David, the author of the psalm repeats the theme concerning the wicked and ruthless sure to perminate end. He states that he has personally witnessed an example in his life. He knew an evil man who had everything most people desire to have; wealth, power, success, health, fame, and even some admiration. He flourished like a green tree in its native soil. He suffered because of this wicked person. Then the evil man was gone, not to be found. I wonder, “How is this possible? A wicked person seems to get away with evil.”
Two types of evil exist. First, natural evils such as earthquakes, cancer, and tornadoes. Second, moral evil has its source in the choice and action of humans. The first we call evil, however this does not fall within the Biblical definition of evil. Christianity holds that evil is opposed to God and His purposes. Natural events we call evil are not causes, they are results. So to the question. If God is all-powerful and good, as the Bible affirms, why does He allow evil?
First, God limited Himself in giving people and angels freedom. To be truly human, a person must have the power of choice. Love is displayed only when we are free to choose between love and hate. Love, respect, and choice go together.
Second, humans use freedom in such a way as to bring in evil. Today I may make evil choices, that is, decisions that oppose God and His purposes. When I make this choice I am choosing not to love God.
Third, back of human revolt stood Satan. Just as the Serpent tempted Eve to sin, and Eve convinced Adam to sin; so Satan and those who sin are an every temptation to sin. It is clear, then, that God did not create evil and sin. He merely provided the options necessary for human freedom. People sinned, and before that, the fallen angels, not God for God cannot oppose himself nor his will.
Fourth, even though evil is because of human revolt and failure, God continues to be active in redeeming people from their self-imposed evil. As David attests here, God reserves his intervention in helping the righteous.
Fifth, God deals with evil through judgment and wrath.
Sixth, God deals with evil through the incarnation, the cross, and the resurrection. God’s interventions are best seen through Jesus’ willful act of allowing himself to be arrested, tried, tortured, crucified, and die for the sins of the world.
