Recent years seem to have seen an uptick in—or at least a greater focus on—those who get ahead in life by less-than-savory means. Movies portray these social climbers as either protagonists or antagonists depending on what benefits the context; meanwhile those playing them often have a habit of finding success by similar questionable means. Especially for Christians, it’s difficult not to get worked up when we see these lifestyles portrayed as the ones to covet. And worse, sometimes we can’t help but envy people who manage to get ahead with the things we ourselves desire in life, no matter how they got there.
Sometimes a little cheating, a little bending the rules, a little compromise or “Looking out for number one” seems to have a real appeal if it means we don’t have to stay behind the coveted curve. At times when that temptation to give in just a bit to get ahead is strongest, psalms like Psalm 37 become such a powerful compass. Over and over, this Psalm reminds us not to be jealous of people who use slick, underhanded means to get ahead; instead, as followers of Yahweh, our trust and focus needs to be on Him. He will provide and supply what we need; even if we have less than what we desire, righteous gain is better than what’s obtained by dishonest or downright wicked means.
This psalm also paints an important picture: despite these wicked people having obtained so much, they continue to gnash their teeth and plot against the righteous. Despite what they have, it’s not enough to satisfy that craving within them. By contrast, the righteous person finds their sustenance, and therefore abundance, in what Yahweh provides; they have no lack in being cared for, something the Psalmist remarks he has seen from the time of his youth into his old age.
Lesson after lesson is layered into this psalm. When we trust God to provide and prioritize right-living and letting Him order our steps, as opposed to walking crooked roads to unjust gain, we will be cared for. Similarly, we can’t allow ourselves to be consumed with, or agitated about, what people are doing through unscrupulous means to get ahead in life. That’s the road that will lead us to lose our peace and become envious, and more easily tempted to walk it ourselves.
So let’s not let our peace by disrupted by the life-choices others make. Let’s not fall into the trap of becoming agitated by the evil workings of others. Instead, let’s focus on inviting God to order our steps, resting our eyes on Him, and doing as He instructed for a righteous, healthy life. Only then will we experience a life more abundant—and one that truly satisfies, not one that leaves us gnashing our teeth at others, intent on bringing about their downfall.
There is only one right path to a fruitful life. And that’s by following God’s instructions in places like Psalm 37.
