Calvary Chapel of Jonesboro
 
He who sows iniquity will reap vanity, And the rod of his fury will perish. Proverbs 22:8

The other day something truly amazing happened.  I had planted a batch of tomato seeds, and after a couple of months I went out and harvested a whole bucket full of orages from the vines that grew there.  Now if you are someone who is even the least bit familiar with agriculture, you know that this last statement was false.  If I planted tomato seeds into the ground - the only thing I will harvest from them is tomatos.  There is an unbending principle at work here - whatever you sow is what you will reap.  That principle is what is at the core of what is taught in today's proverb.

Here we have a man who is sowing iniquity.  The word used here is a pretty tough word.  It means unrighteousness, injustice, or wrong.  This doesn't sound too bad until you begin to look a little deeper into the word and its usage.  It is used to describe violent injustice and outright wickedness.  Keil and Delitasch state that this word means, "unsympthizing tyranny, cruel misconduct toward a neighbor."  It describes the actions of one who wants the person who feels his wrong to feel the fury of his anger.  The second half of this proverb makes that clear.  The iniquity that he is sowing is manifest in the "rod of his fury," which is felt by those unfortunate enough to be his victims.  These kind of actions are usually those of a despotic king - or a person who is misusing their authority. 

When one sows like this - they are going to reap vanity.  The word for vanity here is the Hebrew word "aven" which means emptiness or nothingness.  It can also mean sorrow, trouble, evil, or mischief.  The idea here is that this despotic individual thinks he is going to reap the power of his authority - when in reality he is going to reap nothingness.  The thought behind this nothingness is that of utter destruction.  We've watched as this has happened right before our eyes.  Saddam Hussein thought he was building an empire - but what he received in the end was a rude awaking in a hole - and the end of a hangman's noose.  The Word of God warns in Galatians 6:7 that God will not be mocked - whatever a man sows he shall also reap.  If he sows to the flesh, as he is here, he will from the flesh reap corruption.  No one can outrun the hand of God and the principles upon which the Lord has founded this world. 

The wicked man thinks that the rod of his fury will make others bow down and obey him.  He rules only with fear - and trusts that fear alone will bring him the results that he desires.  But the proverb tells us that this man - after all his furious tiraids - will perish.  All his fury will do for him is ensure that his place in history is set as a terrible ruler or leader.  His memory will not be blessed - men will curse it and use it as a byword.  They will remember him not as a wise man - but as a fool.  There lies the man who thought he could rule the world through wickedness and through fear.  No one fears him now - and what awaits him is the utter vanity for which he worked.  Having spent his life living for himself and for his own arrogant pursuits - he will die facing the fury of the One before Whom he will stand and give an account for his actions.  Having rejected His love and His offer of mercy and grace through Jesus Christ, unfortunately for him, the fury of God will never cease.
 
 
The violence of the wicked will drag them away, Because they refuse to act with justice. Proverbs 21:7

When a man is unjust an violent, he is headed for disaster.  Although at first it may look like his ungodly ways are a means of getting somewhere in life at first, his violence will eventually drag him down to destruction.  In today's proverb, God makes it clear that the violent man is headed no where fast - and that a life of injustice and wickedness will not prosper in the end.

The first half of today's proverb speaks of how the violence of the wicked will affect the wicked man.  We are told that his wickedness will drag him away.  The word for violence here can point to violence itself - but it can also mean robery and a whole host of other socially unacceptable behavior that causes havoc in people's lives.  The wicked think that they can use violence to get what they want.  The extreme examples of this are people who rob others violently - either beating their victims or even shooting them and killing them.  Their actions trigger a man-hunt that works to bring them to justice for their wrong.  In the end, their violence drags them away - and they are either arrested and sentenced to prison for a long time - or in some cases are killed while trying to be apprehended by the police.  Others violently misuse their power to gain things.  The number of CEO's that have gone to jail for abusing the law - and violently stealing the money from their clients and companies is too numerous to list here.  But one thing is for sure.  The violence of their wicked behavior dragged them down in the end. 

