Asaph confessed that he envied the arrogant wicked (3). He presents in verses 4 and 5 four advantages that the righteous faithful often do not have because they are poor. First, the rich wicked have no struggles. When trouble comes, they throw money at the problem, and it goes away. Nothing comes their way that money cannot solve. Money comes easily to them because they steal without conscience or fear of conviction. So they always have enough money to solve problems.
Second, the rich wicked’s bodies are healthy and strong. They have time to get good exercise, eat healthy food, and have access to good, reliable medical care.
Third, evil rich are free from the burdens common to man. They do not have a job, they are their own boss. Paying bills and expenses is not a concern. They do not have to worry about how to feed the family. They eliminate all threats through violence.
Fourth, they are not plagued by human ills. They enjoy privileges that money buys and fear gains. Calamities do not come their way by the design of God. Therefore, luxurious pleasures and enjoying great ease will be their only pursuit, and they will protect a continual flow of life full of them. Free of burdens, they always enjoy life
Job, while struggling like Asaph, in chapter 21, addresses more than these four after asking, “When I think about this, I am terrified; trembling seizes my body. Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power?” Job goes on and tells of many things that always go their way because “the rod of God is not upon them”.
Being honest with our thoughts, everyone has had thoughts and feelings like these. So then. How was Asaph able to conclude, “Surely, God is good to the pure in heart”? More Tomorrow.
