They have distributed freely; they have given to the poor; their righteousness endures forever; their horn is exalted in honor.” vs. 9
Psalm 112:6-10
The psalmist is effusive in his praise of the righteous, those believers who walk in the way of obedience, and it’s interesting to see what attributes he holds up as deserving of special honor. He doesn’t mention a thing about their grand houses or estates, nor does he note their exploits on the battlefield. Instead, he mentions that they are gracious and merciful, that they distribute freely and have given to the poor. These are the same virtues that decorate the lives of those who are in Christ, and who have taken up residence in the Peaceable Kingdom. In this time and in this culture people who live like this are becoming a rarity. Instead, we are deluged with the blogs and videos of influencers, those who realize that the new trend is to flaunt greed and revel in gilded homes and palatial estates. For those who have taken the teachings of Jesus to heart it’s hard to ignore the shenanigans of billionaires. Is it possible for those who are so wealthy to be so wrong about how to live? The psalmist would have no problem answering that question. They’re not only wrong, but they’re also dead wrong! Righteousness has nothing to do with net worth or gross earnings. It has everything to do with walking in the way of humility and peace.
Thought for the Day: Who are most likely to give to the poor?
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