The whole problem with these individuals is that they refuse to act justly.  They ignore the laws of the land as if they are immune to them and to the consequences they promise.  They see them and may have even read them - but they think they are above them.  Their refusal to act with justice will destroy them.  That is how God has set things up in this world - that laws are given to identify lawbreakers and bring them to justice.  He even puts the rod and the sword into the hands of government to punish those who do wrong.  The truly wise man sees the laws of society and realizes they are there for the purpose of protecting and keeping people safe from the sinfulness of man.  He does not refuse to act with justice . . . he chooses a just and righteous lifestyle for the wise one knows that it is the way of life. 
 
 
The righteous is delivered from trouble, But the wicked takes his place. Proverbs 11:8

God's ability to deliver out of trouble is nothing short of amazing.  If we only knew all the times that God has delivered us from situations and problems - we would fall and worship at His feet.  As it is we will have to wait for that day when we see Him and know as fully as we are known.  But thankfully the Lord has put some of His glorious history in the Bible from which we can glean the wonders of His power to arrange providence according to His will.

We read here that the righteous is delivered from trouble, but that the wicked takes his place.  The first thing we need to state here is that God does not promise to deliver the righteous from ALL trouble.  There are times when God's purpose is served by the death of His martyrs.  But for every martyr it seems that there are also those times when God does glorious deliverances among His people.  There are two that are amazing because they mirror exactly what is said here in this passage - that the wicked take the place of the one who was delivered. 

We read of Mordecai who would not give worship to the wicked Haman.  Haman decided to do more than just kill Mordecai.  He got authorization from the king to kill the entire people of Mordecai - going after the entire Jewish nation.  As the Jews prayed earnestly for deliverance, God was engineering a wonderful array of providence to provide deliverance for them.  Esther was queen so she had access to the king - and was willing to go even though she was not requested - thus risking her own life.  As Haman proceeded to build a gallows like none other upon which to hang Mordecai - God was having the king experience a sleepless night in which he had court records read to him.  He learned of Mordecai speaking of a plot to kill him - and desired to honor him.  That event led to a glorious change of circumstances - in which Mordecai was delivered from the gallows - yet Haman was hung on them instead.  Instead of Mordecai's family being killed - the family of Haman was hung along with him upon the gallows he built for Mordecai.  Ah, the glories of my God and King - Who can work miracles of providence to accomplish His own will in history.

The second piece of Bible history involves Daniel and a lion's den.  A group of wicked advisors to the king were jealous of Daniel - and thus sought a reason to accuse him before the king.  Darius the King was a vain man so he fell for the trap laid for Daniel.  The advisors had him sign a law that no man could pray to anyone except him for a day - with the penalty being death by lion's den if they disobeyed.  Once signed - these wicked advisors awaited Daniel's godly choice to pray to God three times a day.  When he bowed to pray to Jehovah, they were ready to pounce.  They dragged him before the king and had him pass sentence even though he was loathe to do so.  Thus Daniel found himself being lowered into a den of ravenous lions - a trouble that seemed destined to have him consumed as soon as he reached the floor of the den in which the lions awaited his arrival with salivating mouths.  But God shut those mouths and delivered Daniel until morning.  As he was raised out of the den - the lions did not have to worry about going hungry.  The king, furious with their deceitfulness, had the wicked advisors thrown into the pit with the lions who more than obliged his offer of a second meal - crushing them as soon as they hit the ground. 

God is able to deliver to the uttermost.  We need to know that and trust Him to deliver us when we face trouble because we confess His name.  We also need to know that He is also able to bring the wicked to a most horrific end as well - even having them take our place as He delivers us.  Trust Him at all times, dear saints of God.  He is good and will do what is good in our lives.  Whether He offers an earthly deliverance or not - remember this one thing.  The most glorious deliverance that He offers is that which is bought and paid for with the blood of His own Son at Calvary's cross.  There He delivered us from His own wrath and judgment - not at the cost of the wicked - but at the cost of His own beloved Son.  May that ultimate deliverance from trouble drop us to our knees daily in worship, adoration, and praise!
 
 
The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, But the mouth of the upright will deliver them. Proverbs 12:6

The person who said, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me," never read this proverb.  We have before us here the full destructive power of someone's words - or at least the intent with which they speak them.  But thankfully, we also have the truth that the words of a godly man are also powerful. 

