Psalm 37:16 – “A little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of
many wicked.”
Today’s reading contrasts the lives of the wicked and the righteous. Eight times the word wicked is used in 18 verses of text today and the word righteous is used six times. Here are the characteristics of the righteous:
CONTENT
v. 16 – “A little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked.” It doesn’t matter the amount of wealth you have. What matters most is your relationship with God. Or as Jesus stated it in Mark 8:36, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”
SUPPORTED
v.17 – “For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous.” When you uphold something you establish it. The Lord will always be there for you and will be your support.
GENEROUS
v.21 – “The wicked borrows and does not repay, but the righteous shows mercy and gives.” Generosity flows out of a good heart. Notice the contrast with the wicked in this verse. Let your giving be a reflection of your righteousness.
BLESSED
v.25 – “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.” The blessing that is on your life is meant to be generational. You children and grandchildren should inherit the blessing on your life. Verse 26 is adds more to this: “He is ever merciful, and lends; and his descendants are blessed.”
Today be sure to focus on your relationship with God. Your righteousness is a gift from Him that you and I are to steward on a continual basis. As you can tell there is great reward in prioritizing your relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.