September 21, 2022

Frustration with the Wicked #

Psalm 10

Introduction

This Psalm is clearly divided into two parts. Verses 1-11 all talk about the wicked works that are going on. You can feel the frustration that he is experiencing as he gives all his concerns. We have all been there at some point, completely frustrated, annoyed, with the wickedness that is going on around us. May the scrutiny of wickedness in our day, drive us to God in prayer. I feel we just live accepting wickedness, as a permanent fixture in our society. We really should be burdened by it, and about it. It is an absolute dredge on society.

Prov. 14:34 ¶ Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

I.Surprise (1) #

A. Actions of the wicked #

B. Absence of God… Actions of God, Attentiveness (or lack). #

i.Where is God? (Location) #

ii.Why is God not involved? (Motivation) #

Is. 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

II.Scrutiny of Wicked (2-11)Sorrow, Scrutiny #

A. Arrogance (2-6) #

Arrogance we find causes at least 4 things that are mentioned in this Psalm:

i.Causes Cruelty “in his pride” (2) #

ii.Causes Self sufficiency “will not seek after God” (4) #

iii.Causes grief “His ways are always grievous” (5) #

iv.Causes short sightedness “far above out of his sight” (5) #

B. Actions (7-10) #

i.Tongue (7) #

1. cursing – cursing is wishing evil on others. Usually cursing, and profanity go hand in hand.
2. deceit & fraud – While these are closely related, deceit could be lying to hide guilt, fraud is misleading intentionally for ones profit or gain.
4. mischief – generally causing problems for others
5. vanity – uplifting of self.

ii.Technique (8) #

– sitting – this is not a productive sitting, it is a laziness, waiting to take advantage of someone. – Lurking – hiding, waiting - the description is clear in verse 9.

C. Attitude (9-11) #

i.Looks for easy targets. “to catch the poor” (9) (innocent, defenseless) #

ii.Looks to cause them to fall (10) #

iii.Thinks God is not paying attention (11) #

III.Supplication (12-18) #

A. Actions Requested #

i.Arise (12) – Faith does ask large things of God. #

We certainly can and should call things to God’s attention, we may even ask that God deal with things. In the end, the choice is Gods.