Those described as "wicked" in this passage are those who are guilty.  The word means someone in the wrong - who is guilty of an criminal offense.  In the context of Scripture this word most often refers to one guilty of breaking God's Law - and thus one who has no desire to obey Him or submit to His ways.  We read that the words of such a man "lie in wait for blood."  A wicked and sinful man's words are harmful to others.  It is so important to remember context here because just one verse earlier we were told that the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.  They are filled with lies.  The wicked seek to destroy people with their words.  And their counsel will be harmful if followed, since it is driven by the fallen nature of man. 

For just a moment I want to equate the words of the wicked with some more modern things.  It is one thing to see a wicked man whose words are like a scorching fire as they are spoken.  But it is another to consider the words of the wicked in other forms.  Ever consider the words of the wicked that are written down for a book or a script?  Far too many do not consider reading and going to see the words of the wicked portrayed on a big screen.  They are unaware of the worldview that is being portrayed for them.  They are unaware of the danger of this medium and how it lulls us to sleep when we should be alert and awake.  Here the words of the wicked do lie in wait for blood.  They come upon people unawwares because they do not ever consider how the ungodly seek to influence us through their various mediums of communication.  To be perfectly honest, these forms of getting their "words" out are more effective than just speaking because of how ignorant the church is to their real agenda.  A movie maker trying to go to a church and tell the people to be sexually immoral would be escorted out of the building quickly, but when he puts those ideas into a romantic comedy starring two unmarried people, the saints pay to go see it.  Either way he gets his message out - but how more effective it is when dressed in the garb of modern entertainment.  A man or woman would never think of going to a random house to peek through their bedroom window at their sex life, yet they think nothing of watching a love scene through the window of the local movie theater. 

The second part of this proverb tells us that the mouth of the upright will deliver them.  This could be taken one of two ways.  First it can mean that the righteous man - by speaking godly words - by speaking the Word of God - is delivered from the designs of the wicked.  It can also refer to others to whom the righteous man speaks.  He declares God's Word, and by doing so delivers those who are too easily duped by the words of the wicked.  This reminds us of how vital it is for us to "hear God's words" every day.  I say this not to encourage us to try to hear God's audible voice - but to remember that He has given us the Word of God - which are His words.  If we will take the time to get into the presence of the Lord each and every day - with the purpose of hearing God speak His Word to us as we read the Bible - we will find great deliverance through this.  Note here that we read that this is the mouth of the "upright."  This word is the Hebrew word "yashar" and it means to be straight, just, and right.  It refers to an ethical standard - and that standard is found in God's Word.  When we learn to speak the truth to ourselves and to others, we will also see that deliverance is provided as God works in us to remind us of the truth - to warn us of danger - and to call us to holiness of life. 

An interesting dichotomy is presented here for us.  The wicked want our blood - God our deliverance.  The godless have a plot against our lives by their decietful counsel and wicked words.  The upright speak what will deliver us.  May God give us wisdom to see these things for what they are - a warning to us to hear God's Word - not just once a week, but every day as we meet with the Lord. 
 
 
The memory of the righteous is blessed, But the name of the wicked will rot. Proverbs 10:7

What kind of memories come to mind when you hear the following names.  Take a moment and remember Billy Graham.  Now take a moment and remember Adolf Hitler.  That brief exercise has just proven the proverb that we will examine today.

Proverbs tells us that the memory of the righteous is blessed.  God is not saying that the righteous will have a great memory - but rather when people remember the righteous they will do so with a smile on their face and good things in their heart.  Godly people not only die well - they also are remembered well.  Billy Graham is nearing the day when he will go to be with the Lord.  I can promise you that on the day our brother goes to be with Jesus, the memory of who he is and what he has done in the Lord will be a blessing to millions.  I remember a scene from the movie, "Chariots of Fire."  It was at the very close of the movie.  Two men are remembered for the lives that they lived.  The first was Harold Abrahams, a sprinter who won a gold medal in the 1924 Olympics.  He was a determined man who lived for that medal.  When he died some rememebered him as a great sprinter - but Abrahams was not known for his graciousness or great soul.  The second man was Eric Liddell, a scotsman, who won gold in the 400, a race many thought he would compete in poorly.  Liddell was supposed to be in the 100, but chose not to compete as it would make him do so on a Sunday, something that was against his own religious convictions.  After the Olympics Liddell went to China as a missionary where he was dearly loved by the Chinese during his ministry there.  The movie spoke of the day Liddell died with these words, "All Scotland mourned."  When that godly man went to be with the Lord - all of Scotland mourned his death - and remembered his life with great joy.  The memory of the righteous is blessed!  That is the case with men like Liddell - but it is also the case with much lesser known men.  Being a pastor, I've watched it again and again at funerals. 

