Is God’s judgment a good thing or a bad thing?
(Psalms 9:1-20; 37:1-3, 14-28; 82:1-8; 146:5-9; Prov. 10:4; 13:23; 30:7-9) Blog Jul. 21-27, 2019
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Human beings were created to work. Our work became more difficult when sin entered. Since then no fruit is produced, either of the womb or of the soil, without diligent human effort and the resistance of nature. God has made ample provision for all our needs so that out of our abundance we may supply the needs of others. When he delivered his people from Egyptian slavery he gave them instructions on how to love others and himself. He gave them his Sabbaths as a sign of his love in creating them and in redeeming them. This gift was to be a special blessing for the poor, the unfortunate, the stranger, and all humanity.
Good Judges (Psalms 9:1-20; 82:1-8)
1. In Psalm 9:1-5 why is David so happy? Because God on his throne has defended David’s rights against those that oppressed him.
2. For what does David say in verse 7 that God has prepared his throne? He says God has prepared his throne for judgment.
3. Is God’s judgment a good thing or a bad thing? God’s judgment brings good things to those who deserve them & bad things to those who deserve evil.
4. According to Psalm 9:8 when will God’s judgment take place? At some future time.
5. In verse 9 what does David say that God is for the oppressed? A refuge in times of trouble.
6. Whom is God addressing in Psalm 82? Human judges.
7. What does God ask the judges to do in Psalm 82? To defend the poor, the fatherless, the afflicted, & the needy giving them justice & delivering them from their oppressors.
8. Of what does God accuse the human judges he addresses in Psalm 82? Of judging unjustly, of showing partiality, of lack of knowledge & understanding, and of having twisted minds.
9. To whom does the Psalmist appeal for a just verdict in Psalm 82? To God to whom this earth will eventually return.
God’s Provision (Psalms 37:1-3, 14-28; 146:5-9)
10. To what kind of people does Psalm 37:1-3 promise provision? To those who trust in the Lord & do good.
11. According to Psalm 37:14 what kind of people oppress the poor, the needy, and the upright? The wicked.
12. Why does David say in Psalm 37 that the little that the righteous have is better than the riches of many wicked? Because the wicked will come to their end but the Lord will uphold the righteous even in times of famine & give them an inheritance with eternal life.
13. What contrast does David make in Psalm 37:21? That the wicked borrow & don’t pay back but the righteous shew mercy by giving (& lending [verse 26]) to others.
14. In Psalm 37 what does David say he has never seen? That he has never seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging bread.
15. In Psalm 146 what kind of people does the Psalmist say that God helps? The oppressed, the hungry, the prisoners, the blind, the discouraged, the righteous, the strangers, the fatherless, & the widows.
In Debt and out (Prov. 10:4; 13:23, 25; 19:15, 17; 30:7-9)
16. What do the verses listed above say brings poverty
? Idleness, poor judgment, & sin.
17. According to Proverbs 14:31how can we honor God? By having mercy on the poor.
18. Is Proverbs 15:15-16 saying the same thing as Philippians 4:11, 1 Timothy 6:8, and Hebrews 13:5? I believe it is.
19. When Agur in Proverbs 30:8-9 asks God not to make him rich what does he fear? That riches will so absorb his interests that he will forget God.
20. When Agur in Proverbs 30:8-9 asks God not to make him poor what does he fear? That poverty will push him to steal in order to provide his needs.