I followed the news about Russian oligarchs and their super yachts with fascination. So many oligarchs with ginormous yachts. These men made fortunes through corruption and collusion with their government. Their boats floated these unsavory pirates around the world in opulence, while many of their fellow citizens suffered.

It’s hard to watch evil people prosper.

The psalmist found it unbearable. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills…always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.

Then more frustration—Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments.

Good people suffer indignities while evil ones collect yachts.

But then Asaph, the writer, remembered the Lord: Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Although corrupt people appear impervious to problems, they actually exist on slippery ground. Like a bad dream, the Lord eventually wipes them away. Their stripped down super yachts go up for auction.

The rest of us can join the psalmist in declaring it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

Psalm 73 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Viktor Ritsvall