My third funeral, after I did two for lost people, was for a precious 90+ year old woman who loved the Lord with all her heart.  She never raced in the Olympics or went to China as a missionary.  She just lived in a small Arkansas community and loved Jesus and those around her all her life.  When she died it was such a precious thing to hear from all those who knew her.  They spoke glowingly of her commitment to Christ and the way that she lived for God's glory as she gave herself to those around her.  Indeed her memory was blessed that day - and many afterward.

But let us turn to Mr. Hitler.  Just that name causes people to cringe.  Over the years - the rot of that name continues to cast a putrid shadow over history.  Adolf Hitler's name will rot throughout all time.  He was a wicked man who lived for his own power and conquest.  After World War II we learned of his horrific efforts to exterminate an entire race of people.  There are few if any who have any kind thoughts toward this man - and those who do usually share his twisted philosophy of a master race.  His name will live in infamy and shame for what he did. 

So, what kind of memory will you create when your days are done?  Will you live for righteousness and godliness?  Will you live for Christ and His kingdom with a selfless, self-emptying passion that drives you to bless all those around you?  Or will you give yourself to more selfish and self-centered pursuits.  Will you embrace wickedness instead of righteousness.  What you choose in life will determine how you will be remembered in death.  Choose life - choose godliness - choose the path of the righteous that is like the light of dawn, shining brighter till the noon day.  If you do this you will leave a memory that will delight the hearts of those who think of you and your works - even long after you have left this life for life eternal.
 
 
Evil men do not understand justice, But those who seek the LORD understand all things. Proverbs 28:5

Why should we never trust an evil man to administer justice?  It is because a wicked man is morally confused.  His mind is not filled with what is just - but rather with what his own flesh desires.  He is not led by the Spirit of God, Who takes the Word of God and instructs us in what is right and true.  He is led by the spirit of this world, which, when it does not get what it wants, it kills and steals and decides rules do not apply.

To grasp what this proverb is saying we must once again delve into the whole concept of evil.  The philosophies of today do not recognize evil - or call it what it is.  They state that man is basically good and if left to himself, without negative influences, would self-evolve into everything that is right and good and perfect.  The evil man does not acknowledge God or that God's Word is right and true in all things.  Thus he is blind when it comes to true justice. 

The word "justice" here also needs to be discussed for a moment or two.  This word is "mishpat" in the Hebrew - and it actually means "judgment."  The judgment spoken of here is that of God.  Israel was expected to uphold true justice.  God warned her leaders that they should decide with justice between two brothers in conflict.  God declared what is right - and men were to take what is true and right and use it for judgment and the administration of true justice.  The place we find this "right" and "truth" upon which justice can be understood and practiced is God's Word.  It is written down - and it is absolute truth.  All other truths in the world must conform to it - or be found wanting - and be untrue.  Oh, how the world hates this kind of talk.  "Mollify your statements man," they say with teeth clenched.  But the fact is always the same that the Bible IS truth.  If you want justice - you will have to judge according to what God has to say on the issue.  Nothing else will do - and nothing else ultimately matters.  The fact that evil men reject God's Word and choose instead to decide things by what they think, is the very reason they do not understand justice.

The second half of this proverb states the opposite aspect of this truth.  Those who seek the LORD (who seek Jehovah God) understand all things.  Those who seek the Lord - and do so in truth - seek Him through His revelation of Himself in the Word of God.  This is the ONLY place where you get accurate information about God and Who He is.  When we seek Him and know Him through what His Word teaches us about Him - then we not only understand justice - but we understand all things.  Both times the word "understand" is used it refers to the ability to discern or to perceive what is right.  It means being able to distinguish between two things.  You see the world - you see the Word - and you can make a viable decision on what God wants in any situation. 

Note here that we find that justice is not the only thing you receive when you seek the Lord.  The wicked cannot even grasp justice alone - but the man seeking God - gets it all.  He understands and can discern all things.  There is the glory of knowing and loving the Lord.  You don't get just wisdom - or justice - or joy - you get all things.  Having Him - you have it all!  Paul said in Colossians that in Christ was all the riches of wisdom and understanding.  Those who seek Him understand ALL things!  Thus the goal of our lives should be to seek and to know Him.  We don't study the Bible to become more spiritual - or more wise - or bolder - or anything else.  We study and know the Word because when we do - we get everything.  God gives it all to us in Christ.  Having Him we have everything. 

