APRIL 23, 2025

Who are the wicked ones in this psalm, and how can we recognize them? It isn’t that hard to figure out. Though evil is often skilled at manipulation, if we’re honest and prayerful we can generally tell the difference between kindness and cruelty, between those who use their energy to help others or to help themselves.

Let’s take a look.

“…do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.” (vv. 7b-8)

“The wicked plot against the righteous
and gnash their teeth at them…
wicked draw the sword
and bend the bow
to bring down the poor and needy,
to slay those whose ways are upright.” (vv. 12, 14)

“Better the little that the righteous have
than the wealth of many wicked;
for the power of the wicked will be broken.” (vv. 16-17a)

In this psalm, the wicked are making plans and carrying them out. They are wrathful, for their fear and anger has led them to evil. They have plotted against others, using violence to further their ends. They have harmed (not cared for) those who are poor, vulnerable, or in need. They are wealthy and powerful while others have little or go without.

“I have seen a wicked and ruthless man
flourishing like a luxuriant native tree” (v. 35)

Yes. We have seen this too. The fact is—as the psalmist points out, and as anyone with eyes can see—people like this are nearly always successful. If you have wealth and power and aren’t afraid to use it to harm others and get what you want—well, what’s to stop you?

But ultimately, the God who overcomes evil with goodness with have the final word.

“But all sinners will be destroyed;
there will be no future for the wicked.
The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord;
he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
The Lord helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.” (vv. 38-40)

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • Does this description of wickedness ring a bell for you?
  • What does this sort of wickedness look like in our world today?
  • Do you fit the description of “the wicked” in some ways? Why or why not?

Church Reading Plan:  Leviticus 27; Psalm 34