In this world, wicked people can do a lot of trouble. Psalm 10 paints a terrifying picture of a wicked man, yet it ends with this phrase:
“So that the worldly man may no longer terrify.” Psalm 10: 18b
So what type of wicked person is the psalmist, the writer, talking about?
- They plan wicked schemes and catch the oppressed or innocent in them
- They boast and despise God.
- Wicked people assume God isn’t watching and will never hold them accountable.
- They’re successful and assume they’ll always be lucky, never worrying.
- They curse, lie, deceive, and threaten.
- They attack from secret places, giving no warning.
- They use their power against the helpless for their amusement.
Psalm 10 paints a pretty bleak picture, but it ends on a comforting note.
Break the arm of the wicked.
You pursue the wickedness of the evil man until you find no more.
The Lord is King forever and ever.
The nations will perish from his land.
Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted.
You strengthen their hearts, and your ear pays attention,
to obtain justice for the fatherless and the crushed,
so that the worldly man may no longer terrify.
Psalm 10:15-18 EHV
Can wicked people harm us? Yes, in this life they can cause great physical harm. They can destroy our jobs or homes, ruin our reputations, even ruin our families. Just remember that God is in control and will judge them. It’s not our place to get revenge, but God will punish wicked people in the end.
