Does It Pay?
Psalms 37
KJV
1+ Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
Many have asked, does It Pay to be Honest, when the majority are not going by the rules or standards set for a game?
Many have asked, is it right when those flouting the rules are hailed and projected as examples to be emulated? Must one continue to be honest? When rules are flouted with impunity must one continue to abide by the rules?
Many have asked, is it wise to sit still and not do anything while evil triumphs?
Many have asked, is the saying “if you can not beat them, join them “ not true and proper?
Many have asked, what use is it to suffer the consequences of standing for the truth, while evil doers enjoy the fruits of evil and go unpunished?
Beloved, those who ask these questions are not alone, the prophet Habakkuk also asked the same. He found himself in similar situations as many do today. Evil men prosper and are hailed, while the righteous are humiliated.
Hear his cry or first complaint he made to God!
Habakkuk 1:2-4
NIV
[2] How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save?
[3] Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds.
[4] Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted.
(Second complaint )
Habakkuk 1:13-17
NIV
[13] Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing. Why then do you tolerate the treacherous? Why are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?
[14] You have made people like the fish in the sea, like the sea creatures that have no ruler.
[15] The wicked foe pulls all of them up with hooks, he catches them in his net, he gathers them up in his dragnet; and so he rejoices and is glad.
[16] Therefore he sacrifices to his net and burns incense to his dragnet, for by his net he lives in luxury and enjoys the choicest food.
[17] Is he to keep on emptying his net, destroying nations without mercy?
Then suddenly a response came from the Lord;
This state of affairs was what the psalmist addressed when he wrote;
Psalms 37
KJV
1+ Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
2+ For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass
The evil that the unrighteous plots and executes shall fall back on him.
14 The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation
15+ Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.
Beloved it pays to be honest, truthful and righteous in whatever you do. Any suffering as a result is temporal, painful though.
No matter how long it takes God will vindicate you if not in your lifetime it will be after. Have you heard of a posthumous award or recognition? Yes, that is what yours may be. So, uphold the virtues of truth and honesty.
A thought to share