They are not in trouble as other men, nor are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride serves as their necklace; violence covers them like a garment. (Psalm 73:5-6)

Speaking of those who do evil, the psalmist makes this observation — one I would recommend is shared by most people, righteous or not. When bad things happen in the world, the prosperity of the wicked insulates them from the suffering everyone else is forced to endure. If the economy crashes, or if inflation skyrockets, the wealthiest of people will not suffer as others do because, as the psalmist suggested, “they are not in trouble as other men.” Being protected from the drudgery and pain most of us are subjected to, they consider themselves as a special breed, set apart from the common man.

I would imagine that if someone lived in this situation long enough, they probably would see themselves as a special class of people and, as the psalmist contends, flaunt their privilege as an adornment to be admired. But the psalmist is also quick to point out that their outward trappings betray their wicked state; they may be fat with riches but the fatter they become the more spiritually lethargic they are. As their corpulence grows, they are compelled to hide their nakedness — their shameful reputation — with more and more embellishments while using their wealth to secure respectability.

The problem with this plan is the Bible never has anything nice or respectable to say about those who pursue this path. To the contrary, the Bible is clear that their end is not good; the finest clothes and deepest pockets will not insulate them from the trouble that is coming their way from above. In sharp contrast to this, our Father in Heaven looks with tenderness and mercy upon the lowly — those who may not have much in material things but whose heart is pure and generous. We should not envy the wicked, we should pity them. We should not be as they are, wearing pride as a necklace, but should be as Messiah — clothed in humility and righteousness.

Blessings and Shalom,  

Bill 

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