Hold strong

The Lord approves of those who are good, but he condemns those who plan wickedness. Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots. (Proverbs 12:2-3)

Some may think wickedness can be overlooked, but as quickly as a wicked person's plans are set in motion, the godly put down even deeper roots! The only way to withstand wickedness is by being deeply rooted in Christ. Roots solidly planted in God's protective soil will be 'hold strong', 'find anchorage', and 'be able to bring nourishment' to the soul.

Wicked people rise up quickly, but their influence soon wanes as people begin to get a whiff of their vile plans. Search for evil, and it will find you! (Proverbs 11:27) The godly seek good, finding it in God's favor. Teh evil find no favor, therefore their influence will eventually begin to turn. They may think they have the favor of their 'public', but that favor is soon lost when the vileness of their actions begins to become evident.

Wickedness has a way of creating its own INSTABILITY. Perhaps that is one way we can always identify wicked plans - they promise great things, but lack the substance to deliver on those promises or plans. It is all smoke and mirrors for the wicked - cunning deception attempting to sway the hearts and minds of those around them.

As Proverbs 13 reminds us, "Trouble chases sinners" (vs. 21). The godly are actually chased by God's blessings. There is no evil plan great enough to interfere with God's blessings in the lives of the godly. Try as they might, the plans of the wicked will only lead to trouble. For them and those who follow them, their influence will soon wane, leaving only death and destruction in their wake. Just sayin!