The righteous see and rejoice, and all iniquity stops its mouth. Whoever is wise will observe these things, and they will understand the lovingkindness of the Lord. (Psalm 107:42-43)

As this psalm concludes, the writer states his reason for detailing the works of God’s deliverance — that the wise may observe, understand and be glad. Only those who are walking upright before the Lord can see the drastic changes described in this psalm and not be terrified, because they trust in God’s justice. On the other hand, when the wicked see the downfall of those who refused to do what is right, they are struck with fear because they realize their positions of wealth and power are not secure — they shut their mouths and boast no longer.

It is written that “none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand” (Daniel 12:10). Only the wise takes the time to observe and study the lessons of the past, and therefore, come to understand that God truly is in control of every aspect of this world. God determines who will rise to great heights and who will fall. True, there are times we are bewildered by what we see, especially in those times when it seems the wicked prosper, but we must have confidence that the ways of God are perfect and just — in the end, truth and righteousness will prevail.

Paul said, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!” (Romans 11:33). Yet we have been promised that, in the end, our faith will be rewarded with understanding. There is coming a day when the righteous will see and understand why He did what He did and will acknowledge the justice and wisdom of our God. In that day, when we are delivered from all oppression and wicked men, we will rejoice and thus bring to pass the saying, “Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy” (Psalm 126:7). 

Blessings and Shalom,  

Bill