Evil men should not be trusted to know and administer justice.  The man who can be trusted to make decisions and judgments for an entire society - is the man who desires to know God with all that is in him.  Find that man - and you will find the one who understands all things - not just justice - but the meaning of life itself. 
 
 
One who plans to do evil, Men will call a schemer. The devising of folly is sin, And the scoffer is an abomination to men. Proverbs 24:8-9

There is a foolishness that leads men to plan evil and devise ways of running after foolish things.  We are warned against such things here in Proverbs.  The term "plan" here means to think up things, to mull them over in your mind and to consider something extensively before doing it.  The wicked man's mind is set on his evil - he plans it and considers it - thinking through the things he is going to do.  Every wicked man is given to doing evil - everyone who has not been redeemed by the work of Christ on the cross is set in this direction - but there are those who take it to another level.  They actually sit and make serious plans to act out their evil.  Proverbs tells us that men like this will become known as a "schemers." 

What is a "schemer?"  The term here is literally, "lord of mischief."  He becomes a master at doing things that are wrong - things that are just plain evil.  The word here is "ra" and it means evil, misery, and wickedness.  It is not just that the schemer is planning mischief like you would see from a bunch of young men who plan pranks.  This is a man who is planning and scheming about evil and godless things.  And anyway - who wants the title, "lord of mischief" anyway?  This is not exactly a title that brings great respect with it, except among those who glory in evil. 

The next verse expounds upon this even further.  We read that the devising of folly is sin.  There it is as plain as we can make it.  When you become known as the "lord of mischief" you are sinning.  When a person begins to "devise" folly - they are planning, purposing wickedness, lewdness and sin.  The Hebrew word used here almost never pertains to any kind of good intention.  It is reserved for the plotting of the wicked and the thoughts of foolish people.  This word also is used heavily when describing sexual sins like prostitution, adultery, rape, and incest.  This is NOT a good word at all - and when we are planning and purposing to do such things - we are walking in gross wickedness and sin.  That is why this word for planning and purposing here is stated as sin itself.  When we are devising foolish things like this - we are sinning.  There cannot be any clearer statement than this made to us and given as a warning to us. 

This is also why when someone begins walking in this way, they become a scoffer.  They scoff at God's Word with its warnings and its prohibitions of such lifestyles.  They hate it - and mock it because it points to their actions and says plainly that they are sinful and wicked.  In fact - this particular scoffer is so godless that God tells us that he is an "abomination to men."  This is sinking to the lowest of low points.  We have someone who has decided to plan and to map out their life for the purpose of evil, godless scheming, being the "lord of mischief," walking in folly, sinning, and scoffing at God's ways and morals.  This is not a path the wise want to take.  It is a warning to us to abandon even the smallest of sins - and to deeply abhor departing from the Lord.  We do so because we do not want to displease or dishonor the Lord in any way.
 
 
The thoughts of the righteous are just, But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. Proverbs 12:5

Why is it far more wise to deal with a righteous man than with someone whom the Bible would refer to as wicked?  That is what is set before us today in Proverbs. 

The first thing we see here is that the very thoughts of the righteous are described for us.  The word "thought" here is the Hebrew "machashabah" and it means a thought, a purpose, a device, or an intention.  The word means the actions and deeds that spring from the thoughts that fill someone's mind.  These thoughts that lead to actions are described as "just."  These thoughts are governed by the justice and the right-ness of God.  The righteous man has as his guide and as his governing principles the Word of God.  As the Spirit of God uses the Word to guide him - the righteous man wants to do what is just in God's sight - and thus is most likely to do that which is truly just and right in any situation.  That is why you definitely want to do business and to be in the counsel of a righteous man.  He is not governed by his lusts and by wicked desires.  Things like dishonesty and stealing are just wrong to him.  Therefore you can trust him to do what is right at all times and in all situations.  One of the psalms describes this man as one who will swear to his own hurt - and not change.  This means that even when he sees later that he has made a business decision that is not in his best interests - he will be true to his word - even when that means being hurt by it. 

