“Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.” Psalm 37:1-2
While we may be tempted to fret or even envy those who carry out wicked schemes and walk contrary to God’s law, we need not fear or be envious of their apparent successes, for evildoers will be cut down like the grass and quickly wither and fade away like the green herb.
O LORD God, grant that we not fret or be envious when evil men prosper and appear successful but instead trust in You and Your Word and walk in Your ways. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]
“Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.” Proverbs 24:17-18
We too often rejoice when our enemies — those who have hurt us or have sinned against us — stumble and fall. We take pleasure when evil comes upon them. But God sees this and is displeased. He desires that we love our enemies, do good to them, and pray for them that we may be like our heavenly Father (cf. Matt. 5:43ff.).
O gracious and merciful God, forgive us for rejoicing when our enemies suffer judgment. Instead, grant us a new heart that loves those who hurt us and seeks Your eternal blessing upon them through repentance and faith in Christ Jesus. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]
“He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.” 1 John 2:9-11
One who acknowledges his sins and looks in faith to Jesus Christ for pardon and forgiveness will also, as a fruit of faith, love his brother. In fact, one cannot be a Christian and continue to hate his brother.
O gracious God, wash away my sins in Jesus’ blood and cleanse my heart that I might love those for whom my Savior shed His holy and precious blood. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]
“The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; to shew that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.” Psalm 92:12-15
While the wicked and unbelieving will be judged of the LORD and perish, those who trust in the LORD and are a part of His Church through faith in Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice on the cross will flourish and bring forth fruit forever, showing the gracious working of the LORD God in them.
Grant me true faith in You and Your Son, O LORD, that I might forever bring glory to Your holy name. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]
“But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil. Mine eye also shall see my desire on mine enemies, and mine ears shall hear my desire of the wicked that rise up against me.” Psalm 92:10-11
Though the unbelieving and rebellious may appear to prosper, the LORD lifts up those who are penitent and trust in Him for mercy and salvation. And, if not in this life, certainly on the day of judgment, believers will see the downfall and judgment of their wicked and unbelieving adversaries.
Have mercy on me, O LORD, and grant to me Your grace and blessing for the sake of Christ Jesus, who died for me and rose again. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]
