In school students are taught skills to help them become critical readers; one such skill is to be able to compare and contrast two items. They need to be able identify how the items are alike and how they are different. In Psalm 37, David used this skill to talk about the godly and the wicked.
Psalm 37:21 NLT says, “The wicked borrow and never repay, but the godly are generous givers.” What does that mean? Well, the dictionary defines wicked as evil or morally bad in principle or practice. How can we identify someone who is wicked? When we look at Jeremiah 22:13 NKJV tells us, “Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness And his chambers by injustice, Who uses his neighbor’s service without wages And gives him nothing for his work.” The only word to describe this individual is wicked: morally bad in principle. These workers worked with the expectation of getting paid; the owner of the company expected payment for the labor and supplies used to provide the service. The wicked steal their labor without compensation.
In contrast, the godly has a different set of principles that guide his or her life. The dictionary defines godly as conforming to the laws of God. In 2 Kings 6, the Syrian king sent his army to invade Israel to attack Elisha. When they arrived at Elisha’s house, Elisha prayed, and the men were struck with blindness. This was the perfect time to kill these soldiers, but Elisha said, “You shall not kill them. Would you kill those whom you have taken captive with your sword and your bow? Set bread and water before them, so that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.” (Verse 22) The godly never takes advantage of the weak or the needy. David said, the godly are generous givers.
What do your actions say about you? Do they identify you as godly or wicked? We, as people of faith, have a responsibility to live a lifestyle that testifies that we are conforming to the laws of God. It has become popular to behave wickedly but let’s not conform to the practices of the world; instead, let us lead in godly living.
Thought for Today: Friend, choose to live a godly life.
Have a blessed day and walk in faith and victory.
Victory Walk 