The counsels of the wicked on the other hand - are deceitful.  You do not want to do business with a man the Bible describes as wicked - because of the issue of character.  The counsels here are the advice and the counsel that this wicked man follows.  They are consistent with his character, which by the way is seriously lacking.  His counsels are deceitful.  He may promise something, but in the end he will not deliver on it.  He is out for his own good and does not even blink at lying to someone if he can gain from it.  He is not trustworthy - and therefore any commitment and any decision he makes is not worth the paper it is printed upon. 

This is why you want to know the character of those with whom you do business.  This is important because a man's word should be his bond - but often it is not.  Let me close this particular proverb with a cry for godly Christian businessmen to rise up and make themselves known in our society.  As a pastor, I deal with brothers who are businessmen.  One thing that I have heard that grieves me deeply is how they talk of other Christian businessmen - and of born again Christians in general.  They have made statements that they really don't like to deal with those who readily identify themselves as Christians.  The reason they say this is because of the number of times they have been burned by so-called brothers in business deals.  What a horrific commentary this is on the church!  God's people SHOULD BE the best people to deal with in business matters.  They should be the most honest - the most godly - the most righteous and trustworthy.  What I hear though is that they are not.  In fact what I hear consistently is that the one person you don't want to do business with is a Christian.  I say this not to denigrate the church - but to chastise myself and all true born again Christians for not being the witness that they should be when it comes to how we do business.  God calls us to be a witness for Him - not just in words - but in all that we do.  It is the counsels of the wicked that are to be deceitful.  The thoughts and ways of the righteous - they are to be just.  May God gives us grace to reclaim the culture in the days ahead so that the name of Christ no longer has to bear the disgrace of ungodly believers.
 
 
The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them. Proverbs 11:3

Integrity is always a good choice - especially when it it biblical integrity.  That is what we learn from today's proverb.  It is the integrity of the upright that will guide them.  The word integrity here in the Hebrew has a strong emphasis on moral integrity.  As always, when we read of morals we need to remember the moral law of God as the path that is set before us.  These godly morals will "guide" us.  The word used here is "nahah" and it means to be led or guided in the right direction or the proper path. 

Think about the moral law of God.  If we were to follow the 10 commandments in our everyday lives - not just the outward sins involved - but even the inward thinking Jesus exposes in the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7) - how often would we be guided into the very decision that was right and best.  Not all of these decisions would be easy.  Some would be painfully difficult at first - but all of them would be right - and would take us in the right direction in life. 

The treacherous have no such guarantee.  These are the peopl who act as traitors, they are unfaithful and betray others.  The key relationships where this word is used is in regard to God's covenant (which includes the moral law) and in regard to marriage.  These are people who make promises - but do not keep them.  They enter into contracts but look for the loophole.  We are warned that it is the crookedness of these people that will destroy them.  Crookedness refers to the perversions and deceitfulness that governs their actions.  They are distorted and perverse in their character and thinking - and that is why they are treacherous in their dealings.  What is so dangerous for us in this is that the treacherous seem to do well for themselves initially.  They seem to prosper and have pleasure and fun at the start of their crooked choices.  But wait and be patient.  The best friend of truth is time.  Eventually you will watch the house of cards the treacherous build come crashing to the ground.  They are caught in their adultery.  They are exposed in their perverse dealings.  Their ponzi schemes implode.  Their crooked financial dealings come to light.  Then you see the wisdom of this proverb.  Indeed the crookedness of these people destroy them - and all the while the upright, guided by their integrity and moral uprightness - are guided safely through. 
 
 
Do not be envious of evil men, Nor desire to be with them; 2 For their minds devise violence, And their lips talk of trouble. Proverbs 24:1-2

There are certain things that are repeated in Proverbs - certain aspects of life - certain issues that require reminders.  One of those areas is the one addressed in these two verses.  We need to beware of envying the wicked.  But why would we envy them?  One of the best places to grasp why is in Psalm 73 where the Psalmist temporarily lost his footing while envying the wicked. 

