Wisdom and Praise

Text: Psalm 36

Reflection and Question: This psalm reflects the perspective of the Wisdom tradition that includes Proverbs, Job and Ecclesiastes. There is a stark distinction between the wicked and the good. In this psalm, what characterizes the good person is embrace of God’s love. The writer models this embrace by beautifully describing God’s unfailing love. And, knowing that the line between good and evil runs through every heart, the psalmist ends with a plea to God to be kept from joining evildoers in their sorry end. Which of these images of God’s love touch your heart most?

Prayer: God of all goodness, truth and beauty, give us, we pray, water from the flowing streams of Thy delights. With Thee is the fountain of life. In Thy light shall we see light. For this we give to Thee our thanks and praise. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).