Psalm 73

“Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart “Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart! But as for me, my feet came close to stumbling; My steps had almost slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant, as I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” Don’t envy the wicked!

Why had the psalmist nearly stumbled in his walk of faith? (v. 3) Read 1 Timothy 6:9-11 What can happen to those who desire to get rich? What has happened to some people who have been eager for money? In contrast, what should the man of God do? What is the difference between “money” and “the love of money”? Do you think a person can love money without having money, or have money and yet not love money? Don’t envy the wicked!

How does Psalm 73:6-9 describe the lives and attitude of the wicked? “For there are no pains in their death; and their body is fat. They are not in trouble as other men; nor are they plagued like mankind.” How does Psalm 73:6-9 describe the lives and attitude of the wicked?

“Therefore pride is their necklace;”

“The garment of violence covers them.”

“Their eye bulges from fatness;”

“The imaginations of their heart run riot.”

“They mock, and wickedly speak of oppression; they speak from on high

“They have set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue parades through the earth.”

What does God call this kind of person (Ps. 14:1)? Read Psalm 10 which describes a similar attitude against God. How is this attitude expressed in verses 4,11,13)? What does God call this kind of person (Ps. 14:1)? The book of Proverbs has a LOT to say about him! 1:7 _________________________________________ 10:23 _______________________________________ 12:15 _______________________________________ 14:16 _______________________________________ 15:2; 15:14 __________________________________ 17:12 _______________________________________ 17:16 _______________________________________ 20:3 ________________________________________ 23:9 ________________________________________ 28:26 _______________________________________ 18:2 _____________________________________ He despises wisdom and instruction Doing wickedness is like sport to him His way is right in his own eyes He’s arrogant and careless He feeds on folly and spouts it Dealing with him is like taking on a mother bear He has no common sense He loves to quarrel He despises wise words He trusts in his own heart He doesn’t want understanding; he just wants to talk What does Romans 1:18-32 teach us about fools?

“Therefore his people return to this place; and waters of abundance are drunk by them. And they say, “How does God know? And is there knowledge with the Most High? Behold, these are the wicked; and always at ease, they have increased in wealth. Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure, and washed my hands in innocence; For I have been stricken all day long, and chastened every morning. If I had said, “I will speak thus,” behold, I should have betrayed the generation of Thy children. When I pondered to understand this, it was troublesome in my sight.”

“Until I came into the sanctuary of God; then I perceived their end “Until I came into the sanctuary of God; then I perceived their end. Surely Thou dost set them in slippery places; thou dost cast them down to destruction. How they are destroyed in a moment! They are utterly swept away by sudden terrors! Like a dream when one awakes, O Lord, when aroused, Thou wilt despise their form.” What does God compare these wicked people to in Psalm 92:7-9 and James 1:10-11? What will happen to them?

Is your name written in the book of life? Read Psalm 37:7-11. What action are we as believers to take when the wicked apparently succeed at carrying out their schemes? What are we to refrain from and why? Will the wicked continue to succeed? Why? What will the meek enjoy? Is your name written in the book of life? What will be the final end of the wicked (Rev. 20:11-15)?

“When my heart was embittered, and I was pierced within, then I was senseless and ignorant; I was like a beast before Thee. Nevertheless I am continually with Thee;”

Can you relate to the Psalmist Can you relate to the Psalmist? Have you stumbled over life’s injustices? Cling to Proverbs 3:1-8!

“Thou hast taken hold of my right hand “Thou hast taken hold of my right hand. With Thy counsel Thou wilt guide me, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but Thee? And besides Thee, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For, behold, those who are far from Thee will perish; Thou hast destroyed all those who are unfaithful to Thee.”

From Isaiah 57:20-21, describe the emotional life of the wicked. In contrast, what does Jesus promise to the believer in John 14:27? Read Philippians 4:6-8 What are you commanded NOT to do? What are you commanded to do if you want God’s peace to guard your heart and mind? Instead of focusing on the people around you, what eight things should you occupy your mind with? Say Isaiah 26:3-4, inserting your own name.

“But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, That I may tell of all Thy works.”

Focus is everything! Keep your eyes on the eternal, not what’s going on around you. Your life on earth is only a speck on the timeline of eternity! Hebrews 12:1-2 Stay Focused!

We want to thank the following for their help in providing pictures for this presentation: 123rf.com Freebibleimages.com