Scripture Reading : Psalm 52
Theme : Evil is Never Profitable in the End
- The Destruction of Man of Treachery (1–7). This psalm ascribed to David pertains to the occasion of Doeg’s treachery (1 Sam. 21–22). The character described in this psalm portrays just such a man. David, who trusted in the Lord, contrasted his faith with the treacherous man who followed a course of iniquity. David was amazed that the man could actually boast in his evil in view of the fact he was a disgrace to God. He thrived on a wicked and false way of life, loving words that devour. Because of such wickedness, David predicted that God would pluck the wicked man out of the land of the living, that is, death would swiftly remove him forever. David then anticipated the joy that this would bring to the righteous. They would see what happens to a person who trusts not in the Lord but in his own ill-gotten riches for strength.
- The destiny of the Man of Faith (8–9). In striking contrast with Doeg, the treacherous man (vv. 1–7), David portrayed his own blessed state in the Lord. He compared himself to a green olive tree, a figure of prosperity in God’s presence (cf. Hosea 14:6). This contrasts with the wicked who will be rooted up (Ps. 52:5). The metaphor of a flourishing tree was used in Psalm 1:3. David’s flourishing was because of God’s unfailing love, in which he said he trusted forever. So he vowed to go on praising God for what He had done. David would wait (hope) in God’s name (which signified His attributes and actions; cf. Ex. 34:5–7) and then he would praise Him among the saints. So the righteous, unlike people of treachery, place their confidence in God’s love, for there abide justice and blessing.[1]
Praying the Scripture
Evil never pays off in the end. Evil men are short-sighted because he cannot control his lust and greed. He is controlled by his sinful nature and the devil. For believers, we also must understand that evil never pays off in the end, it will ruin us. It will invite God’s discipline and the destruction of sin will reveal itself (Gal. 6:7-8; Rom. 8:13).
[1] The Bible Knowledge Commentary, 833–834.
经文：诗篇52
主题：邪恶到头来是无益的
- 背信弃义之人的毁灭（1-7）。大卫的这首诗涉及到多益背信弃义的事件（撒上21-22）；这首诗篇所形容的人物就是如此。大卫对比了自己依靠耶和华的信心，与背信弃义之人所行的罪孽之路。大卫对这些作恶自夸的人感到惊讶，因为这些人在神面前是可耻的。他们喜欢邪恶又虚假的生活方式，并爱说一切毁灭的话。因为这些恶行，大卫预测神会将恶人从活人之地拔出，即用死亡快速将他永远铲除。大卫之后期望这将带给义人喜乐。他们将看到那不以神力量，反倚仗不义之财之人的下场。
- 崇尚信仰之人的命运（8-9）。大卫用自己在神里所受到祝福，与背信弃义的多益做了鲜明的对比（1-7节）。他把自己比喻成一颗青橄榄树，以此表示在神面前的繁荣（对照何14:6）。反之，恶人将被拔出（诗52:5）。茂盛之树的比喻也用于诗篇1:3中。大卫的兴旺是出于神恒久、可信的慈爱。因此，他发誓要一直称谢神所为他做的事。大卫会仰望（期望）神的名，也要在圣民面前称颂神。所以，与不义之人做对比，义人会将他们的信心放在神的爱里面，因为那里有公义和福气。[1]
用经文祷告
邪恶到头来是无益的。恶人之所以缺乏远见是因为他无法控制自己的淫欲和贪婪。他是被自己的罪性和魔鬼所控制的。身为信徒，我们要明白邪恶最终是无益的，也会将我们摧毁。它会引来神的管教，也会将罪的毁灭性显示出来（加6:7-8；罗8:13）。
[1] The Bible Knowledge Commentary, 833–834.
