Psalms, 73
18. Remember this, the enemy hath reproached the Lord: and a foolish people hath provoked thy name.
18. Remember this, the enemy hath reproached the Lord: and a foolish people hath provoked thy name.
Psalm 73 addresses the issue of prosperity of the wicked and divine justice. The psalmist wonders why the wicked seem to be advantageous and live a prosperous life, while he, who seeks to follow God, goes through difficulties and suffering. He reflects on how easy it is to be tempted to deviate from the path of justice by seeing the apparent happiness of the wicked. However, he finds comfort to realize that true prosperity comes from being close to God and that divine justice does not fail.
Psalm 37:7-8: "Rest in the Lord and wait for Him with patience; don't get bored with the success of others, nor with those who make up evil. Avoid anger and reject fury; don't worry, it only leads to evil. " This verse encourages patience and confidence in God, even in the face of the apparent prosperity of the wicked. He advises to avoid envy and hatred and trust that God will act according to justice.
Psalm 37:16: "The little just than the wealth of many wicked is better." This verse points out that true wealth is not in possession of material goods, but to be at peace with God and have a just life.
Psalm 49:16-17: "Do not be afraid when someone gets rich, when the glory of your home increases; for when you die, you will take nothing with you; your glory will not come down with Him." This verse recalls that material prosperity is temporary and that true wealth is found in God.
Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord of all your heart and do not support yourself in your own understanding; in all your ways, recognize it, and He will straighten your paths." This verse encourages trust in God and remembering that he is in control, even when life seems difficult and challenging.
Romans 8:28: "And we know that God acts in all things for the good of those who love Him, of those who were called according to their purpose." This verse recalls that God is working on all things for the good of those who love Him, even when life is difficult and we do not understand his ways.
“O grau sublime da humildade é não só reconhecer a abnegação, mas amá-la.” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina