Uplifted by Truth

     The Wicked                                           The Redeemed

plot v. righteous                                    are upheld by the LORD x 2

laughed at by the LORD                        days known by the LORD

use weapons v. poor, needy                 have enduring inheritance

try to kill the upright                              never forsaken

pierce their own hearts                          remain vital in hard times

much wealth                                         little but better wealth

power will be broken                            enjoy plenty during famines

will evaporate like smoke                     steps secured by the LORD

borrow and do not repay                       share generously and freely

will be cut off                                        children fed and blessed

            Psalm 37:12-26

                Of David.

The wicked plot against the righteous

   and gnash their teeth at them;

but the Lord laughs at the wicked,

   for he knows their day is coming.

The wicked draw the sword 

   and bend the bow

to bring down the poor and needy, 

   to slay those whose ways are upright.

But their swords will pierce their own hearts,

   and their bows will be broken.

Better the little that the righteous have 

   than the wealth of many wicked;

for the power of the wicked will be broken,

   but the LORD upholds the righteous.

The days of the blameless are known to the LORD,

   and their inheritance will endure forever.

In times of disaster they will not wither;

   in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.

But the wicked will perish:

   The LORD’s enemies will be like the 

      beauty of the fields, 

   they will vanish - vanish like smoke.

The wicked borrow and do not repay,

   but the righteous give generously;

those the LORD blessed will inherit the land, 

   but those he curses will be cut off.

If the LORD delights in a man’s way, 

   he makes his steps firm;

though he stumble, he will fall,

   for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

I was young and now I am old,

   yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken 

   or their children begging bread.

They are always generous and lend freely;

   their children will be blessed.