“When the wicked increase, transgression increases, but the righteous will look upon their downfall.” Proverbs 29:16
Devotional Thought For The Day
“When the wicked increase” – perhaps it seems this way to all generations of Christians, but there seems to be compelling evidence of this increase over the course of the past 40 or 50 years. It may be that we become more aware of the wickedness and transgression that is all around us the older we get. Things that seem fairly benign when we are younger, evils that we are basically unaware of, come into view as we age. The stuff that is on the outside, that is obviously egregious, immoral, and damaging of human health and happiness, is always visible. It used to be shocking; now it is merely disgusting but rather mundane. It is all the sin of heart, mind, and spirit that comes into view – and this kind of sin is universal and of epidemic proportions, and it also appears to us to increase.
We can begin with inherent selfishness, greed, exaggerated ambition, and the lovelessness, discontentment, irritability, and lack of faith and trust in God that result from such sin. Obviously this leads to loveless acts, despicable acts of unkindness and even horrific crimes – and we have plenty of this all around us. We can also contemplate the prideful and egotistical malice that afflicts many, which makes it impossible for them to be genuinely pleasant, which drives them to hypocrisy and deceit, and which often emerges as gossip, exaggerating small faults and foibles into major and terrible transgressions – through lying and deceit, and leads to the destruction of relationships and possibly even formal complaints being lodged. These poor miscreants have no idea what troubles this causes – but pathetically they seem to enjoy the misery of others. Sadly, there are some among us who make a career of being a “victim.” This seems to be the only contentment and security and purpose in life that they can find. And they try to ruin lives.
So with population increase comes an increase of the wicked, and this means an increase in transgression, which means we become more likely to experience the brutal aspects of human being and behavior. It is no wonder that many people have a deep desire to become hermits and to live “off of the grid.” Likewise, that many people become withdrawn and uncomfortable with crowds – in which your back is exposed to more people. It is tragic to have to live this way, paying more attention to what is potentially threatening and dangerous, in other people, than to what is beautiful, enjoyable, and fulfilling. So we must grow in our faith and trust in God when we observe the increase of wickedness, lest we allow it to deform us inwardly and denude us of all peace and joy.
And worst of all is our growing sense of the power and pervasiveness of this inner wickedness within us – having to acknowledge that we are part of the problem. But as the psalmist noted: “There is forgiveness with Thee, that Thou mayest be feared.” [Ps. 130:4] This becomes our only hope and consolation as we age. So ultimately, if we are among the godly, the increase in wickedness, and our growing awareness of it as we age, leads to greater repentance and firmer faith and trust in God’s gracious forgiveness, mercy, and love. And this leads to greater love, kindness, and decency in us, for “we love because He first loved us.” [1 Jn. 4:19] And within the context of growing wickedness such love becomes all the more precious.
There is the added comfort for those who are participating in God’s plan of redemption, renewal, and love. In the end “the righteous will look upon their downfall.” If we are truly righteous, renewed in God’s love, even this is tragic and sorrowful. Yet this is also right – in view of the horrid damage caused by transgressions and wickedness, including that which corrupts and perverts us inwardly. Thus the importance of continuing in repentance – which includes not only sorrow for our sin, joy in God’s gracious forgiveness and mercy, but also the desire and commitment to “go and sin no more.” [Jn. 8:11] As sharply as we feel the destructive stabs of the sins of others, so deeply should we repent for the damage our own sin causes. We should desire the cessation of both equally. Thankfully, this is God’s work – both within us and for us! Thanks and praise be to God!
Prayer For The Day
Dear Lord Jesus, You obviously felt the pain and damage of human sin in Your earthly ministry. In that You know our hearts and minds thoroughly and perfectly, You know better than we the distortion and darkness that afflicts us, especially in our thinking, feeling, and reacting. Have mercy on us and heal us through repentance and faith in Your forgiveness and love. Protect us also from any lasting harm or damage from the wickedness directed toward us. Keep us from inflicting pain and sorrow on others. Amen.