We envy wicked men because in this world their lives seem to be much easier and better.  Often wicked men are successful in this age.  Some achieve this because they cheat, steal, and claw their way to the top.  Others just set their hearts on this world and what it offers - and don't take no for an answer till they have what they want.  The psalmist looked at their lives and wondered why things were like this - how come the wicked seem to be catching all the breaks?  The answer he came to only arrived when he went into the sanctuary and remembered God.  Remembering God and the end of things brought sanity back to the psalmist.  He considered the end of such men.  They fell all at once - and their fall was often spectacular.  They were consumed in an instant by death - and what awaits them beyone the grave is true, absolute justice.  After seeing such horrific sights in God's presence the Psalmist decided it was better to serve God without all the worldly success - than to be evil, successful now - but ultimately impoverished and destroyed.

God forbids jealousy toward evil men.  Jealousy is easy when you see the successes here and now of the wicked.  Their lives seem to be paved with butter and pastries.  They have things we'd like to have - they have pleasures we think we would want.  But God forbids this.  When we become envious of the wicked - we start to want what they have.  We think they have it made.  Then we decide to hang around them because we like their stuff - their lifestyle - their buttered steps.  Spiritual reality tells a different story though.  The things they have that we want - how many of those things are the will of God for us?  Men look at the playboy - or more recently the bachelor - and think, "Man, I'd love to have all those women fawning over me!"  We look at the rich and famous and think, "If only I could have their wealth, their fame, their stuff - then I'd be happy." 

Here's a truth to remember - even they are not happy!  They have their emptiness.  At the highest point of my life in sin - I would come home from the parties - from the sex - from the pinacle of popularity and turn my face to the wall at night and long for something real.  I would call out to God - asking Him to take away the emptiness of my heart.  But here is another truth to remember - the more we look at them - and focus our thoughts and desires on what they have - the more we feed our flesh.  In time, we will walk away from God, thinking that if we had a little of what they have - we'd be better off - happier.  Oh, the devastation that comes from learning otherwise. 

I'm sure David thought that a night with the lovely Bathsheba would spice up his life.  Samson proabably figured that a new relationship with that fox named Delilah is just what he needed to shake things up a bit.   Absalom probably thought that being in charge himself would make his life better.  Ahab figured that if he could just get Ahab's great garden spot he'd be content.  Finally, Judas probably figured that he had those 30 pieces of silver coming to him after following Jesus 3 years - Jesus didn't seem to be offering a pay raise any time soon!  Envying the wicked, their lifestyle and their stuff will get you into a load of trouble - because that's usually where they're headed - for trouble.

Verse 2 here puts it bluntly to us.  Their minds are working to devise violence - the word for mind here is the Hebrew "leb" which speaks of the heart.  The Jewish concept of the mind is that it flows from the workings of our heart - our innermost desires.   What a great picture is painted for us by the words used here.

Devise is "hagah" and it means to growl, sigh, or mutter.  It spoke figuratively of the meditation of the mind.  In the wicked mind we hear growling.  What are they growling about?  We learn that their growling has to do with violence.  The word here means violence, destruction - and is used to describe violence and havoc as social sins.  This makes more sense to us when we put two and two together biblically.  The evil man is living out the desires of his heart.  His heart is given to himself and to the world and its desires.  What he wants - he goes after - and he is absolutely committed to getting.  Now take this reality and put it in the context of James chapter 4.  "What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you?  Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members?  You lust and do not have; so you commit murder.  You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel."  (James 4:1-2, NASB)

The evil man growls violence in his meditations because he cannot have what he wants - what he is lusting after - so he is willing to do violence (does not have to just be physical, could be moral as he does unethical things) to get them.  This is the modus operadi for the evil man.  Also his lips talk of trouble.  Here is another interesting word in the Hebrew that describes the inner working of the evil man.  Trouble is the word "amal" and it means something troubling.  What is meant is that the evil man is constantly speaking of causing trouble.  This guy is headed for trouble - and you hear him speak of it a lot.  If you hang "with" him - you may "HANG" with him. 

Evil men exist.  One of the facts of life is that there are those who are looking for trouble - and who cause it in life.  What is fascinating is that we cannot relegate this to a socio-economic status or race.  There are poor and rich alike - people of every racial background who just seem to breed trouble with their actions and attitudes.  Some of these people can also have a life that may look glamourous and exciting on the outside - but beware - to travel with them or envy their outward status will only lead you into the same trouble and disaster.  Better to steer clear of having them as close friends - or of desiring what they have.  In the end - what they have is a coming disaster.  Ask David - question Samson and Absalom - queerie Judas on this one.  They'll all have the same answer - guard your heart!