We have a shorter psalm today, Psalm 52, where we can ponder the evil around us while secure in God’s care.

Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? The steadfast love of God endures all the day. Your tongue plots destruction, like a sharp razor, you workers of deceit. You love evil more than good, and lying more than speaking what is right. You love all words that devour, O deceitful tongue. (verses 1-4, ESV)

Sometimes we forget how bad evil is. We also often think of deceit as “not as bad as” other sins, yet the devil is described as the father of lies (John 8:44). How do you recognize evil?

But God will break you down forever; he will snatch and tear you from your tent; he will uproot you from the land of the living. The righteous shall see and fear, and shall laugh at him, saying, “See the man who would not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his riches and sought refuge in his own destruction! (verses 5-7, ESV)

The evil doer is no match for God. Trusting in riches is not enough to fortify you. Even in this, we can see God’s goodness as He provides warnings. Throughout the Bible God gives many warnings as people go astray, following their own sinful desires and turning to other gods.

But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever. I will thank you forever, because you have done it. I will wait for your name, for it is good, in the presence of the godly. (verses 8-9 ESV)

For those whose trust is in the Lord, there is life forever. God is good and trustworthy. In Him we are secure.