Human Sin And God’s Goodness

Commentary

Instead of making a contrast between the wicked man and the godly man, the psalmist makes a contrast between the wicked man and God. The wicked man is characterized in the first four verses; the character of God is portrayed in the next seven.

David has a half dozen things to say about the wicked man. He starts right off by making it clear that the person being described belongs to that class of fools who say in their hearts there is no God (v.1).  He gives the same place to rebellion that the believer gives to the Word of God. The wicked has persuaded himself that God will not interfere with what he wants to do (v. 2). Irreverent and self-deceived, he has no qualms against doing evil. He has become so calloused that he has no fear at all for evil and even rejoices in it. To lose the fear of God opens the door to every kind of sin imaginable.

The person who opens his heart to deception and rejects the moral standards of the Word of God will see nothing wrong with lying (v. 3a). This is certainly true in our society today. There was a time when men acted in a way which showed they were aware God was watching, but no more (v. 3b).

The wicked man lies awake at night devising wicked schemes against others (v. 4). He deliberately plans to accomplish his own desires. He is not suddenly overtaken in a temptation but plans out the evil deeds he is going to do. In stark contrast to the wicked the Lord is merciful, faithful, righteous and loving.

Application

It is very easy to become calloused to the principles of God’s Word and actually come to the place we don’t care what God knows or what He says. I must have safe guards in my life against any wickedness that may creep into my life.