultimately, his downfall. Think of Hitler’s early success; it was as if he could do no wrong to the point that he believed he could do no wrong. But that is exactly what led to his downfall and destruction.
Perhaps God does allow the wicked a season in which they succeed in their unholy schemes but there is also a season when He says, “Enough.” At the appointed time, God will arise and act on behalf of the humble, the fatherless and the oppressed. As David went on to say, “You have seen, for You observe trouble and grief, to repay it by Your hand” (Psalm 10:14). If David did struggle with cynicism at the beginning of this psalm, by its end he was renewed with the hope that God sees all and does not allow the wicked to go unpunished; nor will He allow His people to be wiped out by those with evil hearts. They may enjoy a season of success, but there is coming a day when God will move on this earth in such a way that “the man of the earth may oppress no more” (Psalm 10:18).
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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