Through the Bible: PsalmsSample

Wickedness Has No Place

The Lord tests the righteous, but His soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. Let Him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup. For the Lord is righteous; He loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold His face. (Psalm 11:5-7 ESV)

The Bible condemns wickedness. What are the signs of wickedness? The wicked are the evildoers; those who prey on the poor; those who curse, deceive, and oppress; those who love violence. But in Psalm 10, those who renounce the Lord and who do not seek God are also described as wicked.

God hates the wicked but loves the righteous. Verses 6-7 tell us how God will judge and treat these two groups of people. The judgment of God is also mentioned in Romans 2:5-9 where “He will render to each one according to his works."

These Scriptures remind us that it is not enough just to believe and to do good. We must continue to seek Jesus and trust Him in response to God’s grace and love for us.

Prayer

Father God, we ask for Your mercy and forgiveness. Forgive us when we are arrogant, boastful, and greedy. We pray that wickedness will never have a place in our hearts. We lift up the righteous, the oppressed, and the helpless to You. We pray that You will encourage, protect, and bless them. We pray, Lord, that we will continue to seek You and trust in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.