Fret Not Thyself Because of Evildoers

Neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity Ps 37:1

In Psalm 73 King David declares, “I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked ... They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.  Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.  Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.  They are corrupt and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.  They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth ... Verily, I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.  For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning ... Until I went into the sanctuary of God: then understood I their end.”

As the biblical story goes, David, a young shepherd boy, was chosen by God to be king over Israel during the reign of Saul.  He was anointed by the Prophet Samuel in his early years and predestined to become king over Israel by divine election.  One would expect after being elected by God for such noble prominence, David’s life would have been one of ease and comfort.  He was elevated from tending sheep to ruler over Israel.  But truth be told, David spent most of his life either running for his life or fighting for his life. Throughout David’s life he suffered persecution at the hands of wicked and ungodly men beginning with Saul.  The heathen peoples from bordering territories persecuted him but he also suffered at the hands of his relatives and close friends.  Yet still, although his life was a pattern of conflict after conflict, David is remembered as a man after God’s heart.  The Book of Psalms is a magnificent collection of songs he wrote which beautifully conveys the groaning of a man’s heart in the face of conflict.  This book more than any other prepares young believers for every imaginable people-problem they may confront in their Christian walk.

Psalm 73 is a song of David’s discouragement.  The cries of his heart weary with well doing.  The wise King Solomon rightly said, “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick.”   And as David beholds the easy life of people who knew not God and had no desire to serve him.  He questions the faithfulness off the God in whom he trusts.

Today, we witness the persecution of the just in the work place, our communities and even in their homes.  Ungodly men plot against the saints of God and devise mischievous plans to make their way difficult.  Psalms 9:13 says, “We suffer trouble because of the hatred of the wicked.”  When the pangs of discouragement creep in we too cry like David, “Verily, have I cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.  For all the day long I have been plagued and chastened every morning.”  I recall my early days as a Christian meditating on Ps. 37:1, “Fret not thyself because of evildoers”, and in my heart I would say surely God has some sense of humor.  He can’t possibly be serious.  Maybe you can relate to this.  Back then, I was easily offended but thanks be to God I went up into the sanctuary of God then understood I their end.

The Apostle Peter declares, “Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happen unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s suffering.”  1 Peter 4:12,13. Studying the Book of Psalm helped me to recognize that I was easily offended.  Also, deeply lodged in my heart and mind were impure thoughts and motives.  After examining myself through the mirror of God’s word I had to renew my mind and learn to love with the love of Christ.  Satan’s primary instrument of discouragement is people and he is constantly baiting us to strip off our priestly robes and a good flesh fit.

Ephesians 6:12 says, “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”  So, people are only instruments in the hand of the deceiver.  But, God is a just God and He says, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay.”  For truly,  He considers the condition of a man’s heart.   He is acquainted with all the facts, has insight and foresight into an individual’s true motives and intent and He is the only one capable of administering true justice and judgment.  Meditating on the book of Psalm has helped me to identify the offences common to man and prepare for them.

I encourage you to meditate on the following scriptures for your edification so you may stand strong in the day of adversity.

Study Verses For Common Offences

Psalm 37:23 – The wicked plotteth against the just;

Psalm 5:9 – There is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.

Psalm 10:7 – His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud.  Under his tongue is mischief and vanity.

Psalm 37:14 – The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow to cast down the poor and needy.

Psalm 37:21 – The wicked borroweth and payeth not again.

Psalm 31:18 – The wicked speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.

Psalm 28:3 – They speak peace to their neighbours but mischief is in their heart.

Psalm 11:2 – The wicked bend their bow they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.

Psalm 64:2 – The wicked take secret counsel against the just.

Study Verses For Negative Effects of Offences

Psalm 18:4 – Ungodly men make you afraid;

Psalm 6:7 – The wicked causes the righteous grief and sorrow.  They vex the soul of the righteous.

Psalm 42:9 – They cause you to mourn when they oppress you.

Study Verses Of God’s Judgment

Proverbs 11:31 – Behold , the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.

Psalm 37:13 – The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.

Psalm 37:15 – Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.

Psalm 37:17 – For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the Lord upholdeth the righteous.

Psalm 37:20 -  But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.

Psalm 7:16 – His Mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.

Psalm 9:15,16 – The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken.  The Lord is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands, Higgaion, Selah.

Psalm 28:5 – Because they regard not the works of the Lord, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up.

Psalm 34:21 – Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.